Theatre: Acting, BFA

for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Theatre, Acting Concentration

Acting Concentration

The BFA in Acting concentration provides intensive training, emphasizing professional readiness and preparing students for diverse opportunities across stage and screen.

In the first and second years, students are introduced to foundational techniques and ensemble collaboration. Building on this foundation, students in the third and fourth years continue their training in the Illinois Theatre Acting Studio, which includes classes in acting, voice and speech, and movement, along with specialized training in stage combat and dialects.

Students engage in scene work from modern and contemporary plays, musical theatre, Shakespeare, and acting for the camera. Through vocal and physical integration, collaboration, and bold storytelling across various styles and texts, students are encouraged to approach their craft in a healthy, sustainable manner while embracing innovative and daring artistry. From the second year onward, students participate in auditioning for department productions.

for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Theatre, Acting Concentration

Graduation Requirements

Minimum hours required for graduation: 128 hours.
Twelve hours of 300 and 400-level courses in the major must be taken on this campus.

University Requirements

Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree.  Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.

The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.

General Education Requirements

Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.

Composition I4-6
Advanced Composition3
fulfilled by THEA 304
Humanities & the Arts (6 hours)6
fulfilled by THEA 122 & THEA 208
Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours)6
Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours)6
Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course)3
Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course)3
Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) 3
Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I)6-10
Language Requirement (Completion of the third semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required)0-15

 Core Requirements for all Theatre Majors

FAA 101Arts at Illinois1
THEA 100Practicum I2
THEA 200Practicum II2
THEA 121Theatre Foundations: Performance3
THEA 122Theatre Foundations: Theory and Practice3
THEA 123Theatre Foundations: Production3
THEA 20821st Century Dramaturgy3
THEA 304Global Theatre Performance3
THEA 364Topics in Theatre History3
THEA 404Professional Career Development1
Total Hours24

Acting Concentration

THEA 175Fundamentals of Acting II3
THEA 270Relationships in Acting I3
THEA 271Voice and Movement I2
THEA 275Relationships in Acting II3
THEA 276Voice and Movement II2
THEA 371Acting Studio I: Dynamics1
THEA 372Acting Studio I: Voice2
THEA 373Acting Studio I: Movement2
THEA 374Acting Studio I: Acting3
THEA 375Acting Studio II: Dynamics1
THEA 376Acting Studio II: Voice2
THEA 377Acting Studio II: Movement2
THEA 378Acting Studio II: Acting3
THEA 400Practicum IV4
THEA 471Acting Studio III: Dynamics1
THEA 472Acting Studio III: Voice2
THEA 473Acting Studio III: Movement2
THEA 474Acting Studio III: Acting3
THEA 475Acting Studio IV: Dynamics1
THEA 476Acting Studio IV: Voice2
THEA 477Acting Studio IV: Movement2
THEA 478Acting Studio IV: Acting3
Total Hours49

General Non-Theatre Electives

General Non-Theatre Electives9

Summary of Credits for Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, concentration in Acting

General Education Requirements
Core Requirements for All Theatre Majors24
Acting Concentration Requirements49
General Non-Theatre Electives9
Free Electives as needed to total 128 hours
Total Credits for BFA in Theatre, concentration in Acting128

for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Theatre, Acting Concentration

Sample Sequence

This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
THEA 1001THEA 1001
THEA 1213THEA 1223
FAA 1011THEA 1753
Composition I or Language Other than English (3rd level)4Composition I or Language Other than English (3rd level)4
General Education course3General Education course3
General Education course3General Education course3
 15 17
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
THEA 2001THEA 2001
THEA 1233THEA 2083
THEA 2703THEA 2753
THEA 2712THEA 2762
General Education course3General Education course3
General Education course3General Education course3
 15 15
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
THEA 4001THEA 4001
THEA 3043THEA 3643
THEA 3711THEA 3751
THEA 3722THEA 3762
THEA 3732THEA 3772
THEA 3743THEA 3783
General Education course3Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3Free Elective course3
 18 18
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
THEA 4001THEA 4001
THEA 4711THEA 4751
THEA 4722THEA 4762
THEA 4732THEA 4772
THEA 4743THEA 4783
THEA 4041THEA 4792
General Non-Theatre Elective3General Non-Theatre Elective3
General Non-Theatre Elective3 
 16 14
Total Hours 128

for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Theatre, Acting Concentration

Student Learning Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrates a mature, effective ability to analyze, interpret, write critically and creatively, and discuss thoughtfully in the field of theatre and performance.
  2. Demonstrates ability to creatively engage in the collaborative process in rehearsal, construction, and performance of works for the stage.
  3. Demonstrates an ability to analyze, prepare, and perform in dramatic material including works from contemporary theatre, modern classics, Shakespeare, musical theatre, and media including film, television, and web, among others.
  4. Demonstrates increasing ability to recognize and adjust voice, speech, and movement skills (including stage combat techniques) in application to performance for the stage.
  5. Demonstrates an understanding of the expectations of professional practice in auditioning for and working in professional theatre, film, television, and other media.

for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Theatre, Acting Concentration

Theatre

Theatre Department website
Theatre Department faculty
4-122 Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2371
theatre@illinois.edu

College of Fine & Applied Arts

FAA College Website

Admissions

Overview of the College of Fine & Applied Arts Admissions & Requirements
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Undergrad Admissions
admissions@illinois.edu