Master in Acting (MFA)

Tuition fees for MFA Acting are 56,074 USD per year.

The Master in Acting is a master's degree for advanced actors who want to prepare for a professional acting career. This program at California Institute of the Arts takes one year to complete and focuses on all facets of the actor's art and technique.

The curriculum includes rigorous classes in acting, voice, speech, movement, and theatrical production, as well as performance and production experiences tailored to individual students' needs. Students develop their skills in areas like classical world texts, on-camera technique, and advanced scene study.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as actors, directors, or producers. They may work in film, television, or theater, applying their skills in areas like character development, improvisation, or script analysis. Some potential job titles include actor, director, or drama therapist.

California Institute of the Arts, located near Valencia in Southern California, is a leading institution for creative education founded with a legacy of innovation in the arts. CalArts encourages experimental practice across disciplines including art, film, music, theater, dance, and animation, and offers a compact, studio-focused learning environment where students develop original work under the mentorship of practicing artists and industry professionals.

The institute promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning, supporting individual artistic development with cutting-edge studios, performance spaces, and digital labs. Small class sizes and intensive critique-based courses help students refine their voices and build professional portfolios, while visiting artists, festivals, and partnerships provide exposure to the wider creative industry. Academic advising, portfolio coaching, and career development services support transitions to festivals, galleries, studios, and commercial roles.

International students find a welcoming community and opportunities to participate in collaborative projects, residencies, and public exhibitions that elevate their practice. CalArts fosters a culture of experimentation, critical inquiry, and professional networking, making it a strong choice for creative learners who seek rigorous mentorship, cross-disciplinary exploration, and direct engagement with the contemporary arts scene in the United States.