Acting & Musical Theatre
While we undertake the revision and innovation of our curriculum, the School of Theatre, Film & Television is not accepting applications for the 2023/2024 academic year for the BFA program in Acting. Our goal is to re-open applications for the revised program for Fall 2024.
Going forward, the School is no longer accepting applications for the BFA in Musical Theatre.
The BA program in Theatre will continue to accept applications for the 2023/24 academic year. This program will be engaged in a curricular reassessment process that will result in revised degree programs beginning in Fall 2024. Matriculating students who wish to change to the revised plans can do so at that time, after speaking with their academic advisors to assess impact on their time to graduation.
Learn more at tftv.arizona.edu/news/envisioning-the-future-of-the-school-of-theatre-film-television/.
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Theatre Production – Professional Actor Training
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Musical Theatre
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
- Our BFA programs in Acting and Musical Theatre are designed to prepare students for careers in the professional workplace.
- Acting and Musical Theatre students share the same rigorous core curriculum in acting, voice and movement and performance.
- Our program provides a conservatory-style training course within a university setting.
- Small classes allow our emphasis to remain on individualized attention, encouraging collaboration while working in an ensemble.
Performance Opportunities
The School offers very active production programs for performers in live performance modes and film, including:
Debut
All Freshman BFA Acting majors are in the Debut ensemble, and create and perform an original production focused on the process of acting.
Encore
Freshman Musical Theatre majors perform in a specially-created revue which celebrates the Broadway musical and the American Songbook.
Arizona Repertory Theatre (ART)
Sophomore, junior, and senior company members are cast every semester in the School of Theatre, Film & Television’s ART season, which produces two musicals, one Shakespeare play, and three other plays each year.
Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) Internship Program
The School of Theatre, Film & Television maintains an internship program with ATC, the state’s regional LORT B repertory theatre. Our acting/musical theatre interns:
- Perform in featured roles, as understudies or ensemble members in ATC productions
- Earn points in the AEA Equity Membership Candidate Program
- Receive academic course credit
Student Films
Students have the opportunity to work on multiple film productions each semester.
Acting
Eight semesters of Stanislavsky-based training covering various styles including Shakespeare, Chekhov, screen acting and audition techniques.
Voice and Movement
Four semesters of studio work, grounded in the Linklater approach to voice and various physical techniques.
Stage Combat
Classes in stage combat with the opportunity of testing for the Society of American Fight Directors.
On-Camera Technique
Classes in audition technique and film performance in partnership with faculty and BFA filmmakers.
Showcase
Professional development and business strategies culminating in a showcase for leading industry professionals from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and major regional markets.
BFA Academic expectations
A student’s good standing in the BFA Acting Theatre program is contingent upon the following criteria:
- Students must meet all University of Arizona Academic Standards for continuing status.
- Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in TAR Major course work.
Each student will meet with the Acting/Musical Theatre faculty at the end of each semester to evaluate their progress. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure they have completed all of the requisite course work for each year of study. If a student’s GPA within their major remains below a 3.0 for two semesters in a row, they will not be eligible to continue in the BFA program.
For more information contact Prof. Hank Stratton, Head of Acting,
Acting
Eight semesters of Stanislavsky-based training covering various styles including Shakespeare, Chekhov, screen acting, and audition techniques.
Voice And Movement
Four semesters of studio work, grounded in the Link later approach to voice and physical techniques.
Musical Theatre Voice Training
Eight semesters of private voice lessons.
Musical Theatre Performance Classes
Three semesters of musical theatre performance classes in varying styles and genres including New Musical Theatre, Golden Age, American Songbook and audition techniques.
Dance
Fundamentals of Musical Theatre Styles grounded in the techniques of ballet, jazz and tap are taught within the School of Theatre, Film & Television. Students also have the opportunity to take additional courses in the School of Dance.
Showcase
Professional development and business strategies culminating in a showcase for leading industry professionals from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and major regional markets.
BFA Academic Expectations
A student’s good standing in the BFA Musical Theatre program is contingent upon the following criteria:
- Students must meet all University of Arizona Academic Standards for continuing status.
- Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in TAR Major course work.
Each student will meet with the Acting/Musical Theatre faculty at the end of each semester to evaluate their progress. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure they have completed all of the requisite course work for each year of study. If a student’s GPA within their major remains below a 3.0 for two semesters in a row, they will not be eligible to continue in the BFA program.
For more information contact Prof. Danny Gurwin, Head of Musical Theatre
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