Located in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, The LIU Brooklyn BFA Acting program is designed for students interested in rigorous, studio training in Acting for Theatre, Film and Television. Located a 20-minute subway ride from the center of the theatre universe, the BFA Acting program works in collaboration with The New Group, one of off-Broadway's most respected theatre companies, to provide a comprehensive education with practical, professional applications, preparing our students to be working members of the modern entertainment industry. With fewer then 75 students, the program offers personalized attention and a course of study that is tailored to each student's needs, and its New York City location offers students a unique opportunity to be a part of the New York acting community from the moment they become part of the program.
The LIU Brooklyn BFA Acting program offers Acting, Voice and Movement classes in partnership with The New Group, a renowned Off-Broadway theatre company based in Manhattan. Students travel into midtown Manhattan three times weekly to study with accomplished actors and directors, all of whom are working members of the acting industry and have extensive educational credentials.
Studio classes are designed to provide students with an immersive education in various styles of performance including Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov and Sanford Meisner (Acting); Kristin Linklater (Voice); Laban, Gratowski and Bhutto (Movement). The program presents students with an inclusive approach; rather than focusing on a single technique, instructors are encouraged to expose students to multiple techniques and to craft an acting/voice/movement technique that works for the individual actor.
By studying under the studio model with a professional theatre company, students are given the opportunity to network with industry experts and participate in master classes with artists at the top of their field. New Group Studio classes begin in the First Year, allowing students to become immersed in the craft and the business of acting from the moment they arrive on campus.
To learn more about the New Group, click here.
In addition to the Studio sequence, BFA Acting students are required to enroll in complementary on-campus courses in the major, designed to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of the many facets of being a working actor.
Students are required to take four semesters of On-Camera Performance -- two semesters of technique and two semesters of scene study. This sequence culminates in the production of a short film, providing students with footage that can be utilized for their acting reels.
Starting in the first semester, students learn how to navigate the business side of the performance industry, with practical courses designed to prepare students for the day after graduation. These courses include four semesters of the Business of Acting (Audition Preparation, Marketing the Actor In the Digital Sphere, and the Actor as Self-Producer); eight semesters of Production Lab (a weekly seminar with members of acting-adjacent industries); two semesters of Senior Capstone (a student-produced public performance showcasing the full spectrum of the student’s BFA Acting career) and a Senior Showcase (a professionally-produced live and virtual showcase presented to New York City-based agents and casting directors).
The BFA Acting program acknowledges the unique opportunities presented to our students as a result of our proximity to New York City and the Broadway community. Students are encouraged to audition for off-campus projects, and to begin their careers as New York actors from the moment they arrive on campus. The Program offers flexibility regarding off-campus acting work, and instructors and administrators are encouraged to assist students as they pursue opportunities outside of the BFA Program.
Surrounding the LIU Brooklyn campus is a flourishing and continuously expanding arts and cultural community, including:
The LIU BFA Acting for Theatre, Film and Television Program is a dual-acceptance program - students must be accepted by the University, and by the BFA Acting program. To begin the application process:
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TFT 210 | Theatre History and Play Analysis | 3 |
| TFT 202 A,B,C | Studio I - Acting, Voice and Movement | 6 |
| TFT 212 A,B,C | Studio II - Acting, Voice and Movement | 6 |
| TFT 222 A,B,C | Studio III - Acting, Voice and Movement | 6 |
| TFT 223 A,B,C | Studio IV - Acting, Voice and Movement | 6 |
| TFT 224 A,B,C | Studio V - Acting, Voice and Movement | 6 |
| TFT 225 A,B,C | Studio VI - Acting, Voice and Movement | 3 |
| TFT 230 | The Contemporary Performance Industry | 3 |
| TFT 231 | Business of Theatre, Film and Television | 3 |
| TFT 280 | Performance in 21st Century Theatre and Media | 3 |
| TFT 287 | Film and Television Studies | 3 |
| TFT 288 | Production Lab I | 1 |
| TFT 289 | Production Lab II | 1 |
| TFT 290 | Production Lab III | 1 |
| TFT 291 | Production Lab IV | 1 |
| TFT 292 | Production Lab V | 1 |
| TFT 293 | Production Lab VI | 1 |
| TFT 294 | Production Lab VII | 1 |
| TFT 295 | Production Lab VIII | 1 |
| TFT 296 | Internship | 3 |
| TFT 297 | Capstone I | 2 |
| TFT 298 | Capstone II | 3 |
| TFT 299 | Showcase | 2 |
| THE 291 | On-Camera Performance I | 3 |
| THE 292 | On-Camera Performance II | 3 |
| THE 293 | On-Camera Performance III | 3 |
| Workshop/Production Requirement - One of the following: | ||
| MA 202 | Television Production I | 3 |
| MA 206 | Video Workshop I | 3 |
| Required Writing Course - One of the following: | ||
| MA 152 | Screenplay | 3 |
| MA 1481 | Introduction to Playwriting | 3 |
| THE 221 | Introduction to Playwriting | 3 |
| Required Directing Course - One of the following: | ||
| MA 255 | Directing The Moving Image | 3 |
| MA 361 | Directing I | 3 |
| THE 361 | Directing I | 3 |
|
Institutional Learning Outcome (ILO) |
Courses |
|
ILO 1: Creative and Reflective Capacities (3 credits) Openness to new ideas, integrative and reflective thinking, investigation, and synthesis of existing knowledge as a way of creating, appreciating, and reflecting on original, innovative work grounded in scientific, humanistic, historical, and/or aesthetic disciplinary knowledge. |
ART 101: Introduction to Art ART 105: Introduction to Beginning Drawing ART 106: 3D Visualization and Production ART 131: Pottery and Ceramic Sculpture I CIN/FIL 109: Screenwriting II CIN 111: History of World Cinema CMA 109: Media Arts and Technology DNC 108: History of Dance ENG 167: Creativity and Nature ENG 182: Introduction to Creative Writing ENG 183: Creative Non-Fiction JOU 110: Journalism, Media and You MA 109: Media Arts and Technology MUS 101: Introduction to Musical Concepts MUS 102: Music Fundamentals MUS 110: Introduction to World Music PHI 172: Philosophy and the Mind SPE/ORC 105: Public Speaking THE 100: Introduction to Drama THE 111: The Art of Theatre THE 143: Shakespeare in Performance THE 193: Theatre Research/Performance |
|
ILO 2: Historical and Intercultural Awareness (6 credits) Recognition of oneself as a member of a global community consisting of diverse cultures with unique histories and geographies. |
History HIS 100: American Civilization to 1877 HIS 101: Perspectives on Premodern World History HIS 102: Perspectives on Modern World History HIS 108: American Civilization since 1877 Intercultural Awareness ANT #: Any Anthropology Course ART 104: Introduction to Visual Arts CIN 105: The Art of Documentary ENG 115: Global Literatures ENG 132: Shakespeare ENG 158: American Literature FRE 111: Introduction to French I FRE 112: Introduction to French II GGR 102: Geography and the Global Citizen HIS 144: Topics in Asian History HIS 157: Topics in Latin American History ITL 111: Introduction to Italian I ITL 112: Introduction to Italian II MUS 103: Music in Western Civilization MUS 146: History of Hip Hop MUS 147: History of Rock Music MUS 159: History of Country Music PHI 170: Philosophies of Love and Sex POL 150: International Relations POL 161: Introduction to Comparative Politics SPA 111: Introduction to Spanish I SPA 112: Introduction to Spanish II SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity SOC 135: Global Cultures SOC 165: Culture and Society SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity SOC 165: Culture and Society SPE 100: Oral Communication THE 142: Modern Theatre History |
|
ILO 3: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning (7-8 credits) Competence in interpreting numerical and scientific data in order to draw conclusions, construct meaningful arguments, solve problems, and gain a better understanding of complex issues within a discipline or in everyday contexts. |
Scientific Reasoning AST 109/109A: Introductory Astronomy I AST 110/110A: Introductory Astronomy II BIO 120/120L: General Biology I BIO 124/124L: Foundations of Biology I BIO 125/125L: The Science of Sustainability BIO 126/126L: DNA and Human Life BIO 137/137L: Human Anatomy and Physiology I CHM 101/101L: Chemistry for Health Science I CHM 103/103L: Principles of Chemistry I ERS 101/101L: Weather and Climate ERS 102/102L: Planet Earth ERS 103/103L: Oceanography ERS 125/125L: Environmental Sustainability Science FSC 100/100L: Introduction to Forensic Chemistry PHY 103: University Physics I PHY 104: University Physics II PHY 120/120L: The Physical Universe PHY 127/127L: Physics for Pharmacy PHY 131/131L: General Physics I PHY 131/131L: College Physics I PHY 132/132L: General Physic II PHY 132/132L: College Physics II Quantitative Reasoning MTH #: Any Mathematics Course |
|
ILO 4: Oral and Written Communication (6 credits) Knowledge and skill in exchanging informed and well-reasoned ideas in effective and meaningful ways through a range of media to promote full understanding for various purposes, among different audiences and in a variety of contexts and disciplines. |
Written Communication ENG 110: Writing I – Composition and Analysis ENG 111: Writing II – Research and Argumentation |
|
ILO 5: Information and Technological Literacies (3 credits) Ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and effectively and responsibly use and share that information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills. |
AI 105: AI Fundamentals CGPH 126: Web Design for Everyone DA 108: Applied AI: Strategy and Innovation EDI 100: Contemporary Issues in Education ENG 148: Ideas and Themes n Literature ENG 173: Writing in the Community ENG 175: Writing in the Professions ENG 178: Writing in the Sciences HIS 107: Engaging the Past HIS 190: Research Problems in History POL 100: Research Problems in Political Science SOC 102: Social Problems SOC 148: Medical Sociology SOC 148: Sociology of Health and Illness |
|
ILO 6: Critical Inquiry and Analysis (3 credits) Reflective assessment and critique of evidence, applying theory, and practicing discernment in the analysis of existing ideas and in the production of new knowledge across a broad array of fields or disciplines. |
ENG 103: Grammar and the Structure of English ENG 112: World Literatures I ENG 113: World Literatures II ENG 140: Introduction to Literature ENG 180: Literary Genres FRE 100: French Cinema GGR 101: The Geography of Sustainable Development HIS 104: Topics in American History HIS 120: Topics in Medieval History HIS 164: History of Gender and Sexuality HIS 167: History of Science and Technology PHI 100: Beginning Philosophy PHI 163: Philosophy of Art PHI 179: Social and Political Philosophy POL 147: Political Psychology POL 156: Diplomacy and Negotiation PSY 103: General Psychology PSY 111: Psychological Perspectives on Teaching and Learning SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology SOC 112: Gender, Race and Ethnicity SOC 126: Sociology of Gender SOC 161: Sociology of Sport |
|
ILO 7: Ethical Reasoning and Civic Engagement (3 credits) Evaluation of ethical issues in conduct and thinking, development of ethical self-awareness, consideration of various perspectives, and responsible and humane engagement in local and global communities. |
AI 110: AI Ethics and Society ART 177: High Impact Art CIN/FIL 103: Major Forces in the Cinema ECO 101: Microeconomics ECO 102: Macroeconomics ENG 150: Empathy and Literature HIS 116: History of Race and Society HIS 158: History of Politics and Power PHI 105: Bioethics PHI 113: Philosophy and Film PHY 178: Ethics and Society POL 101: Introduction to Political Science POL 102: Introduction to American Politics POL 123: Political Parties and Public Opinion SOC 108: Sociology of Youth SOC 109: Social Movements and Change SOC 110: Human Rights and Social Justice SOC 119: Sociology of the Family SOC 122: American Social Problems/Global Context SPA 105: The Hispanic World |
TFT 202A Studio I - Acting, Voice and Movement
Rigorous training in voice, movement, and acting will take place in professional acting schools in New York City for six semesters.
Credits: 2
Every Fall
TFT 202B Studio 1: Voice
Rigorous training in voice will take place in professional acting schools in New York City. 2 Credits Offered every Fall.
Credits: 2
Every Fall
TFT 202C Studio 1: Movement
Rigorous training in movement will take place in professional acting schools in New York City. 2 Credits Offered every Fall.
Credits: 2
Every Fall
TFT 210 Theatre History and Play Analysis
An orientation to the nature of theatre, students will examine the history of theatre and how to analyze play text including the five elements that make up the theatre: the playwright, the director, the actors, the designers, and the audience. Students will attend live performances and view videotaped performances to analyze the components that theatre is comprised of.
Credits: 3
Every Spring
TFT 212A Studio II - Acting, Voice and Movement
Rigorous training in voice, movement, and acting will take place in professional acting schools in New York City for six semesters.
Credits: 2
Every Spring
TFT 212B Studio 2: Voice
Rigorous training in voice will take place in professional acting schools in New York City. 2 Credits Offered every Spring.
Credits: 2
Every Spring
TFT 212C Studio 2: Movement
Rigorous training in movement will take place in professional acting schools in New York City. 2 Credits. Offered every Spring.
Credits: 2
Every Spring
TFT 222A Studio III - Acting, Voice and Movement
Rigorous training in voice, movement, and acting will take place in professional acting schools in New York City for six semesters.
Credits: 2
On Demand
TFT 222B Studio 3: Voice
Rigorous training in voice will take place in professional acting schools in New York City. 2 Credits Offered on demand.
Credits: 2
On Demand
TFT 222C Studio 3: Movement
Rigorous training in movement will take place in professional acting schools in New York City. 2 Credits Offered on demand.
Credits: 2
On Demand
TFT 223A Studio IV - Acting, Voice and Movement
Rigorous training in voice, movement, and acting will take place in professional acting schools in New York City for six semesters.
Credits: 2
On Demand
TFT 223B Studio 4: Voice
Rigorous training in voice will take place in professional acting schools in New York City. 2 Credits Offered on demand.
Credits: 2
On Demand
TFT 223C Studio 4: Movement
Rigorous training in movement will take place in professional acting schools in New York City. 2 Credits Offered on demand.
Credits: 2
On Demand
TFT 224A Studio IV - Acting, Voice and Movement
Rigorous training in voice, movement, and acting will take place in professional acting schools in New York City for six semesters.
Credits: 2
On Demand
TFT 224B Studio 5: Voice
Rigorous training in voice will take place in professional acting schools in New York City. 2 Credits Offered on demand.
Credits: 2
On Demand
TFT 224C Studio 5: Movement
Rigorous training in movement will take place in professional acting schools in New York City. 2 Credits Offered on demand.
Credits: 2
On Demand
TFT 225A Studio VI - Acting, Voice and Movement
Rigorous training in voice, movement, and acting will take place in professional acting schools in New York City for six semesters.
Credits: 1
On Demand
TFT 225B Studio 6: Voice
Rigorous training in voice will take place in professional acting schools in New York City. 1 Credits Offered on demand.
Credits: 1
On Demand
TFT 225C Studio 6: Movement
Rigorous training in movement will take place in professional acting schools in New York City. 1 Credits Offered on demand.
Credits: 1
On Demand
TFT 230 The Contemporary Performance Industry - Audition Prep
Understanding one's type, essence and differentiators are key components to a successful acting career. By exploring these concepts and applying them to audition material and audition technique, the actor will be able to make strong choices in audition material and presentation, and increase their odds of success in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Credits: 3
Every Fall
TFT 231 Business of Theatre, Film and Television
In this course, students are guided to approach the business as an "actorpreneur" ready to develop self-created works or artistic ventures in collaboration with partners. Students begin to understand the process of generating creative 'start-ups' and getting work out into the world to be recognized. Topics covered include pitching projects, accessing funding bodies, applying for grants, collaborating with the industry, promoting and producing independent theatre, and driving Film and TV projects.
Credits: 3
On Demand
TFT 244 On-Camera Performance IV
For this on-camera scene study class, students seek out robust, challenging material to improve their rehearsal and performance skills in front of the lens. Instructors support, guide, and rigorously challenge students and their character choices. Some work is in front of a camera, in close up, as students apply all of the skills they have developed. Students prepare and deliver challenging film/TV scenes with a scene partner over the course of the term.
Credits: 3
On Demand
TFT 260 Television Production I
Introduction to the principles and practice of multicamera TV studio production. This course covers the basic production roles and techniques including producing, directing, switching, scripting, shooting, audio, electronic graphics and on-camera performance. Students apply the skills learned in class to producing and directing a TV talk show and musical production.
Credits: 3
On Occasion
TFT 280 Performance in 21st Century Theatre and Media
This course provides students with the digital tools to enter the competitive landscape of the professional actor. Students will learn how to establish and maintain an online presence via casting platforms, websites and social media, as well as creating a filmed monologue and a scene to be used for their demo reels. They will learn how to prepare headshots and resumes, and will learn to develop websites and profiles on casting platforms, as well as becoming effective stewards on their social media presence. Students will become proficient in virtual auditions, and will explore audition techniques that are specific to digital platforms, and explore ways to market themselves and their work in a digital landscape.
Credits: 3
On Demand
TFT 287 Film and Television Studies
A survey of the history and development of world cinema and television. Through screenings and discussions, students study this twentieth-century art form as developed by various countries, individuals and movements. The development of cinema and television as an industry and a part of the larger economy; as a series of technical innovations, as a history of aesthetic forms, as a social, cultural and political force and as a reflection of the ideas of its society are explored.
Cross-Listings: MA 287, TFT 287
Credits: 3
Rotating Basis
TFT 288 Production Lab I
This course offers a comprehensive immersion into the realm of theatre production. Students are offered the opportunity to engage with theatre, film and television industry professionals employed in the areas of the industry not seen onstage or on-camera (design, management, casting, producing, etc.). Students are also offered hands-on experience working backstage on departmental productions, as well as the opportunity to attend off-campus productions in New York City.
Credits: 1
Every Fall
TFT 289 Production Lab II
This course offers a comprehensive immersion into the realm of theatre production. Students are offered the opportunity to engage with theatre, film and television industry professionals employed in the areas of the industry not seen onstage or on-camera (design, management, casting, producing, etc.). Students are also offered hands-on experience working backstage on departmental productions, as well as the opportunity to attend off-campus productions in New York City.
Credits: 1
Every Spring
TFT 290 Production Lab III
This course offers a comprehensive immersion into the realm of theatre production. Students are offered the opportunity to engage with theatre, film and television industry professionals employed in the areas of the industry not seen onstage or on-camera (design, management, casting, producing, etc.). Students are also offered hands-on experience working backstage on departmental productions, as well as the opportunity to attend off-campus productions in New York City.
Credits: 1
Every Fall
TFT 291 Production Lab IV
This course offers a comprehensive immersion into the realm of theatre production. Students are offered the opportunity to engage with theatre, film and television industry professionals employed in the areas of the industry not seen onstage or on-camera (design, management, casting, producing, etc.). Students are also offered hands-on experience working backstage on departmental productions, as well as the opportunity to attend off-campus productions in New York City.
Credits: 1
Every Spring
TFT 292 Production Lab V
This course offers a comprehensive immersion into the realm of theatre production. Students are offered the opportunity to engage with theatre, film and television industry professionals employed in the areas of the industry not seen onstage or on-camera (design, management, casting, producing, etc.). Students are also offered hands-on experience working backstage on departmental productions, as well as the opportunity to attend off-campus productions in New York City.
Credits: 1
Every Fall
TFT 293 Production Lab VI
This course offers a comprehensive immersion into the realm of theatre production. Students are offered the opportunity to engage with theatre, film and television industry professionals employed in the areas of the industry not seen onstage or on-camera (design, management, casting, producing, etc.). Students are also offered hands-on experience working backstage on departmental productions, as well as the opportunity to attend off-campus productions in New York City.
Credits: 1
Every Spring
TFT 294 Production Lab VII
This course offers a comprehensive immersion into the realm of theatre production. Students are offered the opportunity to engage with theatre, film and television industry professionals employed in the areas of the industry not seen onstage or on-camera (design, management, casting, producing, etc.). Students are also offered hands-on experience working backstage on departmental productions, as well as the opportunity to attend off-campus productions in New York City.
Credits: 1
Every Fall
TFT 295 Production Lab VIII
This course offers a comprehensive immersion into the realm of theatre production. Students are offered the opportunity to engage with theatre, film and television industry professionals employed in the areas of the industry not seen onstage or on-camera (design, management, casting, producing, etc.). Students are also offered hands-on experience working backstage on departmental productions, as well as the opportunity to attend off-campus productions in New York City.
Credits: 1
Every Spring
TFT 296 Internship
This course provides students with an opportunity to gain field experience in theater, film, television and entertainment organizations. Examples of appropriate organizations are BAM, St. Ann's Warehouse, Mark Morris Dance Group, Creative Artist Agency, Dreamworks, FOX Studios, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Sony Pictures Studio.
Credits: 3
On Demand
TFT 297 Capstone I
Students begin to create final projects in their chosen fields of theatre, film or television or any combination thereof. Mentors will guide students through the process of creating the outline for their projects so that by the end of the semester they are ready to go into production in Capstone II.
Credits: 3
On Demand
TFT 298 Capstone II
Students go into production on their final projects guided by their mentors. This project is the culmination of their studies in the BFA program and prepares them for the field of their choice in the professional realm.
Pre-req: TFT 297
Credits: 3
On Demand
TFT 299 Showcase
Students will perform monologues and scenes in front of a panel of invited industry casting directors.
Credits: 2
On Demand
TFT 351 Introduction to Dance
A studio survey course that offers the tools with which to participate in and appreciate dance and music in relation to dance. Students come to appreciate the body as an instrument capable of many forms of expression while they build strength, flexibility and control through the kinesthetic understanding of a basic movement vocabulary.
Credits: 1
Not Set
THE 111 The Art of Theatre
This core course gives students an overall experience and understanding of the art and craft of Theatre and the process of making it happen. Students learn about the history of theatre, the visual and kinaesthetic elements of production and performance, the audience as spectators, how to read and analyze plays and the use of space in creating the theatre experience for both performer and audience.
Credits: 3
Every Semester
THE 221 Introduction to Playwriting
The writing and structuring of monologues, scenes, one-act plays and, possibly, full-length plays. Emphasis is on particular limitations, possibilities and specific techniques of writing for the stage. Students may be given the opportunity to see their writing produced in workshops.
Credits: 3
On Occasion
THE 291 On-Camera Performance I
An introduction to the practice and principles of on-camera performance for broadcast and moving image media. Students work on writing and creating characters, auditioning skills (commercial vs dramatic), teleprompter news reading, improvisation and scene study. Using closed-circuit television interactively, students see their work each class.
Credits: 3
Rotating Basis
THE 293 On-Camera Performance III
An advanced workshop designed to enable a small group to work collaboratively on mastery of techniques learned in MA 1582. Emphasis is on audition technique and creating monologues.
Credits: 3
Rotating Basis
THE 294 On-Camera Performance IV
An upper level workshop designed to enable a small group to work collaboratively on mastery of techniques learned in THE 293. Continued work on audition techniques with additional focus on practical On-Camera techniques employed on film and television sets.
Credits: 3
Every Spring
THE 361 Directing I
The study and practice of directing for the theatre, emphasizing play selection and analysis, casting, rehearsal procedure, and the relationship of the director to the actor. Students learn staging in different performance environments. Prerequisite: At least one Theatre course or permission of the instructor.
Cross-Listings: MA 361, THE 275
Credits: 3
Every Fall
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