The Stage and Screen Acting Program (SSA) at UNLV is an exciting and innovative undergraduate program designed for students interested in pursuing a professional career on the stage and screen or preparing for further study at the graduate level. It offers conservatory-style studies for the serious acting student in all aspects of performance including stage acting, acting for film and television, as well as voice, movement, and speech training. The program offers a core acting curriculum and a robust array of elective performance courses.
The SSA program begins in the sophomore year. Admission to the program requires an audition. Auditions are by appointment and take place in spring semester of each academic year. To qualify for admission to the program, students must be entering their sophomore year and must complete the Theatre Department Pre-Major (THTR 199, THTR 200, THTR 230, THTR 231) before beginning the program. (Transfer students who have completed equivalent “pre-major "courses are eligible for admission to the program and will be placed at the appropriate level in the program).
Learning from Seasoned Professionals
SSA students will learn from seasoned professionals with extensive experience in national and international theatre, film and television. Many faculty members are veteran union members (AEA, SAG, AFTRA, DGA) and working actors and directors. Students will learn the practical aspects of the craft of acting on stage and on screen from artists who have spent time in the business and have outstanding teaching credentials.
Stage Experience
SSA students are eligible to audition for all Main Season and Second Season productions of the Nevada Conservatory Theatre (NCT), the production arm of the Department of Theatre. The NCT regularly features guest artists from around the country.
Working with the Best
Additionally, actors in the program participate in productions with the Nevada Conservatory Theatre, Las Vegas' premiere regional theater company, working with experienced professional actors and directors. Past guest actors at the NCT include Laura Gordon, Armin Shimerman, Wesley Mann, Brian Vaughn, Sally Struthers, Sandy Duncan, Erik Fredrickson, and many others. Recent guest directors include regional theatre veterans J.R. Sullivan, Melissa Maxwell, Paul Barnes, David Ivers, Harry Waters Jr., and many others.
Workshops
Workshops are often conducted with guest artists, talent agents, managers, and casting directors, providing SSA students with important contacts for careers after their training at UNLV.