Acting (BFA)

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Program Information

BFA students are expected to complete course-based performance assessment and must maintain a major-level GPA of 3.0 (“B” average) in theatre-based courses and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (“C” average).
The program is committed to student success and therefore will admit students who have the skill and, most importantly, the commitment to be successful in this professional degree program. All student candidates for the degree must interview and audition. This review process is conducted by a faculty panel.
The department requires every BFA Acting student to complete an annual interview and performance jury with a panel made up of theatre performance faculty.
BFA students will complete a significant internship during their course of study. This important practical component to the degree helps ensures students are ready to enter their chosen profession.
All students complete a Capstone which will develop original scholarship that critically evaluates and analyzes their creative practice through a written and oral defense presentation to faculty within their discipline.
Exit interviews will be held for all graduating seniors.
Every student is required to abide by the policies and procedures set up in the Departmental Student Handbook.

Admission Requirements

The BFA admission process seeks evidence that each applicant possess the talent, artistic and collaborative sensibility, and most importantly, a strong sense of commitment to be successful in the program. Candidates for the BFA degree will interview with faculty and audition. Students may audition for entry into the BFA program upon admission to the University, or after completing their freshman year in Theatre Arts. Students in their sophomore, junior, or senior year are not eligible for admission to the BFA program without chair approval.

General Education Requirement (28+ Credits)

See General Education for course options.

Core Course Requirements (12+ Credits)
Breadth Area Requirements (16+ Credits)

Acting Curriculum (90 Credits)

BFA Theatre Core Requirements (27 Credits)

THEA 1033 - Acting I: Introduction to Acting 3 Credit(s)
THEA 1113 - Voice and Diction I 3 Credit(s)
THEA 1713 - Script Analysis 3 Credit(s)
THEA 1813 - Design Analysis 3 Credit(s)
THEA 2713 - Dramatic Literature 3 Credit(s)
THEA 3613 - Directing I 3 Credit(s)
THEA 3713 - Theatre History: The Classic Theatre 3 Credit(s)
THEA 3723 - Theatre History: Realism, Post-Realistic, and Contemporary Theatre 3 Credit(s)
THEA 4890 - Internship 3-12 Credit(s) (must complete 3 credits) 3 Credit(s)

Acting Requirements (63 Credits)

Performance Course Requirements (28 Credits)

DANC 2080 - Improvisation 1 Credit(s)
THEA 1041 - Performance Seminar 1 Credit(s)
THEA 1221 - Make-Up for the Actor 1 Credit(s)
THEA 1613 - Theatrical Production 3 Credit(s)
THEA 1641 - Theatrical Production Lab 1 Credit(s)
THEA 2033 - Acting II 3 Credit(s)
THEA 2112 - Movement I 2 Credit(s)
THEA 3033 - Acting III: Shakespeare 3 Credit(s)
THEA 3212 - Movement II 2 Credit(s)
THEA 4140 - Rehearsal and Performance 1-3 Credit(s) (must take for minimum of 5 credits) 5 Credit(s)
THEA 4412 - Acting VI: Professional Portfolio 3 Credit(s)
THEA 4471 - BFA Showcase 3 Credit(s)

Acting Course Requirements (24 Credits)

Dance Courses (4 Credits)

Higher placement by audition available.

Theatre Courses (20 Credits)

THEA 2113 - Voice and Diction II 3 Credit(s)
THEA 2513 - Theatrical Design 3 Credit(s)
THEA 3123 - Acting IV: Classical I 3 Credit(s)
THEA 4102 - Movement III: Suzuki Training 2 Credit(s)
THEA 4133 - Stage Combat 2 Credit(s)
THEA 4153 - Acting V: Classical II 3 Credit(s)
THEA 4611 - Directing II Lab 1 Credit(s)
THEA 4613 - Directing II: Methods Approach 3 Credit(s)

Support Courses (11 Credits)

Students must complete a minimum of 11 credits of additional study under the AA, DANC, ENGL, HIST, MUSC, or THEA prefixes. Courses must be approved by students’ assigned faculty advisor.

Free Electives and University Requirements

Students’ total free elective credit is determined by their General Education courses taken, degree type selected (if applicable), additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Some students and/or programs may not have any free electives.

For a bachelor’s degree, students must earn

A minimum of 120 total credits;
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in both SUU coursework and combined transfer/SUU coursework;
40 upper-division credits , 20 of which are earned from SUU (students may need to select additional upper-division courses not included in their major requirements in order to reach this minimum 40); and
30 credits completed through SUU.

Total Credits, BFA Degree: 120

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting will:

Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of theatre including script analysis, theatre history, and dramatic literature.
Critically evaluate works of theatre by placing them in appropriate historical context and evaluating the aesthetic components.
Demonstrate skills necessary for employment within theatre and related disciplines.
Demonstrate the professional attitudes and values of each discipline, which include respecting the collaborative process, meeting deadlines, punctuality, and professional responsibility.
Communicate effectively with diverse audiences through on-going oral and written presentations.

Intended Objectives

Undergo evaluation by external reviews in several of the following ways: professional auditions; graduate school admissions; Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival Adjudications; U/RTA Auditions and internship placement; and
Be prepared for advanced training or entrance into the profession.