Theatre Arts
Degree Options Bachelor of Fine Arts Program
BFA Thesis Criteria For Acceptance
Degree Options
The Department of Theatre Arts at SOU offers the bachelor of arts or the bachelor of science degree, a general theatre arts degree. The large majority of theatre arts majors at SOU pursue the BA degree option.
The BS degree requires a significant number of hours in mathematics and science, as well as at least 48 hours of coursework outside the School of Arts and Letters. For more information about the BS degree option, consult the SOU catalog.
The BA degree option provides a broad liberal arts education with the opportunity to explore a wide range of subject areas. One year of college-level study of a foreign language at the second year level or above (or four years of a single foreign language at the high school level) is a basic requirement for the undergraduate student pursuing the BA degree. Students pursuing the BA degree are expected to complete a capstone experience during their senior year. Students should consult with their advisor about formulating a capstone, which may include a creative project, research, or theatre-related work experience. A written component is usually expected as part of the completed capstone.
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Bachelor of Fine Arts Program
The bachelor of fine arts degree is appropriate for students who are preparing for professional careers in theatre. BFA candidates must select an area of concentration for their degree. Areas of concentration include acting, directing, costume design, stage lighting, technical direction, scenic design, sound, stage management, or theatre business management.
Admission to the BFA is by audition only. Auditions are held fall and spring term. Applications and a sign up sheet for appointments is maintained in the theatre office. Students may audition at the end of their sophomore year as long as they will have junior standing at the beginning of the following term. Transfer students with junior standing may audition at any time but are generally discouraged from auditioning until their third term of residency. Advisors and faculty should be consulted when preparing for a BFA audition.
Important: Students who are not accepted into the BFA may audition one additional time during a later term. Only two auditions are permitted.
There are specific guidelines for each area of emphasis available to students who plan to audition for the BFA program. These will help students select the classes that will prepare them for acceptance into the BFA program. These guidelines are available from the theatre arts office.
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BFA Thesis
The BFA degree requires the completion of a creative thesis project that will demonstrate the skills and discipline attained within the student's theatre emphasis. These projects can be constructed to meet the needs of the student and may or may not be involved with a department production. Advisors should be consulted in selecting and formulating a thesis project. Written proposals endorsed by the project advisor must be submitted to the faculty for approval. Actors should consult the Handbook for Acting Thesis that can be obtained in the theatre arts office.
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Criteria for Acceptance to the BFA Program
Only students who demonstrate a reasonable potential to make a successful career in their chosen concentration of theatre arts will be admitted to the BFA program. The faculty will consider each student's skill and artistic judgment, demonstrated ability to work in the selected area of concentration, and ability to make appropriate choices. It is not expected that each student possess a full range of skills, but it is expected that each student accepted into the BFA program has demonstrated a potential for growth. The faculty will consider whether the applicant has the commitment and work habits that are necessary for theatre professionals, including responsibility, reliability, and initiative. Although grades are not specifically considered, attitudes toward studies and completion of class projects will be a factor. Students who regularly are late or unreliable with assignments and projects or who frequently request an incomplete may be discouraged from entering the BFA program. The faculty will also consider if the applicant can work well with others in a collaborative setting, if the student can follow instructions, and if the student can assume a position of leadership and responsibility. Other considerations include whether or not others would choose to work with the student, if the student can communicate effectively, and if the student can be fair to others by doing his or her share of the work. The faculty's evaluation in these areas will be based heavily upon the student's performance in Theatre Practice assignments. The faculty will also look at the classes the student has completed before application to determine if the applicant has been serious about his or her preparation and training. It will also be a positive factor if the student has sought out valuable work experience not only in Theatre Practice but in outside work in reputable theatre companies. The faculty committee will also consider if the potential BFA student will reflect well on the department when employed outside the theatre or placed in an internship program.
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