Dec 11, 2024  
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2015-16 
    
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2015-16 [Archived Catalog]

Theater Performance (Acting) Major (B.F.A.)


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Major code BF5161

College of Fine Arts
School of Dance, Film, and Theater
Theater Division
Kantner Hall 307B
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4818
Fax: 740.593.4817
theater@ohio.edu
http://www.finearts.ohio.edu/theater/

Program Overview

The B.F.A. with a major in Theater Performance is a rigorous program fostering creative, cognitive, and artistic skills. It is intended to advance the education and training of motivated, curious, self-reliant, adaptable theater artists. Required studio performance courses are the core of the program at all three-year levels. Acting, movement, and voice and speech are taught in a series of courses and special projects throughout the four-year curriculum. Studio classes emphasize the authentic use of self, the reality of doing, the awakening of the emotional life, and the collaborative process. In the movement studio, emphasis is placed on the human body as an instrument of expression, and on developing strength, alignment, flexibility, availability and stamina. Voice and speech work focuses on releasing habitual tension, increasing power and range, and utilizing specific speech skills. Advanced courses in each of these areas introduce a wide range of approaches to the craft of acting and the further development of the actor’s instrument.

We seek serious, disciplined students committed to rigorous training, who want the art of theater and performance to be at the core of their education. At the end of the freshman year, potential majors apply, interview and audition for provisional acceptance into the program. Students are evaluated at the end of each semester, and continuing status in the program is based on successful completion of all required coursework as well as positive evaluation from all performance area faculty. A student who is struggling academically or programmatically will receive a letter of concern or be placed on probation.

During the first two years, each B.F.A. candidate in performance should complete much of the theater core as well as the General Education requirements. Careful and consistent faculty supervision and advising are an integral part of the B.F.A. in performance.

Following freshman year (or first semester of residency in the case of a transfer student), students are eligible to audition for all School productions. Once accepted into the performance program, performance opportunities include a minimum of two significant experiences in Theater Division productions, either in main stage offerings or in studio or laboratory productions. Performance students may also work in the development and production of new plays. There is programmatic interaction with the M.F.A. programs in directing, playwriting, and acting. Off-campus and study abroad opportunities abound, and a wide range of internships are available for interested students.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

Students interested in the B.F.A. in performance are expected to complete the theater core, first-year foundation during their first year of study. Interviews for all Theater Division specialized B.F.A. programs are held annually in the spring. Admission to this specialized B.F.A. program is by application, interview and audition only. All theater majors are required to attain a minimum grade of C (2.0) in any theater course required for graduation.

Change of Program Policy

Admission to the B.F.A. performance program is by application, interview and audition only. Upon successful admission, change of major paperwork should be initiated by the student at the Theater Division Office or the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Office.

Transfer Students

Admission to the B.F.A. Performance Program is by application, interview and audition only.  After acceptance to the University, program acceptance and placement will depend on the faculty’s assessment of the candidates potential to succeed.  The Performance Program rarely accepts a transfer beyond the sophomore year, as there are three required years of studio classes that can only be completed in a linear progression.  Transfer students should be prepared to present a transcript, resume and a formal audition as early in the spring semester as possible.  In most cases, transferring students should be prepared to make up some of the foundation coursework.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Graduating performance majors have the skill set necessary to craft vivid and specific performances in any medium. They are prepared with the business acumen and audition skills that will ready them to complete for entry-level professional acting work. Many seniors are offered internships upon graduation. Students are also prepared for acceptance into graduate studies, including M.F.A. Professional Actor Training Programs or an M.A. in Theater Studies.
 

Requirements

 

Universitywide Graduation Requirements


To complete this program, students must meet all Universitywide graduation requirements .

College-Level Requirements for the College of Fine Arts


View the College-Level Requirements for the College of Fine Arts. 

Theater B.F.A. Core


Complete all core courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Complete one of the following courses:


Theater History


Complete the following courses:

Upper Level History and Criticism


Complete two of the following courses. All eligible courses are repeatable.

Upper Level Literature


Complete one ENG course at the 3000-level or above.  Recommended is ENG 3010 Shakespeare  or ENG 3020 Topics in Shakespeare .

Production Practicum


Complete at least three of the following courses for a minimum total of 6 hours. All eligible courses are repeatable.

B.F.A. Acting Major Requirements


 Complete all THAR courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Acting


Complete the following courses:

Movement


Complete the following courses:

Complete one of the following courses:


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