Theatre, BFA
for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Theatre
Students pursuing this major select one of eight concentrations:
Acting
Arts & Entertainment Technology
Costume Design & Technology
Lighting Design & Technology
Scenic Design
Scenic Technology
Sound Design & Technology
Stage Management
Theatre Studies
The curricular concentrations in the Department of Theatre provide extensive preparation for the rigorous demands of a professional career in the theatre and allied arts.
The BFA is an intensive undergraduate professional training curriculum with concentrations in Acting, Costume Design and Technology, Lighting Design and Technology, Scenic Design, Scenic Technology, Sound Design and Technology, Stage Management, and Theatre Studies. The Theatre Studies concentration is intended for students who want to explore the many facets of theatre or plan to pursue advanced training in directing, dramaturgy, playwriting, arts management, social issues theatre, and theatre history and criticism.
As part of the application process, , prospective students must complete an interview and participate in auditions or portfolio reviews. Acting applicants should bring a resume/headshot and present 2 contrasting monologues of no more than 2 minutes each for their audition. Applicants who wish to pursue one of the concentrations in Design, Technology, or Management should bring a resume and a portfolio showing examples of their theatrical work, which can include a range of interests and experiences. Applicants who intend to pursue the Theatre Studies Concentration should present a writing portfolio that includes a resume and a short essay on theatre or another short, written creative work.
In the second year of study in the department, BFA Acting students are evaluated for promotion into the advanced studio classes in acting (Junior and Senior years.) In addition to successful completion of all classes in their first and second years, acceptance will be based on each student’s potential for professional-caliber performance.
As one of the Resident Producing Organizations at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, the Department of Theatre produces six or seven fully mounted productions each academic year. The theatres, rehearsal halls and shops of the Krannert Center serve as laboratories for theatre students, who have the opportunity to learn and to work alongside an outstanding staff of resident theatre professionals and visiting artists. In addition, the department sponsors a small experimental theatre space for student-written and student-directed productions.
All theatre majors must successfully complete production crew assignments at the Krannert Center under THEA 100 (Practicum I) and THEA 200 (Practicum II). Students working on Department of Theatre productions in their specific concentration area also take THEA 300 (Practicum III) or THEA 400 (Practicum IV.) Design, Technology, and Management concentration students will also receive practicum credit for working on productions in Lyric Theatre, Department of Dance and Events.
for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Theatre