BFA Theatre
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre degree (BFA Theatre) is ideal for students who want a clearly defined concentration for their study of theatre, with training that centers practical, hands-on experience as the core of their education. Actors may choose between concentrations in either Musical Theatre Performance or Acting for Film and Theatre, while the Design and Technology concentration gives young designers an interdisciplinary exposure to scenic design, costume design, lighting design, sound design, properties design, stage management, and more. Students of all concentrations also study theatre history and dramatic literature, to root their work in a strong academic context. The BFA allows for wide career flexibility; graduates of the BFA program may begin their careers immediately as young professionals of their chosen field, or they seek further education and training at the graduate level.
Please note: all students intending to earn a BFA Theatre degree (Musical Theatre Performance, Acting for Film and Theatre, or Design and Technology) will begin their undergraduate career in the BA Theatre program. Prospective students will audition or apply (depending on their concentration) at the end of their first year of study.
Acting for Film and Theatre
The Concentration in Acting for Film and Theatre includes classes in directing, stage management, voice and speech, physical performance, and all levels and traditions of acting; including Shakespeare, devised theatre, contemporary approaches, and acting for camera. Students are also encouraged to take electives in other areas of the performing arts to supplement and expand their abilities—video production in the School of Media Arts, for example. Graduates of the Acting for Film and Theatre concentration will enter the industry with strong and rigorous training in performance for the stage and screen, having performed across a variety of genres and media.
Design and Technology
The Concentration in Design and Technology is a hands-on professional education program. Our students apply what is learned in the classroom in productions on campus and with professional companies across the region. In addition, our program maintains strong contacts with our professional organizations through active participation from our faculty, staff, and graduate students. Design and Technology concentration students work on several productions every year, giving them hundreds of hours of job-training. Our graduates are competitive in the marketplace, graduating with rich resumes and interview skills that make them well-qualified to continue training in an advanced degree program or move directly into the industry.
Musical Theatre Performance
The Concentration in Musical Theatre Performance is a fully interdisciplinary degree drawing on the strengths of the Dance, Music, and Acting programs at the 91´ÎÔª. The and the School of Theatre and Dance are partners in this dynamic and rigorous training program, preparing students for careers in musical theatre. Students are required to take courses in acting, singing, and dance every semester, including specialized musical theatre classes in auditioning, duet performance, and ensemble work. One-on-one voice lessons blend classical technique with contemporary commercial music styles, and comprehensive dance training includes musical theatre styles, modern, jazz, tap, ballet, and choreography.