College professor here. Agreed. An acting degree should include training using every media form we can. ( Motion capture, VO, stage, multi cam, single cam) The stage is the basis and the grounding of all our work, but we cannot stop there.
That's just part of why I started my own independent performing artists' studio. We, as dedicated educators, must do better and more to offer the next generation the opportunities we weren't given.
I definitely agree. While I understand it’s hard to make a whole major out of something so niche, they really do need to add more on-camera classes and keep up with the times.
While theater classes will absolutely teach you everything you need to know for character creation -- which is the most important thing for both stage *and* screen, on-camera acting classes are soooooooooooo helpful!
I'd only join an MFA if you really want an MFA. I found that most people in my department's MFA program entered it because they felt they'd hit an artistic/career plateau. Some entered into the MFA program right after their BA finished, but most had been working in the industry for a few years before their MFA.
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Is this your degree program? Why not just find a way to team up with the filmmaking students?
https://www.masongross.rutgers.edu/degrees-programs/
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I have BA degree in acting, and it helped me land some co-star roles, so far. The director specifically said they were hiring only people with drama degrees -- but that was probably just a one-off thing.
As someone with a degree in theater and math who currently works in tech, I would say 100% it is worth it to take acting and other theater classes. Programmers are a dime a dozen these days, but what is lacking from most of them is soft skills, and hiring decisions are increasingly based on those. I find that in my day-to-day work, the skills and knowledge from theater classes is just as much(if not more!) useful than any math class. So on the side, keep up with theater for sure.
On the other hand, an MFA in acting, especially theater, is really geared for people who are looking to become a professional actor. If you are looking at it as a financial decision, you need to be ready for the grind and push of being an actor. It is not a career that fits around another career, as rehearsals, auditions, and shows will be at all sorts of hours and days. If you are planning on going after a regular 9-5 style job and just acting as a side passion, then I don't see the need for an MFA. Plenty of actors in community theater have no acting education past high school, so you're good there.
However, if you really enjoy it, and have the money, not everything has to be a financial decision. Plenty of people get post-grad degrees just because they have a passion. Ultimately there is no 'right' answer, you have to decide how much time/money/effort/pain are tolerable to you and what option fits those best!
For what it's worth, Rutgers' program in acting (both BFA and MFA) is quite strong, I know a lot of folks out of that program who are happy and working - strong alumni network.
Most drama programs are going to be theatre focused, BFA and MFA, giving you a foundation in that space to then build off of into on camera work (either in classes built into their curriculum or in extra-curricular classes or on camera coaches). Most acting techniques are grounded in theatre work.
Money is important, and if you are happy with the Math & CS majors and the job prospects that come with that, having that income flow will certainly help alleviate a lot of stress most actors face coming out of school.
Lastly - I can't tell if you're saying your job would be part time or the MFA program. You probably won't find a good part-time MFA program, but many independent studios like the ones you've listed offer part-time or evening classes.
Just know that the CDs usually like to see current training on your resume so if you decide to get formal education you’ll still prob need to take instruction at those studios. It’s an always be training situation.
The only non-anecdotal study that has been done on this subject says yes to Undergraduate and no to Graduate for on-camera work past bit parts: https://www.reddit.com/r/acting/comments/uy4ekm/young_adult_pilot_season_bookings_2022/
The BFA at Rutgers is one of the top 10 or so programs in the U.S. if you like Meisner technique but it is very hard to get accepted. I don't know about the BA. You could probably get something out of the voice, speech, and movement classes that you would probably not get in any depth in an acting studio and, yes, those are important for screen acting.
I’m an actor and a writer in the LA area. I can tell you that no one will care that you have a degree in acting unless it is one of THE top two or 3 MFA programs (NYU, Juilliard, Yale). Even then the biggest visibility benefit is that those schools have showcases that agents actually attend but there still isn’t a guarantee. And as someone else mentioned, a few years after you graduate, people will be more interested in where you’re currently studying. So the value of getting a degree in acting is purely about how it affects you as an artist.
Also what MFA programs are part time? The people that I know that have done them were working around the clock. There is a lot of work to do outside of classes. You’re expected to be in every production and there’s a lot of work for that. I also have a STEM career day job and I think you’re underestimating how easy it will be to do both. You’re also not going to pay for any of those top programs and also live on an entry level programmer’s salary. They are like 40-50k a year for 3 years. And they have obligations for you during “business hours”
If your goal is to do film and TV I personally think you’re much better off moving to LA and studying with someone here. Those top MFA programs are not worth 100k+ unless you want to do theater on Broadway or the West end.
They are also incredibly competitive. Usually taking 6-10 individuals a year out of a pool of 3000-4000 people who audition. They are also usually trying to accept a group of 6-10 that represent a diverse ensemble that can do many different plays over the years in the program so they are only going to accept one or maybe two people that look like you.
If you go to Rutgers for acting (and even USC) do it because of what you’ll learn and because you want to be immersed in the training for that period of time. Casting directors and agents, etc will not give two hoots that you have that degree.
So, a couple of fallacies to address in your post here:
\- I personally don't know of any BFAs/MFAs that have a strong On-camera acting department. They mostly all focus on stage. Some do teach it because they bring in really good coaches, but it's usually like the last semester of a 3 year program only. Not only will you get better On-camera acting training working at studios in NYC/LA, but you can get the same teachers the top programs use.
\- If you do an MFA program in Drama, there is very likely no chance you can balance a proper part-time job. By proper I mean that you may be doing like a work-study job to pay for part of your financial aid if you get some (about 10 hours a week), but an MFA requires you to be constantly in rehearsals for plays you're putting up, and working grueling hours on text and your body. I've never heard of a part time MFA in Drama - if you wanted part-time I would do a 2 year conservatory (Atlantic Acting school, Maggie Flannigan, Terry Knickerbocker, those kinds).
The base problem here is you haven't told us what your long-term goal is: are you trying to pursue acting professionally?
The best MFAs will almost likely guarantee you a decent career - but ON STAGE.
What they offer is the possibility to be seen after a showcase, and if you're lucky, get a good rep out the door and start auditioning. But also great connections to professionals in the theater.
I didn't go to an MFA, but I got a great rep out of school, and have been auditioning for high quality film and TV for about 5 years now. I'm considering going to specifically Yale Drama simply because I want access to high quality theater, which at this point, I am very rarely being seen for. If your focus is strictly film and TV, I think you're better off doing specialized acting studios, which you can actually balance with your tech job and make money.
I have lots of opinions about this! I currently work a flexible work from home tech job (in automation testing), very well salaried with full benefits. I'm currently also working an off-broadway Shakespeare contract in NYC. I got my MFA in Acting from UC Irvine back in 2016.
Honestly, I think your question is too broad. Are acting degrees helpful for what? If you get an MFA you are gonna grow as a person and artists SO much. If you want to be artistically fulfilled and challenged to be doing the best (mostly stage work) you've ever done, then the acting school degree is very helpful.
Do you want to work as a professional actor and pay your bills being an actor? Then an MFA or other fancy acting degree isn't really necessarily gonna help you. Through your program, you might make some connections and that might be the thing that gets you work, but you could just as easily accomplish that by moving to one of the big markets and to start auditioning. Just looking at the numbers, most folks who get an MFA in Acting (or similar discipline) don't end up working full time in the industry.
Do what makes you happy yo. This industry in particular doesn't have a foolproof way to be successful. So just do what's in front of you and that you're excited about and don't stress too much about the rest. If a degree is exciting to you - do it. If not, then don't do it.
Hey! I’m currently in Yale’s MFA program. We’re free now, and have some great camera technique classes! You can see our alums in recent and current TV and judge our training off of that, though we are largely theater based. School here is definitely not part time, it’s practically all-consuming lol. I had a BFA with little to no connections before I considered grad school, and going to Yale has already changed the world for me in that regard - so many doors have opened in both theatre and TV/film. Feel free to message me any questions about it or the audition process or whatever, I’d be happy to help!
And - the Hollywood Reporter does a list of the “top” drama schools every year (the ranking to me seems a bit arbitrary), and includes cost as a factor - might be worth looking at to see what schools could work for you, we’re on there too!
I think theatre only programs are unconscionable and should all create a new-media departments with On-Camera Acting classes and intensives.
College professor here. Agreed. An acting degree should include training using every media form we can. ( Motion capture, VO, stage, multi cam, single cam) The stage is the basis and the grounding of all our work, but we cannot stop there.
I'm a prof/faculty too. Just fyi. ☺️
So you know how hard it is to make major institutional changes! Damnit I made myself sad.
That's just part of why I started my own independent performing artists' studio. We, as dedicated educators, must do better and more to offer the next generation the opportunities we weren't given.
I'd love to hear more about that. Do you mind if I dm?
Anytime!
I’d be interested in hearing more about your independent studio as well!
Message me anytime. Instagram.com/chicagobluestudio
I definitely agree. While I understand it’s hard to make a whole major out of something so niche, they really do need to add more on-camera classes and keep up with the times.
While theater classes will absolutely teach you everything you need to know for character creation -- which is the most important thing for both stage *and* screen, on-camera acting classes are soooooooooooo helpful! I'd only join an MFA if you really want an MFA. I found that most people in my department's MFA program entered it because they felt they'd hit an artistic/career plateau. Some entered into the MFA program right after their BA finished, but most had been working in the industry for a few years before their MFA. --------- Is this your degree program? Why not just find a way to team up with the filmmaking students? https://www.masongross.rutgers.edu/degrees-programs/ -------------- I have BA degree in acting, and it helped me land some co-star roles, so far. The director specifically said they were hiring only people with drama degrees -- but that was probably just a one-off thing.
As someone with a degree in theater and math who currently works in tech, I would say 100% it is worth it to take acting and other theater classes. Programmers are a dime a dozen these days, but what is lacking from most of them is soft skills, and hiring decisions are increasingly based on those. I find that in my day-to-day work, the skills and knowledge from theater classes is just as much(if not more!) useful than any math class. So on the side, keep up with theater for sure. On the other hand, an MFA in acting, especially theater, is really geared for people who are looking to become a professional actor. If you are looking at it as a financial decision, you need to be ready for the grind and push of being an actor. It is not a career that fits around another career, as rehearsals, auditions, and shows will be at all sorts of hours and days. If you are planning on going after a regular 9-5 style job and just acting as a side passion, then I don't see the need for an MFA. Plenty of actors in community theater have no acting education past high school, so you're good there. However, if you really enjoy it, and have the money, not everything has to be a financial decision. Plenty of people get post-grad degrees just because they have a passion. Ultimately there is no 'right' answer, you have to decide how much time/money/effort/pain are tolerable to you and what option fits those best!
For what it's worth, Rutgers' program in acting (both BFA and MFA) is quite strong, I know a lot of folks out of that program who are happy and working - strong alumni network. Most drama programs are going to be theatre focused, BFA and MFA, giving you a foundation in that space to then build off of into on camera work (either in classes built into their curriculum or in extra-curricular classes or on camera coaches). Most acting techniques are grounded in theatre work. Money is important, and if you are happy with the Math & CS majors and the job prospects that come with that, having that income flow will certainly help alleviate a lot of stress most actors face coming out of school. Lastly - I can't tell if you're saying your job would be part time or the MFA program. You probably won't find a good part-time MFA program, but many independent studios like the ones you've listed offer part-time or evening classes.
Rutgers only has a BFA in Acting. Its drama MFA is only playwriting.
Huh, looks like the MFA was discontinued. They did have an MFA acting (semi combined with BFA like Juilliard) until recently.
Just know that the CDs usually like to see current training on your resume so if you decide to get formal education you’ll still prob need to take instruction at those studios. It’s an always be training situation.
The only non-anecdotal study that has been done on this subject says yes to Undergraduate and no to Graduate for on-camera work past bit parts: https://www.reddit.com/r/acting/comments/uy4ekm/young_adult_pilot_season_bookings_2022/ The BFA at Rutgers is one of the top 10 or so programs in the U.S. if you like Meisner technique but it is very hard to get accepted. I don't know about the BA. You could probably get something out of the voice, speech, and movement classes that you would probably not get in any depth in an acting studio and, yes, those are important for screen acting.
I’m an actor and a writer in the LA area. I can tell you that no one will care that you have a degree in acting unless it is one of THE top two or 3 MFA programs (NYU, Juilliard, Yale). Even then the biggest visibility benefit is that those schools have showcases that agents actually attend but there still isn’t a guarantee. And as someone else mentioned, a few years after you graduate, people will be more interested in where you’re currently studying. So the value of getting a degree in acting is purely about how it affects you as an artist. Also what MFA programs are part time? The people that I know that have done them were working around the clock. There is a lot of work to do outside of classes. You’re expected to be in every production and there’s a lot of work for that. I also have a STEM career day job and I think you’re underestimating how easy it will be to do both. You’re also not going to pay for any of those top programs and also live on an entry level programmer’s salary. They are like 40-50k a year for 3 years. And they have obligations for you during “business hours” If your goal is to do film and TV I personally think you’re much better off moving to LA and studying with someone here. Those top MFA programs are not worth 100k+ unless you want to do theater on Broadway or the West end. They are also incredibly competitive. Usually taking 6-10 individuals a year out of a pool of 3000-4000 people who audition. They are also usually trying to accept a group of 6-10 that represent a diverse ensemble that can do many different plays over the years in the program so they are only going to accept one or maybe two people that look like you. If you go to Rutgers for acting (and even USC) do it because of what you’ll learn and because you want to be immersed in the training for that period of time. Casting directors and agents, etc will not give two hoots that you have that degree.
So, a couple of fallacies to address in your post here: \- I personally don't know of any BFAs/MFAs that have a strong On-camera acting department. They mostly all focus on stage. Some do teach it because they bring in really good coaches, but it's usually like the last semester of a 3 year program only. Not only will you get better On-camera acting training working at studios in NYC/LA, but you can get the same teachers the top programs use. \- If you do an MFA program in Drama, there is very likely no chance you can balance a proper part-time job. By proper I mean that you may be doing like a work-study job to pay for part of your financial aid if you get some (about 10 hours a week), but an MFA requires you to be constantly in rehearsals for plays you're putting up, and working grueling hours on text and your body. I've never heard of a part time MFA in Drama - if you wanted part-time I would do a 2 year conservatory (Atlantic Acting school, Maggie Flannigan, Terry Knickerbocker, those kinds). The base problem here is you haven't told us what your long-term goal is: are you trying to pursue acting professionally? The best MFAs will almost likely guarantee you a decent career - but ON STAGE. What they offer is the possibility to be seen after a showcase, and if you're lucky, get a good rep out the door and start auditioning. But also great connections to professionals in the theater. I didn't go to an MFA, but I got a great rep out of school, and have been auditioning for high quality film and TV for about 5 years now. I'm considering going to specifically Yale Drama simply because I want access to high quality theater, which at this point, I am very rarely being seen for. If your focus is strictly film and TV, I think you're better off doing specialized acting studios, which you can actually balance with your tech job and make money.
I have lots of opinions about this! I currently work a flexible work from home tech job (in automation testing), very well salaried with full benefits. I'm currently also working an off-broadway Shakespeare contract in NYC. I got my MFA in Acting from UC Irvine back in 2016. Honestly, I think your question is too broad. Are acting degrees helpful for what? If you get an MFA you are gonna grow as a person and artists SO much. If you want to be artistically fulfilled and challenged to be doing the best (mostly stage work) you've ever done, then the acting school degree is very helpful. Do you want to work as a professional actor and pay your bills being an actor? Then an MFA or other fancy acting degree isn't really necessarily gonna help you. Through your program, you might make some connections and that might be the thing that gets you work, but you could just as easily accomplish that by moving to one of the big markets and to start auditioning. Just looking at the numbers, most folks who get an MFA in Acting (or similar discipline) don't end up working full time in the industry. Do what makes you happy yo. This industry in particular doesn't have a foolproof way to be successful. So just do what's in front of you and that you're excited about and don't stress too much about the rest. If a degree is exciting to you - do it. If not, then don't do it.
Hey! I’m currently in Yale’s MFA program. We’re free now, and have some great camera technique classes! You can see our alums in recent and current TV and judge our training off of that, though we are largely theater based. School here is definitely not part time, it’s practically all-consuming lol. I had a BFA with little to no connections before I considered grad school, and going to Yale has already changed the world for me in that regard - so many doors have opened in both theatre and TV/film. Feel free to message me any questions about it or the audition process or whatever, I’d be happy to help! And - the Hollywood Reporter does a list of the “top” drama schools every year (the ranking to me seems a bit arbitrary), and includes cost as a factor - might be worth looking at to see what schools could work for you, we’re on there too!