Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre - Acting

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Track in Musical Theatre serves those students interested in a career on the musical theatre stage. It is offered for students who, upon graduation, plan to pursue a specialized career in professional theatre. Because of its geographic location, UCF is a top choice for students interested in musical theatre. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and the budding expansion of the arts in Central Florida make it necessary for students to receive advanced studies in acting, musical theatre voice, and dance. Work within the BFA program requires energy and dedication; therefore, other part-time study or outside employment is generally impossible. BFA standards are high, both for admission and for continuation in the program. Production assignments are regulated to serve the artistic growth of students, coordinating production experience with classroom exploration. Designed to prepare students for careers in professional theatre, the Theatre B.F.A.'s Acting specialization is a 129-hour degree program offering a sequence of courses in acting, movement, voice, and acting for TV/film. Class work is augmented with practical production experiences. Drawing upon teachings of Stanislavski-based methodologies, the professional acting program offers an organic approach to performance training. The first two years focus on the fundamentals of acting, with an emphasis on the development of imagination, self-awareness, sense memory, improvisation, the ability to execute basic stage tasks, characterization and character development. In addition, the student also receives training in script analysis, voice production/diction, singing, movement and dance. During the junior and senior years, emphasis is placed on studio training/scene study. This practical study, drawn from the total range of dramatic literature, provides the student with performance experiences ranging from the classical to the contemporary, including verse and musical theatre. Throughout four years of study, the faculty seeks to instill within its students the necessity for an in-depth understanding of the acting process and upon the development of personal working methodologies. The senior year is highlighted by the required professional internship.