About the B.F.A. in Acting
- Preparation for careers in theater, television and film
- Preparation for careers in directing, play and screenwriting, stage design
- Preparation for teaching
- Preparation for graduate study in theater and media studies
- Opportunities to perform in MainStage and studio productions
- Opportunities to study abroad at some of the top universities in the world
The Theater Arts program offers artistic education centered on maximizing the passions, talents and personal development of our students. We go beyond a traditional conservatory-style approach by creating opportunities for immersion in all aspects of theatrical creation. Our small size enables close interaction with faculty in an intimate liberal arts setting. Our proximity to Philadelphia’s dynamic theater community connects students with industry professionals (who work with us as instructors and guest artists) and professional opportunities beyond campus. Students are encouraged to develop their talents and also to study globally and educate themselves in a wider world of cultures and ideas.
The Theater Arts program provides students with a rigorous four-year sequential course of study in acting, the speaking and singing voice, speech, movement for actors, and dramatic literature. In addition, there are offerings in acting and directing for the camera, stage combat, dance, improvisation, mask, make-up, and audition techniques.
Theater Arts majors also participate actively in the life of the University through four Main Stage productions per year.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting degree provides the opportunity to prepare for a career in
- professional theater
- television
- film
An audition is required for admission to program.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting
The B.F.A. is an intensive four-year sequential course of study in acting, the speaking voice, speech, movement, dramatic literature and the history of the theater, supplemented by skills in stage combat, dance, gymnastics, improvisation, mask work, make-up, and audition techniques. The schedule is rigorous; in a typical week, a student works directly with faculty for 27 to 40 hours and spends a comparable amount of time in preparation.
The first two years of training focus on the development of the actor’s imagination and an exploration of his or her inner resources as they relate to the external demands of the craft. Students in their first semester of their first year of study are not allowed to audition for departmental productions, in order to allow them time to focus on their coursework and to adjust to college life. Admission to the third and fourth years is by invitation of the faculty. During the third and fourth years, classroom work broadens to consider the elements of style and modes of behavior in various historical periods. B.F.A. candidates are continuously engaged in rehearsal and public performance.
The productions provide a wide range of opportunities for performance and production work. They are directed by visiting artists and resident faculty, all of whom are working theater professionals.
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