Theatre, Musical Theatre Concentration, B.F.A.

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Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre

(132 UNITS)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts prepares students for a professional career in theatre both in plays and musicals, and television and film. The program seeks students who exhibit exceptional talent, motivation and commitment, and combines rigorous coursework with ample opportunity to apply the training in performance.

In addition to the requirements for the major, students must meet all other university requirements for a bachelor’s degree. Please consult the Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree section in this catalog for complete information. Students must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in all courses applied toward the B.F.A.

To remain in the program, students must maintain a 3.0 G.P.A. in all performance area courses. They will be evaluated each semester on their cumulative work in class and in production by members of the performance faculty. The faculty will collectively recommend an annual, individual learning plan for each student to promote growth and success.

Theatre Studies (24 units)

Plus one of the following:

Performance and Production (20 units)

Production Activity (7 units)

Musical Theatre Concentration

This degree is for students who desire a professionally oriented education and training in musical theatre. Only those who exhibit exceptional talent, motivation and commitment will be admitted to the program.

After completing the sophomore level of course work, all students interested in and qualified for the Musical Theatre B.F.A. must jury (audition) for admission to the program (formal admission starts at the junior level). Students must pass juries in all three areas - voice, dance (tap, jazz and ballet) and acting - to be considered for admission. The top 10-12 candidates will be invited to the B.F.A. program. Students who don’t make the Musical Theatre B.F.A. can also be considered for the Acting B.F.A. Candidates who don’t make either program must opt for a non-performance emphasis (directing, playwriting, design/production, theatre education or applied studies).

Jury prerequisites: THTR 140A , THTR 141A , THTR 141B , THTR 240A and THTR 240B with a “B-” (2.7) or better in each course; THTR 200 with a “C” (2.0) or better; and an audition consisting of acting, singing and dance. MUS 101 must be taken to fulfill G.E. Category C.1 before taking THTR 181 .

Dance Courses (12 units, may be repeated)

Theatre Courses (18 units, may be repeated)

Electives (3 units)

Additional Information

All dance technique courses may be repeated for credit upon adviser recommendation.

Once accepted and enrolled in the B.F.A. program, students are required to audition each semester and accept any role in which they are cast until the degree program is completed.

Students admitted to the B.F.A. are on probationary status and must jury for retention by auditioning in acting, singing and dance at the end of each semester until completing the B.F.A. curriculum. The faculty has the authority to retain, dismiss or place candidates on probation. In addition to the juries, each student will be assessed on professionalism, collegiality and progress.