Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre provides intensive specialized coursework for students seeking professional training in one of two separate tracks: Performance and Production.

Performance Track

The Performance BFA has two 130-credit tracks in either Acting or Musical Theatre.

• The Acting track focuses on developing a deepened, strengthened, and professional level of competency in acting and a sense of identity as a performing artist.
• The Musical Theatre track combines three major performing disciplines: Music, Dance, and Theatre, training students to succeed as versatile performing artists.

Acting Specialization

The Acting specialization builds on the objectives of the department's core curriculum to develop within the student a deepened, strengthened, and professional level of competency in acting. It prepares students for advanced graduate study in performance or entry into the profession of theatre practice. Key areas of focus include:

• Essential acting theories
• Principles of voice production
• Flexible speech techniques
• Physical communication
• Physical structures of character
• Principles of Dramatic Action and Storytelling
• Personal artistic practice

Musical Theatre Specialization

The Musical Theatre specialization trains students to succeed as versatile performing artists by combining music, dance, and theatre disciplines. Students are trained thoroughly in:

• Music (voice, theory and musicianship, piano, large and small music ensembles)
• Dance (history of the musical theatre art form, ballet, tap, jazz, and theatre dance)
• Theatre (acting, play analysis, and theatre production)

Production Track

The Production BFA is a singular 120-credit track embracing all areas of production, including design, costume, prop, scenery, lighting, sound, and stage management. This program trains students to be competitive in a variety of fields, including technical production, stage management, and design.

Production Specialization

The Production specialization utilizes the foundation of theatre to explore the uniquely collaborative artistic and artisanal processes that create and support compelling storytelling in live performance. The program allows for specialization in areas such as:

• Costumes
• Lighting
• Properties
• Scenery
• Sound/video
• Stage management It is flexible enough for cross-disciplinary studies tailored to the student's specific interests.

Program Structure and Requirements

• The BFA curriculum supports student exploration of theatrical processes, including new works and the established canon of dramatic literature.
• Students must continue to show artistic growth and progress and meet academic grade requirements to continue in the program.
• Admission to each BFA track is selective, and progress reviews are conducted each semester, allowing for direct feedback to the student and a chance to explore changing interests or career paths.