The study of theatre arts is a key step in the development of the multidisciplinary artist. BU’s BFA in Theatre Arts Performance provides students with the opportunity to shape the content and trajectory of their course of study.

Theatre arts students at BU also have the ability to focus deeply on one or two disciplines in exciting and rewarding ways; the ensemble work that is emphasized in CFA School of Theatre develops skills imperative across disciplines and across fields. Our students locate, articulate, and develop their unique voices as artists who will intersect with the world in meaningful ways.

Program of Study

All first year performance students are admitted to the First Year Performance Core. The First Year Core experience establishes a base vocabulary that serves as the foundation for a student’s progression into their chosen BFA degree program. In addition, the First Year Core is designed to provide an appropriate context for faculty evaluation of each student’s strengths, interests, and potential for success in the upper years of training. At the end of the first year, each student will declare a BFA major; these decisions are reviewed and mentored by members of the School of Theatre faculty before a student is officially enrolled in their BFA program.

The performance core curriculum is carefully designed to instill the School’s core values and encourage students to become aware of and overcome personal obstacles and explore students’ untapped potential. Classes in acting, voice and speech, movement, Alexander Technique, theatre ensemble, dramatic literature, stagecraft, and more.

Training includes a rigorous curriculum, production opportunities, and collaboration with theatre professionals. Students are regularly mentored by working professional faculty and advisors through studio classwork, hands-on, in-process rehearsal & performance advising, and end-of-semester conferences.

Students gain a fundamental understanding of theatre history and dramaturgy, movement technique and its application to performance, professional expectations in a rehearsal and production experience, and if desired, an understanding of the elements of directing, playwrighting, and theatre management.

During their third year, students can partake in study abroad opportunities. In the summer before entering their final year of studies, theatre arts performance students are required to register for an off-campus internship with an established, professional arts organization or an approved on-campus internship experience with a member of the BU faculty or staff. Students then take an Internship Reflection course upon returning in the fall.

Situated within a large, top-tier research institution, students pursue coursework in the University Hub, the University’s general education program that is integrated into the undergraduate student experience. This provides students with the chance to dive into other topics, from other colleges and schools, to enhance their studies.

Opportunities

BFA Theatre Arts Performance students can also pursue music theatre training through our Music Theatre Focus and playwriting training through our Playwriting Focus.

Students can opt to join the casting pool as an actor, or propose an alternative project serving as an assistant director, dramaturg, playwright, etc.

Develop professional skills through production work, internships, and mentored work and design that will serve as a basis for your transition from the academic world to the larger community of theatre professionals. Be trained by School of Theatre faculty who are working theatre artists that maintain active professional careers.

Guest lecturers are brought in to expand upon the students’ exposure to the professional world. Study abroad and internships are available, plus summer work opportunities in high-profile summer theatres are available to students.

Participate in the School of Theatre Showcase, held in Boston and/or New York City, and share your work with alumni and working professionals in the field.

Many of our graduates work within the field, but some also use the skills developed within the Theatre Arts major to then focus on other aspects of their intellect. Some graduates go on to form their own theatre companies, create their own production opportunities such as web series or touring shows, and some perform in regional theatre or on Broadway. Others have gone into education or law.

Faculty

• 

  Yo-EL Cassell

  Head of Movement; Assistant Professor, Movement; Co-Chair, Dance Minors; Advisor/Faculty Mentor, Theatre Minors

• 

  Harry Castle

  Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre

• 

  Christopher Edwards

  Assistant Professor of Acting

• 

  Jim Fagan

  Assistant Professor of Directing

• 

  Kirsten Greenidge

  Director, School of Theatre; Associate Professor; Playwriting Track

• 

  Clay Hopper

  Senior Lecturer, Directing

• 

  Michael Kaye

  Assistant Professor; Program Head, MFA Theatre Education

• 

  Kristin Leahey

  Assistant Professor, Dramatic Literature & Dramaturgy