Major code BF5161
(Admission by application and audition only)

The B.F.A. in theater performance is a rigorous program fostering creative, cognitive, and artistic skills. It is intended to advance the education and training of motivated, curious, self-reliant, adaptable theater artists capable of dealing with all aspects of theater and contributing to the relationship between theater and society. Theater and performance serve as the basis of the undergraduate fine arts education. Theater is approached technically as craft and art, but also as a way of looking at, interpreting, organizing, and expressing one's ideas and thoughts. We seek serious, disciplined students interested in demanding technical training, who want the art of theater and performance to be at the core of their education.

The B.F.A. in performance fosters diversification within the theater study and in disciplines essential to a liberal education. Formal application and audition into the Theater Performance Program (TPP) takes place during the freshman year. Transfer students from other programs and institutions are accepted provided they can meet the requirements of the program, the school, and university General Education.

The curriculum combines intensive studio instruction with further emphases on international and ensemble theater. Complementing a faculty of working professionals is an impressive visiting artist program, a developing study abroad program, and internships in the United States and abroad. Seniors are required to complete the practicum requirements in acting. The culminating experiences of the B.F.A. degree program are three quarters of acting practica, the senior project, and the senior showcase.

Required studio performance courses are the core of the program at all three-year levels. The sophomore year is dedicated to the acting foundation and the junior year to classical ensemble, leading to a senior year that emphasizes new work with original scripts and ensemble collaboration and the showcase. There is programmatic interaction with the MFA programs in Directing, Playwriting, and Acting. There is regular communication among the faculty to evaluate progress and resolve any issues germane to success in the program. A student who is struggling academically or programmatically may receive a letter of concern or be placed on probation.

Preparation for Admission to TPP

Freshman acting classes emphasize preparation and examination, i.e., preparation for the audition into the TPP and examination of skills, interests, and talents.