BFA in Theatre Actor Training Focus 115 credits

The BFA curriculum is designed to immerse students in the practicalities of theatre production and the theatre world. Conservatory style training is augmented by traditional academic studies in theatre history, literature, criticism and play reading.

Details of degree plan:

  • Students pursuing the BFA will complete 46 credit hours in the BFA core curriculum and 69 + credit hours in their area of concentration, for a total of approximately 115 credit hours. Admission into the BFA program is by audition/interview only.
  • The BFA in Theatre is a rigorous and competitive program of study for students interested in pursuing careers in the professional theatre. This pre-professional program is designed to combine intensive training with a liberal arts education. All aspects of theatre—art, craft, business and education—are examined, with a focus on theatrical production.
  • The expanded curriculum of the program embraces classes not only in theatre, but in dance, art and music.

    The overall objectives of the BFA in Theatre at WOU are as follows:
  • To provide a rigorous pre-professional BFA theatre training program to talented and qualified aspiring theatre professionals.
  • To create university theatrical productions of the highest standard which challenge student artists and audiences with plays of depth and vibrancy that illuminate the strengths, frailties and diversity of the human condition.
  • To establish and maintain education and outreach programs for all ages consistent with the artistic mission of the department.
  • To play a vital role in the cultural life of the Willamette Valley, Salem and the region.

Core Courses

 

Actor Training Courses:

Dance Credits

(choose 9 credits)

Total Credits: 113-115

BFA ACTING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

All students admitted to WOU are eligible to pursue the BA or BS in General Theatre or the theatre minor.  Admission to the BFA program is by audition/interview only.  

Both existing students and new/potential students can audition for entrance into the BFA Acting Program.  Private Auditions/Interviews will be scheduled as application materials are received. 

For students to be considered for the BFA Acting Program, they must:

  • Be formally accepted to Western Oregon University prior to auditioning. 
  • Submit the following to Professor David Janowiak via email: janovid@wou.edu 
    • BFA Application (here)
    • Letter of intent, providing highlights of previous theatre experience and plans for future development.
    • Resume (example of resume.)
    • Videotape audition may be submitted via email following the Audition Guidelines below
  • Students may use their audition for the purpose of completing the scholarship application process by completing the General Scholarship Application at https://wou.academicworks.com. 
    • You must have a WOU Portal username and password to access the General Scholarship Application.  This will automatically place your application into all of the categories that you are eligible for.
    • General Scholarship Applications Generally end on March 1.

Acting Audition Guidelines:

  • Prepare two monologues of not more than one-and-a-half minutes each.  Do not exceed three minutes in total.
  • Bring or provide current head shot or picture (black and white or color)
  • Monologues must be memorized.
  • Monologues may be chosen from any time period and should offer as much contrast as possible.  One of the monologues must be from a contemporary realistic play.  Choose roles in which you could be cast professionally at this point in your career and which show you off to your best advantage.  Do not attempt roles out of your current age range and roles with European dialects.
  • On the day of the audition (if conducted in-person) arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled time of registration and general session.  Dress appropriately in comfortable clothes.  At the conclusion of your audition, you will be interviewed by the screening committee. The combined length of the interview audition is approximately fifteen-twenty minutes.
  • Once enrolled in the program, all BFA Actor Training majors are required to audition for all department productions. Continuation in the program is determined by an annual jury and review process.