Students pursuing the BFA
will complete 48 credit hours
in the BFA core curriculum and
69 + credit hours in their area
of concentration, for a total
of approximately 117 credit hours.
Admission into the BFA program
is by audition/interview only.
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 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:
-
To provide a
rigorous pre-professional BFA
theatre training program to
talented and qualified aspiring
theatre professionals.
-
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 Core Curriculum (48 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 265 Acting I or TA 251 Elements of Acting (3)
TA 364 Play Direction (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 395, 396, 397 Special Studies—Plays in Progress (6)
TA 453 Capstone Experience (3)
BFA Production Training (71 Credit Hours)
A 131 Beginning Drawing Systems (3)
A 204, 205, 206 Art History Sequence (9)
TA 247 Technical Theatre: Sound (3)
TA 252 Technical Theatre: Makeup (3)
TA 253 Production Workshop (3)
TA 308 History of Fashion (3)
TA 334 Stage Management (3)
TA 336 Stage Properties (3)
TA 338 History of Architecture and Decor (3)
TA 343 Costume Design (3)
TA 345 Scenic Painting I (3)
TA 346 Scenic Design (3)
TA 348 Lighting Design (3)
TA 353 Advanced Production Workshop (6)
TA 412 Portfolio Review (1)
Choose one: (4)
TA 354 Production Design
TA 355 Production Management
Approved production electives (15)
A 135 Beginning Life Drawing (3)
A 231 Introduction to Drawing (3)
TA 344 Costume Crafts (3)
TA 347 Drafting for Theatre (3)
TA 349 Scenic Design Studio (3)
TA 436 Advanced Costume Techniques (3)
TA 443 Advanced Costume Design (3)
TA 445 Scenic Painting II (3)
TA 446 Advanced Scenic Design: CAD (3)
TA 447 Digital Imagery for Theatre (3)
TA 448 Advanced Lighting Design (3)
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.
A minor is not required for a B.F.A. in Theatre.
To be considered for the BFA Program all students must:
- Submit an application to the Western Oregon University BFA prior to the scheduled audition/interview date. Interviews are at the beginning of Fall term every year.
- Download application here. Example of resume.
- Have taken or be in the process of taking TA 165 Production Dynamics and TA 166 Text Analysis. (Transfer students must consult with an advisor.)
- Submit the following:
- Letter of intent, providing highlights of previous theatre experience and plans for future development.
- Resume.
- Recommendation numbers from one or two teachers or directors or other theatre professionals familiar with the students work and potential.
The above must be submitted at least one day prior to the scheduled audition/interview date.
Costume, Light, Set Design; Stage Management, Technical Theatre Preparation:
-
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.
-
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.
Payment
