Transform into a character.

[and develop a profound connection with yourself]

Boston University’s acting program is designed for students who have a strong desire to focus primarily on actor training while recognizing the craft of acting as a means to approach, comprehend, and illuminate the complexity of the human spirit.

Ranked nationally as a top acting program:

#20 best colleges for performing arts in America (2022 niche rankings)

listed in backstage’s 25 acting colleges you should know about in 2022

additional cfa rankings

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in acting integrates a sequence of courses that develops deep self-awareness, heightened intellect, rich emotional life, expanded imagination, and generosity as a foundation for the development of a transformational actor. Rigorous studio work provides space for students to develop and hone their instruments and to exercise their abilities to express freedom, power, range, and sensitivity both in their personal lives and in their lives on stage.

Upon graduating with a BFA in acting, graduates obtain jobs on Broadway, off-Broadway, and at regional or international theatres, from traditional theatre to physical/devised theatre. Our alums are also working in the television and film industry, as actors, writers, directors, producers, and voice-over artists. Other career opportunities include becoming teachers, artist-activists, playwrights, and scholars.

BU School of Theatre: a place to find your artistic voice

Meet Assistant Professor of theatre, Melisa Pereyra, who brings a refreshing perspective to BU School of Theatre. Melisa shares her unique approach to performing and teaching Shakespeare, what inspired her to become an educator, and why CFA School of Theatre is a special place for her.

Degrees Offered

Featured Faculty

Notable Graduates

From award-winning film actors to critically-acclaimed theatre actors
  • Jason Alexander (CFA’81, Hon.’95)
  • Michael Chiklis (CFA’85)
  • Geena Davis (CFA’79, Hon.’99)
  • Emily Deschanel (CFA’98)
  • Olympia Dukakis (Sargent’53, CFA’57, Hon.’00)
  • Faye Dunaway (CFA’62)
  • Dan Fogler (CFA’98)
  • David Garrison (CFA’74)
  • Amber Gray (CFA’04)
  • Ginnifer Goodwin (CFA’01)
  • Craig Lucas (CFA’73)
  • Julianne Moore (CFA’83)
  • Nina Tasler (CFA’79)
  • Marisa Tomei (CFA’86, Hon.’02)
  • Baron Vaughn (CFA’03)
  • Alfre Woodard (CFA’74, Hon,’04)

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