The Department of Screen Acting at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) has a rich legacy dating back to the institute’s inception. Over the decades, the department has trained many of India’s most respected actors, including recipients of national and international awards, as well as prestigious civilian honours such as the Padma Awards. In 2024, one of its alumni was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest recognition in cinema. The alumni network also includes individuals who have contributed to the nation as Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament.
The department is housed in its own dedicated building, equipped with modern and well-designed facilities. These include two fully air-conditioned studio-cum-classrooms with wooden flooring, mirror walls, and professional acoustic treatment. The studios are named after distinguished alumni and renowned actors Tom Alter and Om Puri. The campus also features an amphitheater, an open activity area, and a heritage studio located within the historic Prabhat Studio, named after the legendary acting teacher Roshan Taneja.
With a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on training, the department is guided by experienced faculty who focus on developing skilled, creative, and thoughtful actors. The aim is to nurture performers who can contribute meaningfully to cinema, theatre, and the broader performing arts landscape
The Master of Fine Arts in Cinema (MFA – Screen Acting) is a two-year, full-time program spread across four semesters, with an intake of 16 students. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of acting for both stage and screen, while preparing students for the demands of the professional industry.
In the first semester, students undergo a common foundation module that introduces them to the basics of filmmaking, including direction, cinematography, sound, editing, screenplay writing, art direction and production design. Alongside this, they are trained in core acting techniques such as improvisation, sensory work, imagination, and emotional exploration. Second semester culminates in a full-length theatre production, allowing students to experience live performance and develop stage discipline.
In the third semester, the focus shifts towards screen acting, with detailed work on character development, script analysis, and on-camera performance techniques. During semester four students also participate in workshops and masterclasses conducted by experienced actors, directors, and industry professionals, gaining valuable practical exposure.
The program emphasizes holistic training, including voice and speech, movement, psychological gestures, character study, improvisations, monologue and scene work, as well as physical disciplines such as yoga, kalarippayattu, chau, thangta, stunts and action and contemporary dance. The course concludes with a Thesis Film project, where students apply their learning in a professional filmmaking environment.
Program Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
Total Credits: 80
Total Seats: 16
Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in any discipline