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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.
See Courses
Step 2: Become a Candidate
Establish candidacy in the program to receive tailored information, lock in course requirements, and access exclusive student benefits. Registration fees vary by program and are listed under Cost and Fees.
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

International Student Fees format icon

Payment Options

Required Courses

Customize your experience
FILM TV X 404

Pre-Production and Production for Film and Television

This survey course presents an overview of the real-world aspects of producing as practiced in the various sectors of filmed entertainment from script development through pre-production and production.
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FILM TV X 404A

Post-Production for Film and Television

Emphasizing how new technologies continue to impact post-production, this course examines the post-production process for film and television. May include guest speakers.
View Course
THEATER X 407.5

Acting Techniques: The Fundamentals

Understand the basic fundamentals of acting including the physical and mental preparation that enable you to successfully perform exercises and group work.
View Course
THEATER X 422.12

Voice and Movement for the Screen Actor

This holistic approach to movement, voice, and speech aims at liberating and enhancing the performer's natural capacity for moving, sounding, and speaking as applied to performance on camera.
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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.
View Course

Workshop Requirement

Select 1 workshop course from the list below.
FILM TV X 407.45

Acting Workshop: The Meisner Technique

Explore basic concepts of the Meisner approach to acting with a focus on creating and living in imaginary circumstances.
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THEATER X 407.42

Inside Stanislavski: Applications for the Screen Actor

Learn the historic Stanislavski acting method combining the physical and emotional spheres to build an authentic character and true inner life, as well as how this method becomes the basis of many other acting techniques.
View Course

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

THEATER X 409

The Actor's Tool Box: Creating Emotional Truth

Gain acting tools and techniques to help you create true-to-life characters with emotional depth in this workshop, by learning how to draw emotional material from tools that are both external and internal to the actor.
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THEATER X 419.3

Playing the American: An Acting and Accent-Reduction Workshop

Non-native speakers of American English hone their craft and learn to perform credibly in mainstream America to achieve a seamless accent shift without calling attention to itself or get in the way of the acting.
View Course
THEATER X 433

Pursuing a Career in Voice Overs

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the tools needed to excel in TV and radio commercials, animation, narration for documentaries, and other areas of voice-over work.
View Course
MUSC X 415.3

Making Your Mark in Music: Stage Performance Secrets

Develop your artistic identity, stage presence, and signature sound. Single yourself out as a performer, artist, and songwriter by developing a unique presence in today's entertainment industry.
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.

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