Actor Training
While we undertake the revision and innovation of our curriculum, the School of Theatre, Film & Television is not accepting applications for the 2024/2025 academic year for the BFA program in Acting. Our goal is to re-open applications for the revised program for Fall 2026.
Going forward, the School is no longer accepting applications for the BFA in Musical Theatre.
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
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
- Our BFA program in Acting is designed to prepare students for careers in live theatre, film and television.
- 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.
TFTV Theatre Season
Sophomore, junior, and senior company members are cast every semester in the School of Theatre, Film & Television’s ART season, which currently produces two musicals, one Shakespeare play, and one other play each year.
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. Danny Gurwin, Head of Acting,
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