Program Overview

Master of Fine Arts in Acting for Film

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Acting for Film Degree program is designed to help students build mastery and expertise in the craft of acting through technical, emotional, and physical coursework and projects. Throughout their studies, students master advanced techniques and challenge their range through the rigorous curriculum, moving beyond their comfort zone and developing advanced skills in audition and performance.

Program Overview

The MFA in Acting for Film program is a great fit for actors with previous training and experience looking to advance their skills in front of the camera and gain more knowledge in the craft. In addition to a number of projects they may add to their reel, students also write, produce, and act in their own thesis capstone film.

Curriculum

The MFA Acting for Film curriculum includes:

• Advanced study in the principles of acting techniques through scene work and instruction in a variety of techniques including Meisner, Hagen, and Adler
• Instruction and critique by award-winning faculty and staff who actively work in the film and television industry
• Ample opportunities to act in short films or scenes on peer films for additional contribution to reels
• Access to professional-grade video, sound, and light equipment from our extensive collection
• The opportunity to work, collaborate, and network with student Filmmakers, Screenwriters, and Producers

Degree Details

The MFA in Acting for Film at NYFA is an accredited, accelerated full-time, five-semester program. NYFA makes the accelerated 20-month schedule possible by creating an extended academic year, allowing students to complete all five semesters in under two years.

Admission Requirements

To audition for the degree or one and two-year programs at NYFA, prospective students must submit an application, as well as two recorded contrasting contemporary monologues.

Projects

Students enrolled in the Acting for Film MFA program complete an array of additional projects, such as a voiceover demo reel and an original final thesis film. In the thesis, students write, produce, and act in their own unique film. Students also participate in the Industry Showcase.

History and Theory Courses

This hands-on MFA curriculum is supported by History and Theory Courses such as Film History, Critical Writing, and examination of the great screenplays.

Locations

The Acting for Film MFA is available in Los Angeles. MFA Acting for Film students may also have the opportunity to complete their degree at more than one domestic NYFA campus Los Angeles. This option allows students to continue their MFA degree program in another prominent city for film, media, and entertainment.

Tuition and Fees

• Tuition: $20,500 Per Semester
• Departmental Program Fee: $1,000 Per Semester
• Program Duration: 5 Semesters
• Additional Fees:
  • Technology Fee: $80 Per Semester
  • Wellness Services & Programming Fee: $145 Per Semester
  • Activity Fee: $125 per semester
  • Orientation Fee:
    • Domestic Students: $150
    • International Students: $200
  • Graduation Fee: $100
  • International Student Fee:
    • $200 for the first semester, $120 each subsequent semester

Start Dates

Start dates for Los Angeles:

• August, 2026
• January, 2027

Program Schedule

The program semesters tuition and duration is listed below. In addition to tuition, please review the program's associated fees.

Fall 2026 Semester

The program semesters tuition and duration is listed below. In addition to tuition, please review the program's associated fees.

• Tuition: $20,500 Per Semester
• Departmental Program Fee: $1,000 Per Semester
• Program Duration: 5 Semesters
• Additional Fees:
  • Technology Fee: $80 Per Semester
  • Wellness Services & Programming Fee: $145 Per Semester
  • Activity Fee: $125 per semester
  • Orientation Fee:
    • Domestic Students: $150
    • International Students: $200
  • Graduation Fee: $100
  • International Student Fee:
    • $200 for the first semester, $120 each subsequent semester

Please note that all tuition costs and fees are listed in USD and are subject to change. Tuition prices and fees are only guaranteed one semester at a time and are subject to increase or decrease. An annual increase is expected for all tuition and fees. Costs listed above do not include housing, food, transportation, books, additional necessary supplies, activities fee, or health insurance.