Bachelor of Fine Arts

Program Description

The Department of Theatre offers comprehensive undergraduate programs, which are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. The department offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Performance and the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre Design and Technology which provide a concentrated theatrical background in acting, design, and technical theatre for students.

Career Opportunities

This degree enables and assists individuals seeking careers in the professional theatre and in higher education.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Department of Theatre is by AUDITION ONLY. There are a limited number of spaces in the Freshman class each year.

All applicants are AUTOMATICALLY considered for scholarships at the time of the audition.

• An accompanist will NOT be provided during Auditions. If singing, please bring a CD of your music, or you may choose to sing acapella.

Prospective students must submit the following:

• Audition Application
• Headshot (professional grade not necessary) and a Theatre Resumé
• A copy of your most recent transcript, including a cumulative GPA
• Two Letters of Recommendation from teacher/advisor that speak to applicant's academic and artistic abilities
• Interview including presentation of portfolio materials demonstrating previous theatre involvement (may include design/tech, dramaturgy, playwriting, or other supporting materials)

BFA Performance Track and BA acting focus must also prepare the following:

• Presentation of Audition - Two contrasting monologues, or one monologue and 16 bars of music, not to exceed 90 seconds total

If any part of your Audition Packet, (Audition Application, Headshot, Theatre Resume', recent Transcript, and two Recommendation Letters), is missing, it very well could delay a decision on whether or not you are accepted into the department.

Learning Outcomes

Theatre graduates will be able to demonstrate:

• General knowledge of all areas and methods of the theatrical production process.
• Knowledge of the theatre history and appreciation for dramatic literature of western civilization.
• Understanding of and basic proficiency in theatre design, technology, acting, directing, and writing.
• BFA Design and Technology students will demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in the professions of designing, implementing, and running theatrical productions.

Additional Program Requirements

All Theatre Majors are required to maintain a 2.75 GPA in their program of study.

Program of Study

This program requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 for all Theatre Courses. Students must earn at least a C grade in each field course; earn at least a C grade in each professional course; and maintain a total GPA of 2.75 based on the hours attempted, and an institutional GPA of 2.75.

Area A Essential Skills Required Hours: 9
ENGL 1101 (with a grade of "C" or better)
ENGL 1102 (with a grade of "C" or better)
Select one of the following courses:

Area B Institutional Options Required Hours: 4-5
COMM 1110
Select two of the following courses:

OR
Select one of the following courses:

Foreign Language 1001, 1002, 2001, or 2002
Any Area C-E course with a study abroad component.

Note: Students must complete Area B and Area D with a combined total of 15 credit hours within the following ranges: Area B, 4-5 hours; Area D1, 7-8 hours; Area D2, 3-4 hours. Any additional hours may be applied to Area F or beyond, depending on the program of study. Students should consult their advisors.

Area C Humanities/Fine Arts/Ethics Required Hours: 6
Select one of the following humanities courses:

Select one of the following fine arts courses:

*ITDS 1145, though listed under both humanities and fine arts, may be taken only once.

Area D Science/Math/Technology Required Hours: 10-11
D1: Select two science courses from the list below, one of which must include a lab.

D2: Select one of the following courses or a science course from above:

Note: Students must complete Area B and Area D with a combined total of 15 credit hours within the following ranges: Area B, 4-5 hours; Area D1, 7-8 hours; Area D2, 3-4 hours. Any additional hours may be applied to Area F or beyond, depending on the program of study. Students should consult their advisors.

Area E Social Sciences Required Hours: 12
Select one course from the following two courses:
HIST 2111
HIST 2112
Take the following course:
POLS 1101
Select one behavioral science course from the following courses:

Select one world cultures course from the following courses:

Wellness Requirement Required Hours: 3

PHED 1205
Select any one PEDS course.

Area F Courses Related to Major Required Hours: 18
("C" or better required in each course)

Area G Program Requirements Required Hours: 47
("C" or better required in each course) 

 

Area H Program Electives Required Hours: 7
("C" or better required in each course)
Select 7 semester hours from the following:

Area I Non-Major Electives Required Hours: 6

Total Hours Required: 123