The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre with concentrations in Acting and Design was created for students (usually with a single major in Theatre) who have a sincere commitment to a career in professional Theatre.
Who is eligible?
All Freshmen Theatre majors may audition. Sophomores may audition—please note that the curriculum has been designed in sequential tracks that may influence your graduation date.
What is so different about the BFA?
The BFA is designed to assist the Theatre student in a more concentrated and focused study of Theatre. Courses will build sequentially allowing for the student to follow a guided track to graduation. The BFA is a sixty (60) credit program which has many of the same University and College of Arts and Letters requirements. One exception is that the BFA student is not required to take foreign language courses. The curriculum information will be posted on the callboard, available in the main office and also in the Green Room.
What if I don’t make it into the BFA program?
With very few exceptions, most courses are open to the Bachelor of Arts students. Students not selected will be given a list of areas of improvement and may also audition again in the Spring of the next year.
I have two majors, is this program for me?
It is possible to graduate with another major and the BFA, but it may mean extra time at school.
What kind of a commitment does the BFA require?
This program is designed for the serious and devoted Theatre major. It is expected that the BFA student would become an integral part of the department either by auditioning for shows or assisting in the design, build, or construction process.
Would a BFA look better on my resume?
A BFA implies more specific training in your area of choice.
Will the BFAs be cast more than a BA in production?
Being on the BFA track does not guarantee a role in any production.
The Department of Theatre design faculty are looking for students who display potential in Theatrical Design and Technology.
Applicants for the BFA in Theatre Design will present a portfolio in an interview session. If you have previous theatre design experience, you will want to include sample designs from these projects - sketches, drafting, renderings, light plot/hook-up, and photos of finished scenery, costumes, lighting, makeup, construction, props or scene painting.
Your portfolio may include examples of free hand drawing, sketches of still life objects, the human figure, animals, portraiture, painting, sculpture, architecture, print, poster and sign design, as well as computer graphic work. Class projects and photos of production work are also encouraged for submission.
Feel free to choose a format or a mix of formats that is convenient for you - digital files, photos, sketchbooks, scrapbooks, color photocopies, or slides.
You must have a current resume for application.
The Department of Theatre acting faculty are looking for students who display potential in a professional acting career in Theatre.
The auditions for actors will consist of one monologue of the candidate’s choosing. The monologue should be no longer than ninety seconds in length followed by a short personal interview regarding your thoughts on acting and future plans. The actor will also memorize a short scene from The Shape of Things by Neil Labute (a script has been provided in the Green Room and the scenes are available next to the sign up sheet.). Male candidates should memorize the Adam lines and female candidates should memorize the Evelyn lines. Following all of the monologue presentations, the acting faculty will begin working with candidates in pairs on the scene. Please have read the play and be prepared to discuss your choices. Actors should display their ability to connect with their partner in the scene as well as invention and versatility in both pieces for inclusion into the program.
You must have a current resume for application.