BFA in Theatre
Students pursuing the BFA will complete 39 credit hours in the BFA core curriculum and 62 + credit hours in their area of concentration, for a total of approximately 101 credit hours. Admission into the BFA program is by audition/interview only. See BFA Admissions.
The BFA in Theatre is a rigorous and competitive program of study for students interested in pursuing careers in the professional theatre. This pre-professional program is designed to combine intensive training with a liberal arts education. All aspects of theatre—art, craft, business and education—are examined, with a focus on theatrical production. The BFA in Theatre provides an expanded curriculum with more performance / classroom collaboration and provides students with internship opportunities within the public and private sectors by virtue of the program’s professional affiliation with Salem Repertory Theatre, the only professional theatre in the Willamette Valley.
The expanded curriculum of the program embraces classes not only in theatre, but in dance, art and music.
The BFA curriculum is designed to immerse students in the practicalities of theatre production and the theatre world. Conservatory style training is augmented by traditional academic studies in theatre history, literature, criticism and play reading.
The overall objectives of the BFA in Theatre at WOU are as follows:
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To provide a rigorous pre-professional BFA theatre training program to talented and qualified aspiring theatre professionals.
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To create university theatrical productions of the highest standard
which challenge student artists and audiences with plays of depth and vibrancy that illuminate the strengths, frailties and diversity of the human condition. -
To establish and maintain education and outreach programs for all
ages consistent with the artistic mission of the department. -
To play a vital role in the cultural life of the Willamette Valley, Salem
and the region.
BFA IN THEATRE
The following is a complete outline of the curriculum for the BFA in Theatre for each of the six areas of concentration. (Students must also complete university requirements as outlined in the WOU course catalogue.)
BFA Core Curriculum (45 Credit Hours)
TA 165 Production Dynamics (3)
TA 166 Text Analysis and Scene Study (3)
TA 167 Play Reading (3)
TA 244 Technical Theatre: Scenecraft (3)
TA 245 Technical Theatre: Lighting (3)
TA 246 Technical Theatre: Costuming (3)
TA 260 Acting I or TA 251 Elements of Acting (3)
Chose Five: (15)
TA 381 Greek, Roman and Medieval Theatre
TA 382 Renaissance Theatre
TA 383 European Theatre 1660-1875
TA 384 European Theatre 1875-Present
TA 385 American Theatre
TA 386 International Theatre
TA 364 Play Direction (3)
TA 395, 396, 397 Special Studies—Plays in Progress (6)
BFA Actor Training (72 Credit Hours)
D Beginning Dance Sequence (3)
TA 205 Stage Speech I (3)
TA 252 Technical Theatre: Makeup (3)
TA 253 Production Workshop: Play (5)
TA 255 Physical Studio I (3)
TA 261 Physical Studio II (3)
TA 271 Acting II (3)
TA 290 Voice I (3)
TA 305 Stage Speech II (3)
TA 351 Voice II (3)
TA 353 Production Workshop: Play (5)
TA 360 Contemporary Audition (3)
TA 368 Physical Studio III (3)
TA 370 Acting for the Camera (3)
TA 371 Acting III (4)
TA 394 Acting IV (4)
TA 405 Acting Shakespeare (3)
TA 406 Independent Study: Capstone Thesis (3)
TA 420 Acting V (3)
TA 432 Styles I: Modernism (3)
TA 433 Styles II: Restoration/Manners (3)
TA 437 Acting Shakespeare II (3)
BFA Production—Lighting Design, Costume Design, Scenic Design, Technical Production, Stage Management
(74 Credit Hours Total: 48 Production Core / 26 Production Area)
Production Core (48 credit hours)
A 204, 205, 206 Art History Sequence (9)
TA 247 Technical Theatre: Sound
TA 252 Technical Theatre: Makeup
A 131 Beginning Drawing Systems (3)
TA 253/353 Production Workshop (9)
TA 334 Stage Management (3)
TA 336 Stage Properties (3)
TA 338 History of Architecture and Décor (3)
TA 343 Costume Design (3)
TA 345 Scenic Painting I (3)
TA 346 Scenic Design (3)
TA 348 Lighting Design (3)
Individual Area Requirements (26 Credit Hours)
Lighting Design
A 117 Beginning Design: Color (3)
TA 347 Drafting for Theatre (3)
TA 354/454 Production Design (Lighting) (4)
TA 406 Independent Study: Capstone Thesis (3)
TA 407 Seminar in Related Field (3)
TA 412 Portfolio Review (1)
TA 446 Advanced Scenic Design: CAD (3)
TA 447 Digital Imagery for Theatre (3)
TA 448 Advanced Lighting Design (3)
Scenic Design
TA 347 Drafting for Theatre (3)
TA 349 Scenic Design Studio (3)
TA 354/454 Production Design (Scenery) (4)
TA 406 Independent Study: Capstone Thesis (3)
TA 407 Seminar in Related Field (3)
TA 412 Portfolio Review (1)
TA 445 Scenic Painting II (3)
TA 446 Advanced Scenic Design: CAD (3)
TA 447 Digital Imagery for Theatre (3)
Costume Design
A 135 Beginning Life Drawing (3)
A 335 Intermediate Drawing (3)
TA 308 History of Fashion (3)
TA 344 Costume Crafts (3)
TA 354/454 Production Design (Costuming) (4)
TA 406 Independent Study: Capstone Thesis (3)
TA 412 Portfolio Review (1)
TA 436/536 Advanced Costuming (3)
TA 443 Advanced Costume Design (3)
Technical Production
TA 347 Drafting for Theatre (3)
TA 355/455 Production Management (4)
TA 406 Independent Study: Capstone Thesis (3)
TA 407 Seminar in Related Field (3)
TA 412 Portfolio Review (1)
TA 434 Advanced Scenecraft (3)
TA 445 Scenic Painting II (3)
TA 446 Advanced Scenic Design: CAD (3)
TA 447 Digital Imagery for Theatre (3)
Stage Management
TA 355/455 Production Management (12)
TA 406 Independent Study: Capstone Thesis (3)
TA 407 Seminar in Related Field (3)
TA 412 Portfolio Review (1)
Additional Electives (7)
Note:. A combined total of twelve (12) credit hours in Mathematics, Computer Science or designated statistics courses is required for this degree. A minimum of one course in Mathematics and one course in Computer Science is required; any remaining required credit hours may be from either discipline or statistics. MTH 105, and CS 101 may not be used to meet any portion of this twelve (12) credit requirement.
Breakdown of BFA in Theatre
| BFA Core Curriculum | 39 credit hours |
| BFA Discipline | 62 credit hours |
| LACC | 55 credit hours |
| Electives | 24 credit hours (11 UD) |
| Total | 180 credit hours |
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Submit an application to the Western Oregon University BFA Program by the end of winter term of their freshman year.
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Have taken or be in the process of taking TA165 Production Dynamics and TA166 Text Analysis. (Transfer students must consult with an advisor.)
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Submit the following:
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Letter of intent, providing highlights of previous theatre experience and plans for future development.
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Resume
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Recommendation letters from two teachers or directors or other theatre professional familiar with the student's work and potential
The above must be submitted at least one week prior to the scheduled audition/interview date.
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Prepare two monologues of not more than two minutes each. Do not exceed four minutes in total.
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Bring current head shot or picture (black and white)
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Monologues must be memorized.
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Monologues may be chosen from any time period and should offer as much contrast as possible. One of the monologues must be from a contemporary realistic play. Choose roles in which you could be cast professionally at this point in your career and which show you off to your best advantage. Do not attempt roles out of your current age range and roles with European dialects.
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On the day of the audition, arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled time of registration and general session. Dress appropriately in comfortable clothes. At the conclusion of your audition, you will be interviewed by the screening committee. The combined length of the interview audition is approximately twenty minutes.
Once enrolled in the program,
all BFA Actor Training majors
are required to audition for all
department productions. Continuation
in the program is determined by
an annual jury and review process
Costume, Light, Set Design; Stage
Management, Technical Theatre
Preparation:
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Admittance to the BFA in Theatre—Costume, Light, Set Design; Stage Management or Technical Theatre is based on an interview with the theatre department faculty.
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On the day of the interview, arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled time of registration and general session. The length of the interview is approximately twenty minutes.
A BFA is a pre-professional degree. It is intended for students who demonstrate a reasonable potential to succeed in the profession. The limitations for acceptance are based on accepted national standards and criteria. No more than seven to ten students will be accepted in the program each year.
The number of students admitted to the BFA in Theatre is limited. Priority is given to students who:
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Demonstrate a reasonable potential to succeed as a professional in their chosen area of concentration. Acceptance is based on potential for growth more than acquired skills.
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Have shown a work ethic and commitment to work in keeping with
professional standards—initiative, responsibility, reliability. -
Possess the intellect, interest and aptitude to successfully complete the
academic requirements of the program, as demonstrated by overall GPA and GPA in the major. -
Manifest a positive, professional attitude toward class work, assignments, production workshops and projects during their freshman year.
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Demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively with others, communicate clearly, and assume a position of leadership and responsibility within the program.
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Can exercise a positive influence on the overall learning environment of the program.
Evaluation of these criteria will
be based largely on faculty assessment
of students during their freshman
year performance in TA 165, Production
Dynamics, TA 166, Text Analysis
and TA 253, Production Workshop.
Continuation in the BFA Program is contingent upon an annual evaluation. The criteria used to determine the success of a student within the program is based on a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and 3.0 in the major and a student’s ability to demonstrate continued progress in their area of concentration as evidenced in their class work, production work and annual juries.
Faculty will carefully assess student learning by monitoring students’ progress in course work and departmental productions. Specific learning objectives will be assessed yearly and discussed with students in advisor conferences. Annual juries and reviews of each student enrolled in the BFA Program are embedded in the curriculum to specifically monitor student progress. Continuation in the program is contingent upon satisfactory execution of annual evaluations by the entire faculty of the theatre department. In addition, students will be required to complete a BFA Thesis project that demonstrates the skills and discipline attained in the student’s area of concentration.