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BFA ACTING degree |
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| Inherent
in the program is a commitment to teach and foster excellence in technique
along with professionalism, intellectualism and collaboration. While certain
classes may have a primary focus, and emphasis may change from year to year,
all values are certainly reaffirmed and developed in all classes throughout
the four-year program of study.
Faculty assessments of students' abilities in these areas are ongoing. Students are responsible as well for self-evaluation and reflection. Progress according to the central values are addressed and discussed between each BFA student and two faculty members at the end of the freshman, sophomore, and junior years during year-end evaluations. Accomplishments and growth of the past year are discussed and future goals are proposed. In this manner students are able to shape intentionally their ongoing studies. Formally, at the end of the freshmen year all BFA actors participate in the Hurdle which assesses if sufficient progress has been made to merit continuation in the BFA program. At this point students are either passed to continue on in the BFA program, are given an extension of time through a semester probationary period of study, or are redirected to other majors in the Theatre department. | ||||||
Freshman
Year |
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Analysis |
Technique |
Collaboration |
Professional |
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Creating
theatre ultimately involves connecting the unique talents and visions
of many individuals. Therefore, practicing skills in collaboration is
the main focus of this year. Students will be involved in several class
group projects as well as participate outside of the classroom in practicum
experiences, which support our main stage production season. It is expected
that through these experiences individual self-discipline will be developed
as well as the ability to play supportively and cooperatively within an
ensemble.
Students will also learn about and practice fundamental analysis of scripts and basic techniques in acting and movement. Studying Stagecraft theory along with hands-on practice helps actors to be aware of the variety of skills and talent needed in production areas of theatre. Professional skills will be developed through creation of a theatrical resume, and identification of career opportunities for summer work. Audition skills are acquired through the many required auditions for Main Stage and Pipe Dreams' productions throughout the semester. Freshman
University studies classes of Critical Writing,
Reading, and Research I and II enhance theatre students'
sensitivity to language, develop close reading skills, and expand abilities
in creative expression and research skills. |
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Sophomore
Year |
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| Analysis |
Technique |
Collaboration |
Professional |
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|
Stanislavsky
acting technique
is studied and applied in the sophomore year to increase depth of analysis
of script and character along with specificity in acting choices. Technique
classes also include a full year of voice
for stage and the introduction to acting
style work through the study of Shakespearean acting. A course in U.S. Studies increases theatre students' awareness of cultural diversity of the human experience. Also taken may be the non-sequential course requirements in Quantitative Analysis and Science which help to develop logical and systematic thinking processes to balance creative and imaginative ways of knowing the world. | ||||||
Junior
Year |
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| Analysis |
Technique |
Collaboration |
Professional |
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| While
the second year emphasizes depth of study, junior year encourages breadth.
Advanced Movement is the
only required course, so students are able to choose elective
courses in acting such as Improvisation, Dialects, or Advanced
Acting Styles. Students also begin to investigate more thoroughly the historical,
literary and theoretical theatrical traditions through
Integrated Theatre Studies I and II, History
of Styles and Dramatic Literature
courses.
A choice of a Global Studies course continues to expand theatre students' awareness of diversity in the world beyond the Western traditions. Also continuing will be courses in a second language, or semiotics or a specific cultural tradition. Many students take advantage of the flexibility of the junior year to take a semester abroad. For example, theatre students have recently returned from semester long experiences in England, Ireland, Argentina, Australia, Spain, and Italy. | ||||||
Senior
Year |
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Analysis |
Technique |
Collaboration |
Professional |
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The final year stresses professional growth through integration and application of analytical, technical, and collaborative skills as students hone their own personal process through the capstone course: Performance Problems. In this course students also practice developing auditions for a variety of situations and construct a five-year plan for post graduation life. Directing
I and II
give actors an important outside perspective to the acting process as
they learn to compose scenes and plays that integrate analysis, and
several different theatre techniques through collaboration. | ||||||