MFA in Screen Acting
Are you looking for world-class actor training and impactful industry mentorship in two of the world’s most iconic hubs of entertainment and culture?
The School of Theatre offers a Master of Fine Arts in Screen Acting. This terminal degree is an intensive two-year program, with one year delivered in Los Angeles and one year in London. The MFA in Screen Acting is designed to prepare graduates to work professionally in film, television and related recorded media. Students will gain invaluable experience working alongside, and networking with, industry professionals, including actors, directors, casting directors, writers, agents, and producers, in both LA and London. Students will also learn how to concept, develop, pitch, and produce their own original content.
The application window for Fall 2023 is now open! Scroll down for more program information and details about next year’s application and audition process
Earn a screen acting MFA in two of the world's entertainment capitals
OCU continues to reach for the stars in everything they do, that now includes the MFA in Screen Acting Program. Little did I know half of my career would be spent in front of a camera. Thrilled with this news!
—Kristin Chenoweth,
BM '91, MM '93, OCU
Locations
Los Angeles
Students will spend one year at the OCU School of Theatre – Los Angeles location with courses delivered by LA-based OCU faculty and guest industry practitioners. We are located in Culver City, surrounded by some of the biggest production studios on the west coast, such as Amazon Studios, Anonymous Content, Jesse James Films, The Culver Studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment, TriStar Pictures, Apple+ Studios, HBO Studios and Wonder Street, to name a few.
During this year students will be introduced to a systematic and holistic approach to preparing roles for the screen. Alongside rigorous actor training and consistent on-camera experience, students will engage in multiple digital media projects of their own generating, a range of workshops and events with industry professionals, and a research project on an aspect of screen history or film/TV theory.
London
One year of the MFA in Screen Acting program is delivered by our partner program in London. The primary function of this year is the acquisition and application of a range of specific technical skills in voice, movement and character work. Students will work on “historically distanced” content and a variety of material and acting styles outside of contemporary realism, requiring physical, vocal, and cultural transformation. Students will continue to work on practical projects in partnership with other MA/MFA students at a range of London film schools and studios.
Curriculum
Curriculum Sequence
Track A Curriculum Sequence
Semester 1 (Los Angeles)
| Course Number | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THRE 5516 | Actor’s Core I (Acting I, Voice & Speech I, Movement I) | 6 |
| THRE 5614 | Independent Projects I | 4 |
| THRE 5712 | Bridges to Industry I | 2 |
| THRE 5752 | Acting for Commercials | 2 |
| THRE 5331 | Critical Approaches to Film & Television | 1 |
Semester 2 (Los Angeles)
| Course Number | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THRE 5526 | Actor’s Core II (Acting II, Voice & Speech II, Movement II) | 6 |
| THRE 5624 | Independent Projects II | 5 |
| THRE 5722 | Bridges to Industry II | 2 |
| THRE 5773 | Actor-Industry Lab | 3 |
Total: 30 Credit Hours
Semester 3 (London)
| Course Number | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THRE 6512 | Styles and Techniques I | 7 |
| THRE 6613 | Production Project | 6 |
Semester 4 (London)
| Course Number | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THRE 6522 | Styles and Techniques II | 7 |
| THRE 6626 | Thesis Project | 9 |
Total: 30 Credit Hours
Application & Audition Details
We're now accepting application for Cohort III (begins Fall 2023)! We will begin reviewing applications and audition materials for Cohort III on September 1st.
Admission to the MFA in Screen Acting program consists of:
- An official application* to Oklahoma City University (see details below)
- A video audition package or participation in an audition event attended by the Program Director (see details & requirements below)
- A callback and interview with the Program Director
Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree to be eligible for admission to the MFA in Screen Acting program.
*All applicants to the MFA in Screen Acting Program are eligible for a full waiver of the $60 application fee! Contact us directly at [email protected] to get a waiver code.
| OCU Application Materials | - Application Form - 2 Letters of Recommendation: Ideally, the letters should be from someone who can speak to your work as an actor, performer and/or creative. Submission of the reference form alone will not satisfy this requirement. - Statement of Motivation: The Statement of Motivation is a one-page or less document that outlines your personal and professional interests and goals and how you hope the MFA in Screen Acting program will serve these. Please feel free to include other relevant information. - Official Transcript(s) from any institution(s) from which you earned credit towards your undergraduate degree. Contact us directly at [email protected] to waive the $60 application fee. |
| Audition Details & Requirements* | - Video audition: the applicant should submit 2 contrasting monologues no longer than 60 seconds each. At least one of the pieces should use contemporary text. Please include a “slate” with your name and the title and/or writer of each piece.
*If participating in an outside audition event attended by the Program Director (SETC LiNK, URTA Satellite Auditions), your audition and callback at that event will qualify as your audition submission. You do not need to submit a separate video audition via Acceptd. |
| Timeline & Important Dates | Offers for OCU’s MFA in Screen Acting program are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Both your application and audition materials must be completed and received in order to be reviewed. Starting on November 1, 2022 communication regarding a callback and next steps will be sent no later than three weeks after an applicant's completed materials have been received. |
Thanks for your interest in OCU’s MFA in Screen Acting program. We look forward to receiving your application and audition materials and we hope to see you in Los Angeles and London soon!
Location
Oklahoma City University - LA Campus
OCU School of Theatre-Los Angeles
3535 Hayden Ave
Culver City, CA 90232
Course Descriptions
5331 • Critical Approaches to Film and Television
This course introduces current critical theories, debates and discourses surrounding film, television, and digital media production and reception. The course will survey major critical lenses through which to analyze and critique a student’s individual work and seminal screen texts. The course is delivered by lecture/seminar and culminates in a research paper and verbal presentation of a topic of the student’s choosing.
5516 • Actor’s Core I
This course consists of the independent classes Acting I, Voice & Speech I and Movement I. It explores the practical, artistic and interpersonal skills needed to be able to prepare a performance for the camera to a professional standard. Students will be assessed through a working journal, reflective statements, direct observation and small group performances.
5526 • Actor’s Core II
This course builds upon Actor’s Core I and includes the individual classes Acting II, Voice & Speech II and Movement II. This course explores the practical, artistic and interpersonal skills needed to be able to prepare a performance for the camera to a professional standard. Included alongside Voice & Speech II is an intensive Voiceover and Voice Acting module. Movement II is complemented by an intensive Motion Caption module. Students will be assessed through a working journal, reflective statements, direct observation and small group performances.
5614 • Independent Projects I
This course explores the practical, artistic and interpersonal skills students need to be able to concept, develop and produce (pre-production, production and post-production) original content for film, television and digital platforms. Students will complete a series of practical creative projects that will vary in genre, style, and format and length. Students will be assessed through a working journal, direct observation of process and small group practical projects.
5624 • Independent Projects II
This course continues the work of Independent Projects I exploring the practical, artistic and interpersonal skills students need to be able to concept, develop, write and produce original content, with an additional focus on pitching/distributing content. Students will complete a series of practical creative projects that will vary in genre, style, and format and length. Students will be assessed through a working journal, direct observation of process and small group practical projects.
5712 • Bridges to Industry I
This course explores the business aspects of pursuing a career as an on-camera actor and content creator. Multiple Los Angeles based industry professionals will conduct workshops, panels and masterclasses related to theatrical and commercial casting; agents and managers; unions and contracts; script development processes; and other industry processes and protocols. Students will undertake group and individual research projects focused on aspects of recorded media and industry practices.
5722 • Bridges to Industry II
This course builds upon Bridges to Industry I. Students will continue to explore the business aspects of pursuing a career as an on-camera actor and content creator. Multiple Los Angeles based industry professionals will conduct workshops, panels and masterclasses related to theatrical and commercial casting; agents and managers; unions and contracts; script development processes; and other industry processes and protocols. Students will undertake group and individual research projects focused on aspects of recorded media and industry practices.
5752 • Acting for Commercials
This course introduces you to the technique and skills of auditioning for commercials. The course culminates in a series of masterclasses delivered at a major Hollywood commercial casting office. You will be assessed through a working journal and a series of practical projects.
5773 • Actor-Industry Lab
In this course, small pods of 2-4 industry guests work with students on a biweekly basis. The topic of each industry week varies, including auditions, professional actor materials, scene work and creative projects. Each pod is unique, with guests hailing from different areas of the industry. Students will be assessed through a working journal, reflective statements and direct observation.
6512 • Style and Techniques I
This course explores the practical acting, voice, movement and special skills required to create and sustain a performance of historically-distanced or heavily stylized (non-contemporary) characterizations. Building on the historic strength of British actor training practice, students will learn discrete skills and techniques that will enable them to develop characters and behaviors consistent with stories from the past or outside their own personal cultural milieu. Students will be assessed through direct observation of their progress and achievement, and a working journal.
6522 • Style and Techniques II
This course continues the work of Style and Technique I. Students will explore the practical acting, voice, movement and special skills required to create and sustain a performance of historically-distanced or heavily stylized (non-contemporary) characterizations. Building on the historic strength of British actor training practice, students will learn discrete skills and techniques that will enable them to develop characters and behaviors consistent with stories from the past or outside their own personal cultural milieu. Students will be assessed through direct observation of their progress and achievement, and a working journal.
6613 • Production Project
Through active participation students will prepare, produce and record a number of short- and longer-form dramas for the camera. The projects will afford the student an opportunity to apply the skills and techniques acquired in London in a practical, sustained way.
6626 • Thesis Project
Through active participation the student will write/devise, act in and direct a short film. The film will be showcased in a London screen venue and they will have the opportunity to pitch the film as a pilot for an extended series or longer form film project to London industry professionals.
Tuition
Tuition: $1011 per credit hour
Special Program Fees: $225 per credit hour
60-Credit Hour MFA Total: $74,160
Academic Calendar
Year One in Los Angeles will follow the Oklahoma City University Academic Calendar, which can be found here.
The Year Two academic calendar will be communicated prior to the end of Year One.
California BPPE Compliance
Oklahoma City University is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with the minimum standards contained in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5, Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.
BPPE oversees California’s private postsecondary educational institutions by conducting reviews of educational programs and operating standards, impartially resolving student and consumer complaints, and conducting outreach. The BPPE can be contact at:
Mailing Address:
Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education
P.O. Box 980818
West Sacramento, CA 95834
Physical Address
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
1747 North Market Blvd, Suite 225
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: (916) 574-8900
Toll Free: (888) 370-7589
Main Fax: (916) 263-1897
Website: https://www.bppe.ca.gov/
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The state of California requires institutions to provide specific completion and placement rate information regarding graduates and their employment. Below are fact sheets containing graduation and employment information for each program as calculated based on California requirements. Further graduation and employment information may be available at the school.
Annual Reports
OCU BPPE Annual Report 2021-22 (available in December)
School Performance Sheets
MFA Screen Acting Performance Sheet 2019 20
MFA Screen Acting Performance Sheet 2020 21
MFA Screen Acting Performance Sheet 2021-22
SELF-MONITORING POLICY
Oklahoma City University annually reviews our MFA in Screen Acting program to ensure compliance with the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) regulations. The Program Director who is housed in California works closely with the Dean of the School of Theatre, academic affairs personnel, and business office personnel to make any necessary
changes to the program. Items reviewed are referenced directly from the California Code of Regulations Division 7.5 Private Postsecondary Education document, which pertains to the application for approval to operate, institutional operating standards, student tuition recovery fund, enforcement and discipline regulations, etc. During the annual catalog review, any updates to BPPE policies and procedures that have a direct impact on OCU are addressed appropriately in the University’s graduate catalog and on the University website.
Oklahoma City University posts School performance Fact Sheets and an annual report as required by the BPPE as they become available annually. They can be found on the MFA in Screen Acting website at https://www.okcu.edu/theatre/mfa-screen-acting
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding the program or the audition process, please email us at [email protected].
For more information on the admission process or to apply, please visit Graduate Admissions.