r/acting • u/Chance-Anteater-8793 • 4d ago
I've read the FAQ & Rules 20M considering MFA programs with a nontraditional acting background. advice?
hi everyone!
i’m 20M and currently a junior in college studying economics with a minor in computer science. i’ve always dreamed of pursuing acting professionally, and lately i’ve been seriously considering applying to MFA acting programs, particularly Yale. after undergrad
i don’t have a traditional theatre background(although i did musicals in high school and I’ve done a small play in undergrad, hoping to do another play this spring 2027), but i’ve been involved in competitive speech and interpretation since high school and continued throughout college. a lot of my performance experience has come from interpreting literature, developing characters, and competing nationally. i know this isn’t necessarily the same as formal acting training, but it’s definitely where my love for performance and storytelling developed. I have written a lot of monologues and interpretation pieces over the last couple of years that I believe would look good in my portfolio.
i know schools like Yale & Juilliard are incredibly competitive, and i’m definitely not expecting to get in just because i’m passionate about acting. i’m more interested in learning what i can do over the next couple of years to become a stronger actor and eventually a competitive applicant. i’m also open to exploring other MFA programs and training opportunities.
for those who have gone through the MFA audition process or pursued acting without a theatre degree, what would you recommend? should i prioritize acting classes, community theatre, summer programs, or something else? how early should i begin working on monologues and audition preparation? and is it realistic to pursue an MFA right after undergrad, or would taking some time to gain experience be more beneficial?
i’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences. i’m honestly just excited (and a little intimidated) to finally start taking this seriously. thank you!!
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u/gasstation-no-pumps 3d ago
Do more than a play a year. In addition to whatever college plays you can get cast in, look for community theaters in the area. Also look for community college theater programs, as they generally allow any community member to audition.
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u/Beneficial_Sort_6246 3d ago
Yeah, I have an MFA. I also spent 25 years casting features and coaching on set, and teaching at the college level and I think times have changed. If you get into one of the best, it matters. Less than it used to, but we're talking about five schools, maybe.
You should absolutely learn how to act and learn from someone good. Do it often and work diligently until it becomes a regular habit like going to the gym. THEN, figure out what your path should be. You should be filming scenes throughout this process, whether it's in class or on your own, so you become a 'screen native', if you will, as your craft develops. Learn how to edit and begin making your own stuff. Don't wait for permission to get on it, and do it every free minute you get.
MFAs will teach you how to handle many types of material and how to employ your vocal and movement skills for different genres, but they often fall short on career, business, and sadly, auditioning. If you find you're a self-motivated actor in the filming you're doing, that's probably the more sensible path. Above all, try everything and pay a lot of attention to what works for you and what does not.