Oct 03, 2024  
2024-2025 Course Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Course Catalog

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Acting, Certificate

Location(s): Ankeny



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The Acting Certificate is designed to provide students of all backgrounds and experience an opportunity to train in a focused and objective acting training environment. The program functions in a professional model, with auditioning and performance opportunities. Coursework is designed to be practical; students will learn by doing and will be provided with practical industry knowledge that can prepare them to begin auditioning for professional productions. Acting training within The Simon Estes School of Fine Arts is intended to be a foundation upon which a sustainable career can be built, with tuition costs that are in relation to common early-career earning ability in this profession.

Faculty is made up of industry professionals who have professional credits in major acting markets and continue to work locally. Coursework is developed based on real-world industry knowledge and trends, with support of an experienced advisory board and other guest artists, and can be applied to the standalone certificate or be an additional area of focus for students intending to transfer to a four-year institution. Advising and mentorship from acting faculty is a major component of the program.

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Pathway: Design, Media, & the Arts


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start this program Fall and Spring semester


Program Graduation Requirements


To earn an Acting certificate, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.5 grade point average.

Semester 1


Semester 2


Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 28


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2
Books (approximate) $125 $125
Headshot and Resume $50-$350  
Rehearsal Items   $25-$125

Approximate total cost for the program: $5,729-$6,129**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


While our focus is to prepare you for a sustainable career as an actor, there are many other valuable skills you will learn while you practice the craft of acting, including:

  • Being present and in the moment.
  • Performing on stage, in class, and on camera for audiences.
  • Communication.
  • Empathy.
  • Collaboration.
  • Self-motivation.
  • Organization.
  • Ideation and creation.
  • Problem solving.
  • Turning constructive criticisms into positive outcomes.
  • Being goal-oriented.
  • Adaptability.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Yourself. An actor’s voice and body are their tools.
  • An open mind. 
  • A courage to create.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


  • Rehearsals typically take place weekday evenings and performances are on weekends.

Program Competencies


  1. Break down foundational, objective skills actors use to create dynamic, effective performances
  2. Integrate creative use of the tools actors use in storytelling
  3. Perform actions within a story’s imaginary circumstances that are truthful, clear, and dynamic
  4. Illustrate an ability to share clear and interesting performances in a variety of acting styles
  5. Generate comprehensive audition preparation
  6. Incorporate an ability to consistently display an understanding of how to navigate the business of acting in order to sustain a career in the field

AY2025

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at Academic Pathway website.(2024)

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