Bachelor of Arts in Theatre (B.A.)

Tartuffe

This program is designed for students whose professional career goals require the study of more than one area of theatre, or who want a program with more flexibility than the B.F.A. This includes students who wish to pursue careers in stage management, arts administration, playwriting, or directing. B.A. students are encouraged to design their own degree plan and to take extensive coursework in other areas.

Students interested in stage management or arts administration combine study in theatre with courses in business, organizational communication, management, marketing and public relations. Stage managers begin by working as assistant stage managers during their freshman year and assume full management responsi- bilities in the sophomore year. Arts administration students acquire practical experience in box office management and public relations by working as assistants to the Audience Services Director.

While B.A. students are not required to do a senior internship, almost all do. Recent stage management interns have worked at the Mark Taper Forum and Denver Theatre Center. Other students have interned with companies like the Manhattan Theatre Club and Children's Theatre of Minneapolis. Depending on the nature of their degree plan, students receiving the B.A. degree are prepared to enter graduate theatre programs leading to M.A., M.F.A. or Ph.D. degrees, or to begin working in the profession.

For a sample four year B.A. course of study click here.

For a sample freshman B.A. course schedule click here.

Bachelor of Fine Arts Degrees (B.F.A)

Acting

Virginia Woolf

Designed to prepare students for careers in professional theatre, the B.F.A. in Acting is a four-year sequence of courses in acting, voice, movement and dance. Coursework is augmented with a wide variety of public performances to provide students experi- ence in different theatrical styles. During four years, students will audition for as many as 50 mainstage and student workshop productions. Acting and Musical Theatre majors audition for all productions beginning in the second term of their first year.

With a comprehensive and rigorous blend of training based in Stanislavsky and organic methodology, the acting program includes basic exploration processes and finish techniques for professionals in theatre, film and television. The first two years focus on self-exploration, script analysis, dance, movement, voice production and diction, singing, characterization and discovery of personal working methods. During the junior and senior years, the emphasis is on comprehensive studio training to provide development in styles from Shakespeare to film along with continued refinement of a skilled system of action. In addition to on-campus productions, occasional opportunities exist for advanced students to work in professional theatres in central Ohio. Students are evaluated annually and must meet professional standards to complete the B.F.A. program. The senior year is highlighted by a 9-week internship with a professional casting director, typically in New York City or Los Angeles. Students function as readers for professional auditions, meet agents, directors and producers, and begin the process of networking with people in the profession. Acting majors may also audition to participate in the Senior Showcase, produced in New York City for agents and casting directors in April.

For a sample four year B.F.A. course of study click here.

For a sample freshman B.F.A. course schedule click here.

Musical Theatre

Designed to prepare students as "triple threats" for the Broadway musical theatre, this unique interdisciplinary B.F.A. program, jointly sponsored by the Department of Music, offers a four-year sequence of courses in acting, voice, music and dance.

Hello Dolly

Musical Theatre majors take acting courses with the Acting majors, but add courses in music theory, piano, musical theatre, four years of private voice study, plus extensive dance training in jazz, tap, modern and ballet. The Concentration in Dance allows students with strong dance backgrounds to emphasize dance in their Musical Theatre degree.

Coursework is augmented with a wide variety of public performances, and Musical Theatre majors audition for all mainstage productions, not just musicals. Additional performance opportunities exist in studio workshops, Opera Theatre, and other vocal ensembles. Students are expected to participate each term in music ensembles and mainstage theatre productions, and all students are evaluated annually and must meet professional standards to complete the B.F.A. program. The senior year is highlighted by a 9-week internship with a professional casting director, typically in New York City or Los Angeles. Students function as readers for professional auditions, meet agents, directors and producers, and begin the process of networking with people in the profession. Musical Theatre majors may also audition to participate in the Senior Showcase, produced in New York City for agents and casting directors in April.

For a sample four year B.F.A. course of study click here.

For a sample freshman B.F.A. course schedule click here.

Dance

The interdisciplinary B.F.A. in Musical Theatre with a Concentration in Dance offers dancers the chance to train as "triple threats" for the Broadway musical theatre, by increasing their dance skills while studying acting, voice, music and theatre. The Dance Minor offers dancers the opportunity to continue dancing at an advanced level throughout their college careers while pursuing other studies.

Dance Concert

Dance classes are structured to allow students to dance every day, in a sequence which offers two days of ballet, one day of modern, one day of jazz, and one day of tap or musical theatre styles each week. Classes meet for an hour and a half on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and for two hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Each technique is offered at three different levels on each day, so that students can be placed appropriately. Two choreography classes are offered and all dance students are encouraged to choreograph pieces for dance workshops and the annual dance concert. All dance classes are taught by specialists in each technique, many of whom operate their own studios or teach at Ballet Met, the professional ballet company in Columbus. Dance Minors also are encouraged to audition for musicals which need dancers.

For a sample four year B.F.A. course of study click here.

For a sample freshman B.F.A. course schedule click here.

Design & Technology

The design/technology program provides intensive hands-on experience for students desiring a career in professional theatre. This B.F.A. program is a four-year sequence of courses in basic design, theatre technology and visual arts. Class work is augmented with a wide variety of practical production experience in all areas. Students have the opportunity to build a portfolio that will display a significant level of professional preparation.

The total program provides training from basic drawing to exploration of scenic, lighting, and costume design for mainstage production. The first two years focus on practical technical skills, theatre history, drafting, rendering and visual arts courses. Technical assistantships are available in all shops.

During the junior and senior years, emphasis is on specialization in comprehensive design or technology training that provides in-depth development and skills necessary for a professional career in theatre. Many students have the opportunity to assist principal designers, the technical director or costume shop supervisor, and may be selected to design and execute in all areas for mainstage productions. Students are evaluated annually and must meet professional standards to complete the B.F.A. program.

42nd Street

The senior year is highlighted by a 10 to 12-week internship in a major regional theatre where work and exposure to practicing professionals is assured. Students continue to refine design or technology skills with assignments in major production projects to complete the portfolio and training necessary for pursuit of professional careers or further work in graduate school.

PLEASE NOTE: All students interested in applying for the B.F.A. degree in Design/Technology, in addition to applying to the college for general admission, must schedule an interview and present a portfolio of their work to the Design/Technology faculty. Admission to the program is by invitation only and a limited number of slots is available.

For valuable information on how to prepare a portfolio and how to present yourself for an interview, click here.

For a sample four year B.F.A. course of study click here.

For a sample freshman B.F.A. course schedule click here.

For a sampling of production photos click here.

Stage Management & Arts Administration

Students interested in stage management or a minor in arts administration combine study in theatre with courses in business, organizational communication, management, marketing and public relations. Stage managers begin by working as assistant stage managers during their freshman year and assume full management responsibilities in the sophomore year. Arts administration students acquire practical experience in box office management and public relations by working as assistants to the Audience Services Director.

Backstage Technicians

Stage Managers in the Department of Theatre and Dance may approach their professional training through one of two possible degree paths:

The B.F.A. degree in Design/Technology, which stresses the technical elements in management.

The B.A. degree in Theatre, (see top of page) which allows the student more freedom to customize training in design, technology, and performance areas as well as external courses in business, psychology, and personnel management.

Stage Managers in the department are given many opportunities, first as assistant stage managers, then as stage managers for a variety of productions including mainstage, musical productions, and a variety of workshop productions. In addition, there is a weekly seminar class for stage managers which functions as a teaching tool and as a support group for ongoing productions to help solve problems and deal with real-world issues in the area of stage management.