Theatre - Acting
The Master of Arts in Theatre - Acting offers an immersive and comprehensive program for students seeking advanced training in performance, character development, and stagecraft. The curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical aspects of acting, providing students with opportunities to refine their craft through workshops, rehearsals, and performances. Throughout the program, students develop performance technique, dramatic analysis, character interpretation, and stage presence, preparing them to excel in professional theatre, film, and related creative industries.
This three year, full time and on campus program provides students with an intensive learning environment where they engage with experienced faculty, professional actors, and directors. Coursework combines acting workshops, voice and movement training, script analysis, and collaborative projects, encouraging students to explore diverse theatrical styles and methods. By participating in productions and experimental projects, students strengthen emotional range, ensemble collaboration, creative problem solving, and artistic expression, gaining the skills necessary to navigate the demands of professional performance settings and contribute meaningfully to contemporary theatre.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Theatre - Acting
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 03 January 2026
- Location: Columbia University, United States
- Field of Study: Drama
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Acting and Performance
• Introduction to Acting Techniques
• Voice and Speech Training
• Movement for Performers
• Theatre History and Dramatic Literature
Year 2 – Intermediate Performance and Character Development
• Scene Study and Improvisation
• Advanced Acting Techniques
• Directing for Actors
• Collaborative Production Workshop
Year 3 – Professional Practice and Mastery
• Advanced Character and Role Development
• Performance Project and Showcase
• Applied Voice and Movement Techniques
• Capstone Research and Thesis in Theatre
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program pursue careers as professional actors, directors, performers, and creative contributors in theatre, film, television, and digital media. Career paths include roles in stage performance, film acting, television production, voice work, and creative direction, as well as positions in theatre education, dramaturgy, and arts management. The program equips students to participate in professional productions, develop audition and performance strategies, collaborate effectively with ensembles, and contribute to the development of innovative theatrical projects. Graduates are also prepared to engage in freelance work, pursue further academic research, or assume leadership roles in performance and creative organizations, ensuring versatility in a competitive and evolving industry.
Why Choose This Program
Students choose this program because it provides a rigorous combination of performance mastery, theoretical understanding, creative collaboration, and professional preparation, enabling them to develop both technical skill and artistic insight. The curriculum emphasizes hands on experience through productions, workshops, and mentorship, allowing students to explore diverse methods, refine their craft, and gain confidence in professional performance settings. Through sustained practice, critical reflection, and applied research, students build the resilience, creativity, and versatility necessary to succeed in theatre and performance industries while positioning themselves as adaptable and innovative artists ready to take on a variety of professional opportunities.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States
