The MJJ Acting Academy Certificate Program is a four-semester conservatory-style training program designed and taught by professional actor Marc John Jefferies. The program takes students from foundational technique through scene study, advanced character work, and professional audition mastery — building a complete, career-ready actor over the course of four consecutive semesters.

Classes are held at our studio in New York City.

The Certificate Program consists of four mandatory courses taken in sequence:

• Semester 1: Core Acting Technique 101 — Imagination, character embodiment, foundational principles
• Semester 2: Scene Study for Film & Television — Script analysis, character objectives, industry terminology
• Semester 3: Core Acting Technique 201 — Presence, authenticity, layered character construction
• Semester 4: The Art of Auditioning — In-person and self-tape audition technique, professional readiness

The Certificate Program is open to serious actors at all levels of experience. To be considered for admission, applicants must:

• Be 18 years of age or older at the time of enrollment
• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to pursuing acting as a craft and profession
• Complete the application and submit all required audition materials

No prior professional credits are required. The program is designed to serve both emerging actors beginning their training and working actors seeking to deepen their technique.

All applicants must complete the online application form, which includes:

• Personal information and contact details
• A brief personal statement describing your acting experience (if any), your goals as a performer, and why you are seeking training at MJJ Acting Academy (250–500 words)
• A current headshot (professional quality preferred but not required)
• A current résumé listing any acting training, performance credits, or relevant experience (if applicable — a résumé is not required for applicants with no prior experience)

Start the online application

As part of your application, you will submit a recorded video audition consisting of two monologues — one contemporary dramatic and one contemporary comedic. Each monologue should be no longer than 90 seconds.

Applicants may also choose to schedule an in-person audition at our New York City studio. Contact admissions to arrange a date and time.

Your audition is not a test of how polished you are — it is an opportunity for us to see who you are as a performer and assess your potential for growth. We are evaluating:

• Authenticity: Are you genuinely connected to the material, or are you performing an idea of a character?
• Presence: Do you command attention? Can you hold a moment?
• Range: Can you demonstrate contrasting emotional and tonal registers across your two monologues?
• Trainability: Do we see raw material that will respond to rigorous, professional-level instruction?

We are not looking for perfection. We are looking for truth, commitment, and the willingness to do the work.

• Choose material that is age-appropriate and that you connect with personally
• Avoid overdone monologues — casting directors see the same pieces repeatedly, and so do we
• Select characters who want something. A monologue with a clear objective is always stronger than one that is purely reflective or descriptive
• Do not use material from musicals, unless it is a non-singing scene
• Original material or material written for you is not accepted — use published work only

International applicants are welcome and encouraged to apply. All application materials may be submitted in English. Video auditions are accepted from all locations. Please note that MJJ Acting Academy is unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time. International students are responsible for securing their own visa status if attending in person.

MJJ Acting Academy is committed to providing equal access to all qualified applicants. If you require accommodations during the application or audition process, please contact our admissions office and we will work with you to ensure a fair and accessible experience.

Prospective students may request a free class audit before applying. Auditing a class allows you to experience Marc's teaching style and the Academy environment firsthand. Contact admissions to schedule your audit.

For all admissions inquiries, contact us at admissions@mjjactingacademy.com or visit our contact page. We respond to all inquiries within 48 hours.

Accepted applicants will receive a welcome packet with complete enrollment instructions, class schedule, studio location details, and preparation guidelines for Semester 1. Seats are limited and confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis upon receipt of the enrollment deposit.