Acting for Screen MA/MFA

What you'll study

The Acting for Screen MA/MFA is an intensive actor postgraduate training programme focused on performance in digital contexts, including screen, games, audio mediums, and emerging technologies such as XR, VR and AI. The programme develops highly versatile, contemporary performance practitioners equipped to meet the evolving demands of the performance industry. As new technologies continue to reshape the practices of acting and performance-making, this programme invites students to think both creatively and critically about the screens and surfaces upon which contemporary actors are increasingly expected to perform and create work.

The programme approaches acting as an interdisciplinary practice, drawing on a variety of methodologies to develop your core foundation skills — including voice, movement, acting, text, and technique. This core actor training forms the basis of your performance development, expanding your creative toolkit and strengthening your agency as a performer across diverse contexts and settings.

In addition to core acting training, the programme provides specialist training in emerging performance technologies. You will learn to work as both performer and creator, exploring how new technologies can be integrated into performance-making. Working with leading practitioners at the forefront of digital performance, you will develop into a multi-hyphenate performer-maker, able to create original work, collaborate with other artists, and perform in projects led by others.

Alongside practical training, you will engage in study that nurtures you as a critically engaged maker and researcher, working alongside other postgraduate students. Practice-based research is central to the programme and can be explored in multiple forms – embodied, written, devised and performed, supporting the development of a fully rounded, contemporary performance practice.

The programme is subject to validation, and the final programme outline may be slightly amended. 

MFA

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) – Second Year 

Students who wish to extend their postgraduate studies can progress to an additional MFA year, dedicated to advancing artistic practice and research. 

What the MFA Year Offers 

• A creative laboratory where students shape their professional identity and explore bold new approaches to performance. 

• Opportunities to combine independent practice-based research with placements at leading arts organisations. 

• Direct engagement with the urgent issues, ideas, and debates shaping contemporary performing arts. 

Collaboration and Community 

• Work with artists, scholars, curators, and activists across theatre, live art, museums, galleries, and other cultural settings. 

• Develop ambitious performance projects with the support of academic mentors. 

• Take part in research events and networking sessions, contributing to Rose Bruford College’s dynamic postgraduate community. 

Core Focus 

• Interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches, centred on emerging theatrical and performative forms. 

• Practice-based workshops designed to generate ideas for research and imagine new futures for performance. 

• Exploration of: 

• Creative documentation and archiving 

• Performance’s role within communities 

• Art as a catalyst for social change 

Critical Perspectives 

• Situate contemporary practice within: 

• Histories of key venues and festivals 

• The relationship between artistic and political agendas 

• The impact of cultural policy in the UK and internationally 

• Use theory as a practical framework, linking artistic work to its political, cultural, and historical contexts. 

Graduate Outcomes 

By the end of the MFA, students will: 

• Develop innovative, forward-looking visions for their chosen field. 

• Position their work within broader cultural and historical currents. 

• Be equipped with the skills and perspectives to thrive as artists, researchers, and cultural leaders. 

More about the course

Throughout the year, you will benefit from: 

• Performance opportunities: in-class études, shorter R&D projects, public- and industry-facing productions staged by professional directors, and a digital showcase. 

• Professional preparation: sessions with casting professionals, agencies, headshot photographers, self-tape producers, theatre producers and directors, digital artists, and other industry specialists. 

• Skill development: honing existing performance skills while exploring new practices, equipping you to work confidently across stage, screen, and emerging performance mediums. 

• Future-facing performance: experience with innovative opportunities including VR/XR, AI and Machine Learning, gaming, audiobooks, devised, site-specific, and immersive work. 

Who is the programme for?

The programme is designed for a diverse range of learners – whether you are a recent graduate looking to continue your studies, an experienced practitioner seeking to enhance your skills and gain a competitive edge, or someone from a different field aiming to transition into the performance industry, particularly with a focus on enhancing your digital and screen performance and making skills.  

The programme also provides a strong foundation for advanced academic research, equipping you with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a PhD or related research degree. 

Careers

The programme specifically prepares students for careers in gaming, online projects and content creation, VR and XR art and performances, as well as the development of innovative digital work.  

However, our graduates are also expected to pursue careers both within the performing arts and in entirely different sectors. They may engage with a wide range of performance forms, from traditional theatre to experimental work, contributing to collaborative projects or developing their own creative initiatives. 

The programme also provides a strong foundation for advanced academic research, equipping you with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a PhD or related research degree.