Theater Performance Major (B.F.A.)—Acting or Musical Theater Tracks

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Major codes BF5048/BF5049

College of Fine Arts
School of Theater
Kantner Hall 307B
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4818
Fax: 740.593.4817
theater@ohio.edu
www.finearts.ohio.edu/theater/

Merri Biechler, contact person
biechler@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The B.F.A. in Performance is a rigorous program fostering creative, cognitive, and artistic skills. This degree is comprised of two tracks, Acting or Musical Theater. Students can be accepted into either the Acting track or the Musical Theater track. It is intended to advance the education and training of motivated, curious, self-reliant, adaptable theater artists. Studio classes emphasize the authentic use of self, the reality of doing, the collaborative process and the acquisition and mastery of performance skills. Advanced courses introduce a wide range of approaches to the craft of performance and the further development of the actor’s instrument.

We seek serious, disciplined students committed to rigorous training, who want the art of theater and performance to be at the core of their education. Students are evaluated at the end of each semester, and continuing status in the program is based on successful completion of all required coursework as well as positive evaluations from all performance area faculty. All theater majors are required to attain a minimum grade of C (2.0) in any theater course required for graduation. A student who is struggling academically or programmatically will receive a letter of concern or be placed on probation.

During the first two years, each B.F.A. candidate in performance should complete much of the theater core as well as the General Education requirements. Careful and consistent faculty supervision and advising are an integral part of the B.F.A. in performance.

Once accepted into the performance program, opportunities include a minimum of two significant acting experiences in our Theater programming, either in main stage offerings, studio or laboratory productions. Performance students may also work in the development and production of new plays. There is programmatic interaction with M.F.A. candidates in directing, playwriting, and acting. A wide range of internship, study abroad and off-campus opportunities are available for interested students.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

Students wishing to enter the School of Theater’s Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program (BFA) must audition/interview for entrance into the program. Students must also apply and meet the general University requirements in order to be accepted.

Change of Program Policy

Admission to the B.F.A. Acting program is by application, interview and audition only. Upon successful admission, change of major paperwork should be initiated by the student at the Theater Division Office or the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Office.

Transfer Students

Ohio University recognizes several kinds of transferable credits for students who have completed general education courses at other universities or regional campuses, as well as many courses in their major. Some of these courses have been pre-identified for transfer as described in the University System of Ohio’s Transfer Assurance Guides (TAGs).

Transfer students wanting to enter any Theater Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program (BFA) must audition/interview for entrance into the program. Theater courses taken at other universities that are not pre-identified by TAGs are evaluated by the Theater faculty to determine the internal transfer equivalency. The transfer evaluation can be based on a course by course analysis of a student’s academic transcript; a catalog comparison of course descriptions or syllabi; an interview with student; and/or an observation of skill assessment in classes.

Once the internal transfer equivalency is completed by the faculty, the information is sent to the College of Fine Arts for approval. If approved, the transfer credits are applied to the student’s records.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Graduating performance majors have the skill set necessary to craft vivid and specific performances in any medium. They are prepared with the business acumen and audition skills that will ready them to compete for professional acting work. Many seniors are offered internships upon graduation. Students are also prepared for acceptance into graduate studies, including M.F.A. Professional Actor Training Programs or an M.A. in Theater Studies.