Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree

Graduate Liberal Arts
Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Acting

Demonstrate skills in a variety of media: film, television, theater, voiceover, improvisation and musical theater
Demonstrate focus in a scene
Develop a playable objective to use the other person as a driving focus in a scene
Communicate nuanced meaning and depth in a scene by striking a personal connection to the meaning and stakes of a character and a script
Establish an organic and truthful emotional life in a scene, as appropriate to the script
Bring the necessary energy to deliver dynamic performances appropriate for the performance medium
Spontaneity

Demonstrate the ability to bring spontaneity to a scene and utilize improvisation as an integral part of the rehearsal process
Artistic Collaboration

Make performance choices that affect and are affected by other people in a scene
Successfully make specific adjustments based on direction
Speech & Movement

Demonstrate vocal range, resonance, breath control, and appropriate vocal power
Use the body as a tool to build character
Use the lines as an effective tool for verbal and physical action
Professional Readiness

Complete a demo reel that showcases the student’s most dynamic and marketable material
Demonstrate professionalism and preparedness (scripts analyzed and memorized, punctuality, respect for another actor’s creative process in rehearsal, a strong work ethic, attitude, full commitment)

MFA Acting Degree Requirements

Successful completion of Final Portfolio Review
Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units