MA MFA Actor Training and Coaching

You will normally have a degree or an equivalent qualification in a subject that includes an element of theatre or performance practice; or have a degree and can provide evidence of previous training and experience with performance disciplines; or have a strong acting or actor training background and at least two years’ professional experience in the acting industry. An offer will normally only be made after audition and interview.

An MFA top-up year for those with an existing MA in this subject is also available.

We particularly encourage applications from groups currently under-represented in higher education, such as students with disabilities and members of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups. Find out more information on Central’s commitment to equality and diversity

English Language Requirements

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to prove their English language proficiency by gaining an overall score of 7.0 in an IELTS test. We do accept equivalent English language qualifications. Applicants are advised to gain this certification as early as possible and more information can be found on the English Language Requirements page.

Interviews

If you are selected for an interview for a place on the Actor Training and Coaching, MA or MFA courses, we will require you to create a short film which should include the following:

• Two excerpts (max 4 mins each) showing you working with an individual actor (different actor in each excerpt) in order to address elements of the actors’ performances.
• At least one of the performances must be recorded by a fixed camera without any editing of the material (that is, in a single shot, without any camera movement or changes of focus – the intention is that we see you working with the actor rather than we see the work of a video director or editor), if space/ travel does not allow you to, you are also able to film a Zoom session with your actors;
• A short account (max 3 mins) of your experience in relation to acting/ actor training (including your perceived strengths and needs), your understanding of issues relating to acting and performance and your preparedness for the course.

The interview process will also give you an opportunity to find out more about the course and the School and will be undertaken online via Zoom

International Interviews

Each year Central hosts a number of interviews outside of the UK, with a team of tutors from Central travelling to meet applicants. The international interviews are designed to replicate the London-based interview experience in every aspect (other than a tour of our site!).

Distance Interviews

Central does allow applicants to undertake a distance interview for these courses. If you live abroad and are unable to attend an interview in person you may, at the discretion of the Admissions Tutor, be offered the opportunity of a distance interview. If you are selected for interview in this manner you will be contacted (normally by email) in order to arrange a suitable time for an interview. This will be conducted on Skype, telephone or by ‘live’ email exchange and will normally be based upon material you will have been asked to submit in advance. The interview will be conducted by the Admissions Tutor in liaison with a colleague who will have sight of your submitted materials.

For further information see the How to Apply section.

International Students

Visit the International Students section to view details of English language requirements for Central’s courses.

For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more

Graduate employment and career pathways have included:

Acting Tutor

Arts Educational Schools, Central, Drama Centre London, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Rose Bruford College, Kingston University, London Film Academy, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, East 15 Acting School, National Theatre Education, Drama Centre London, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, National Film and Television School, The Actors Centre, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Academy of Live and Recorded Arts, St Mary’s University Twickenham, Method Studios, Northampton University, Falmouth University, University of St Mark and St John Plymouth, Brunel University London, Bangkok University, Toronto University, and institutions in the USA, Malaysia, Korea, Albania and Greece.

Actor

National Theatre, The Watermill Theatre and other regional theatres, London Fringe and West End.

PhDs

At Central, Exeter University, Kent University, Queen Mary University of London, Kingston University and Oxford University.

Founder members of companies and acting studios working as freelance actor trainers and coaches.

During terms one to three, you may expect to encounter work associated with, for example, Stanislavski, Chekhov, Meyerhold, Bogart, Lecoq, Grotowski and Meisner, and methodologies appropriate for acting for screen. Teaching methods include tutorials, group seminars and workshops.

You will develop advanced interpersonal, facilitation, coaching and pedagogy skills. These include:

• how to research, plan and deliver courses; obtaining knowledge of a wide range of acting methodologies and practices – as well as some movement and voice – in the education and support of actors;
• research skills, both as an individual and through group research; presentation skills and an ability to plan, conduct and critically reflect on your own practice as an actor trainer/practitioner.

Placements

In the MA and the MFA first year, there is the opportunity for you to undertake a teaching/assistant directing/coaching placement, as well as placements to engage with different acting and production contexts with the duration ranging from eight hours to three months.

Placements are a vital part of the course and will enable you to develop experience and hone skills as a pedagogue/practitioner. If you are pursuing the part-time pathway, you will undertake placements in the second year of your course.