BFA in Theatre

Students pursuing the BFA will complete 48 credit hours in the BFA core curriculum and 69 + credit hours in their area of concentration, for a total of approximately 117 credit hours. Admission into the BFA program is by audition/interview only.

The BFA in Theatre is a rigorous and competitive program of study for students interested in pursuing careers in the professional theatre. This pre-professional program is designed to combine intensive training with a liberal arts education. All aspects of theatre—art, craft, business and education—are examined, with a focus on theatrical production..

The expanded curriculum of the program embraces classes not only in theatre, but in dance, art and music.

The BFA curriculum is designed to immerse students in the practicalities of theatre production and the theatre world. Conservatory style training is augmented by traditional academic studies in theatre history, literature, criticism and play reading.

The overall objectives of the BFA in Theatre at WOU are as follows:

To provide a rigorous pre-professional BFA theatre training program to talented and qualified aspiring theatre professionals.
To create university theatrical productions of the highest standard
which challenge student artists and audiences with plays of depth and vibrancy that illuminate the strengths, frailties and diversity of the human condition.
To establish and maintain education and outreach programs for all
ages consistent with the artistic mission of the department.
To play a vital role in the cultural life of the Willamette Valley, Salem
and the region.

BFA Core Curriculum (48 Credit Hours)

TA 165 Production Dynamics (3)
TA 166 Text Analysis and Scene Study (3)
TA 167 Play Reading (3)

TA 244 Technical Theatre: Scenecraft (3)
TA 245 Technical Theatre: Lighting (3)
TA 246 Technical Theatre: Costuming (3)

TA 265 Acting I or TA 251 Elements of Acting (3)
TA 364 Play Direction (3)

Chose Five: (15)
TA 381 Greek, Roman and Medieval Theatre
TA 382 Renaissance Theatre
TA 383 European Theatre 1660-1875
TA 384 European Theatre 1875-Present
TA 385 American Theatre
TA 386 International Theatre

TA 395, 396, 397 Special Studies—Plays in Progress (6)

TA 453 Capstone Experience (3)

BFA Actor Training (69 Credit Hours)

D Beginning Dance Sequence (3)
TA 205 Stage Speech I (3)
TA 252 Technical Theatre: Makeup (3)
TA 253 Production Workshop: Play (5)
TA 255 Physical Studio I (3)
TA 261 Physical Studio II (3)
TA 271 Acting II (3)
TA 290 Voice I (3)
TA 305 Stage Speech II (3)
TA 351 Voice II (3)
TA 353 Production Workshop: Play (5)
TA 360 Contemporary Audition (3)
TA 368 Physical Studio III (3)
TA 370 Acting for the Camera (3)
TA 371 Acting III (4)
TA 394 Acting IV (4)
TA 405 Acting Shakespeare (3)
TA 420 Acting V (3)
TA 432 Styles I: Modernism (3)
TA 433 Styles II: Restoration/Manners (3)
TA 437 Acting Shakespeare II (3)

Note:. A combined total of twelve (12) credit hours in Mathematics, Computer Science or designated statistics courses is required for this degree. A minimum of one course in Mathematics and one course in Computer Science is required; any remaining required credit hours may be from either discipline or statistics. MTH 105, and CS 101 may not be used to meet any portion of this twelve (12) credit requirement.

A minor is not required for a B.F.A. in Theatre.

To be considered for the BFA Program all students must:

Submit an application to the Western Oregon University BFA prior to the scheduled audition/interview date. Auditions are at the beginning of Fall term every year.
Download application here. Example of resume.
Have taken or be in the process of taking TA 165 Production Dynamics and TA 166 Text Analysis. (Transfer students must consult with an advisor.)
Submit the following:
Letter of intent, providing highlights of previous theatre experience and plans for future development.
Resume.
Recommendation numbers from one or two teachers or directors or other theatre professionals familiar with the students work and potential.

The above must be submitted at least one day prior to the scheduled audition/interview date.

Acting Audition Preparation:

Prepare two monologues of not more than two minutes each. Do not exceed four minutes in total.
Bring current head shot or picture (black and white).
Monologues must be memorized.
Monologues may be chosen from any time period and should offer as much contrast as possible. One of the monologues must be from a contemporary realistic play. Choose roles in which you could be cast professionally at this point in your career and which show you off to your best advantage. Do not attempt roles out of your current age range and roles with European dialects.
On the day of the audition, arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled time of registration and general session. Dress appropriately in comfortable clothes. At the conclusion of your audition, you will be interviewed by the screening committee. The combined length of the interview audition is approximately twenty minutes.

Once enrolled in the program, all BFA Actor Training majors are required to audition for all department productions. Continuation in the program is determined by an annual review process.

Contact

Department of Theatre and Dance 503 838-8461 | or e-mail: eliassl@wou.edu

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WOU: Department of Theatre and Dance

Department of Theatre and Dance