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Acting

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Take your performance, improvisation and auditioning skills to the next level.

Plan Your Studies
Courses
10 Required
2 Elective
Methods
In Person
F-1 Visa Eligible

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This program is perfect for...

Aspiring actors pursuing careers in film, television, commercials or digital media
Working actors interested in honing their craft, learning new skills and expanding their network
Directors aiming to understand what makes an authentic performance

What you can learn.

Perform naturally in front of the camera, individually and as part of an ensemble
Study improvisation, voice and movement techniques developed by established acting instructors
Develop on-camera techniques in scene study using scripts from TV series, sitcoms and films
Discuss career strategies for generating audition opportunities and learn skills for increasing your ability to book jobs

Study acting for the big and small screen.

The UCLA Extension Acting Certificate program is designed for those pursuing careers in film, television, commercials and digital media. In addition to taking foundational courses, students will hone their performance, auditioning and improvisation skills under the guidance of acting professionals. The program allows ample opportunities for performing in front of the camera and learning practical business skills necessary for succeeding in the industry.

Duration: 1 year (Full-Time pace) to 3 years
Format: In-Person
Unit Requirement: 48
GPA Requirement: minimum 3.0 for certificate completion

actors reading a script in a group

This certificate is approved for international students to study full time in the U.S. on an F-1 visa.

International students must meet English language proficiency requirements for admission into the program.

While most certificate programs begin each quarter, some have limited intakes for students studying on F-1 visa. Find this program on the Browse Certificate Programs page to confirm entry quarters before applying.

Learn more:

Get Started

Step 1: Enroll in a Course
Courses in this program are open enrollment and paid for individually. You may take courses without committing to the program.
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Have questions? Talk to an Academic Advisor
Step 2: Become a Candidate
Establish candidacy in the certificate program to receive tailored information, lock in course requirements, and gain access to exclusive student benefits. Registration Fee: $200
Apply Now
Important Note for International Students: Candidacy fees are included in your program fees and do not need to be paid separately.

Cost and Fees

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.
Application and Candidacy Fee
$200
Estimated Textbooks and Materials
$550
Estimated Program Tuition
$10020

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Payment Options

Required Courses

Customize your experience
THEATER X 410.3

Acting for the Camera I

Learn the technical and emotional adjustments required for working in front of the camera in a relaxed and truthful way and developing intimacy with the camera.
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THEATER X 410.5

Acting for the Camera II

Enhance your screen acting skills with the second course on acting for the camera. Dive deeper into the nuances of on-camera techniques by practicing performances from TV scripts and learning about blocking and continuity.
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Workshop Requirement

Select 1 workshop course from the list below.

Elective Courses

Customize your experience

Complete 2 electives (8 units) from courses numbered X 400-499 in Film & TV, or from the list of suggested electives below. 

Suggested Electives

FILM TV X 408

Building an Online Audience

Learn how to create a public face and promotional platform for your creative content using relevant video platforms, social media, and available website creation tools. The goal is to create an individual presentation plan.
View Course
MUSC X 404.4

Crafting Great Lyrics: A Songwriting Workshop

Of interest to beginners as well as more experienced songwriters, this course offers a supportive and inspirational writing workshop environment focusing on three interrelated aspects of songwriting: form, theme, and content.
View Course
FILM TV X 475.44

Directing Actors for the Screen

Learn to recognize and apply the directorial skills for a successful artistic collaboration with performers. You will select one dramatic and one comic scene then cast, rehearse, and present the scenes in class.
View Course
FILM TV X 476.39

Making Your First Short Film

Understand the steps for creating your first successful short film, whether you are an aspiring director, writer, or producer. Learn the process, from pre-production all the way to post, followed by film screenings and more.
View Course

An internship in film and television can provide you with practical experience in a variety of job functions. Certificate students must complete a minimum of 12 units of program curriculum (3 courses) before completing the application for approval to enroll in an internship.

Learn More

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