BFA in PERFORMANCE

Acting/Directing

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES AND PHILOSOPHY

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance is designed for the incoming student who has not only a definite idea of specific career goals, but who is aware of, willing, and prepared to make appropriate sacrifices at an early stage in his/her professional development to achieve those goals. The BFA program hopes to graduate a creator/scholar who exhibits "both technical competence and a broad knowledge of theatre, sensitivity to artistic style, and an insight into the role of theatre in the life of humankind." The program strives to provide quality training in the classroom, public performance opportunities, and appropriate assessment and evaluation in both venues.

The BFA Performance program is broken down into two core components. The first component is the department core. The second is the core particular to performance majors which includes discovery curriculum in all areas of acting, directing, literature, history, and related fine arts. Admission into the program is by audition/interview. Retention is also by periodic review, audition, and interview. During the juried years, students should show not only evidence of exceptional talent, mastery and commitment to craft, but potential for their continued development after the degree program is completed. As closely as possible, the program conforms to the specific criteria for professional degree program accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

COMPETENCIES

Ability to analyze plays perceptively and to evaluate them critically

Demonstrated ability to project one's self believably in word and action into imaginary circumstances, evoked by improvisation or through text

Demonstrated ability to characterize convincingly from plays drawn from different genres and styles in an ensemble relationship with other actors

Ability to analyze specific tasks required in performing varied characters from written plays

Clear and articulate speech with absence of regionalism together with demonstrated ability to use the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to learn and perform foreign dialects; demonstrated ability to analyze and scan verse drama and to perform convincingly in verse plays

Flexible, strong, and controlled voice with trained breath support; appropriate vocal range and freedom from vocal tension in rehearsal and performance; demonstrated ability to use the voice effectively as an instrument for characterization together with the ability to project the voice effectively in theatre spaces of varying size

Flexible, relaxed, and controlled body trained in basic stage movement discipline including mime and dance; demonstrated ability to use the body effectively on stage as an instrument for characterization and to be responsive to changing time/rhythm demands and spatial relationships

Command of makeup materials and the ability to apply one's own makeup for a variety of characters; demonstrated ability to use hair, rubber, or latex as effective aids for stage characterization

Demonstrated comprehension of the basic business procedures of the actor's profession

From solo and ensemble performance opportunities in a variety of formal and informal settings, performance experiences in major or secondary roles throughout the degree granting period

In addition, it is hoped students augment specific course study with general academic study which might broaden their theatre vocabulary, especially music and art. Studies in social, political, cultural, and intellectual history which form the subject matter and artistic milieu in which plays are conceptualized, realized and appreciated, are strongly recommended.

Competency near graduation is realized in a showcase setting, the Senior Recital, a capstone experience where producer/performer present and an appropriate adjudication follows.