Acting, Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Concentration in Acting
Program Learning Outcomes
Students in the BA Acting and BFA Acting programs will acquire the techniques necessary for the confident, skilled performance of dramatic roles (U01, U02, U05, U06, U09). Students will:
- gain the tools to analyze and develop characters, and to create a meaningful personal connection to their roles;
- master the ability to listen and respond truthfully in the moment;
- gain the tools necessary to achieve a flexible, strong, and controlled voice and body to be used effectively as instruments for characterization.
ACTING – Acting Concentration, BFA
Students in the BFA Acting, Acting concentration will acquire the specific skills necessary for a career as a theatre performer (U01, U02, U05, U06). Students will:
- achieve the highest possible level of performance as an actor;
- achieve professional, entry-level competence in acting including significant technical mastery, and the capability to solve professional problems independently.
THEATRE DEPARTMENT, OVERALL
- Communication (U01, U02): Students will learn to communicate effectively by developing and defending informed viewpoints about theatre. Students will gain an understanding of the common elements and vocabulary of theatre and of the interaction of these elements, giving them the ability to analyze both dramatic literature and live performance perceptively and to evaluate them critically.
- Creation/Production/Performance (U02, U05, U06, U08, U09): Students will gain an overview of the collaborative elements of theatre and will demonstrate an understanding of the production process. Students will explore and experience different values, perspectives, and aesthetics allowing them to problem solve, create, perform and produce theatre. Students will successfully execute job duties related to the performance of a role, crew position and/or design assignment.
- Professional Proficiency (U05, U08): Students will acquire the entrepreneurial skills necessary to assist in the development and advancement of careers in theatre. Students will learn to apply knowledge and skills to meet professional competencies in the field of theatre. Students will learn procedures and develop skills that enable them to conduct themselves in a manner accepted in the professional theatre community.
- Historical Knowledge (U02, U05, U09): Students will acquire familiarity with theatre literature of various historical periods, cultural sources, and modes of presentation. Students will learn the essential elements of the historical development of theatre and drama. Students will relate, connect, integrate, and contextualize knowledge acquired in theatre courses.
- Degree Program Writing Competency (U01, U02, U05): Students will gain the ability to write clearly and effectively.
Related Links
Curriculum Guide
GPA Requirement
Major GPA: 3.00 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.00 or higher
Summary*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 42 | |
| Other Basic Requirments | 0-3 | |
| Major/Concentration Requirements | 78 | |
* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
Rock Studies 2 Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Natural Science Inquiry | ||
| SCI 101 | Science of Life | 3 |
| Physical Science Inquiry | ||
| SCI 102 | Understanding the Physical World | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 2 | 12 | |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- 2
One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.
Basic Math Requirement
Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR | ||
| Beginning Algebra | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT
Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation. Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career.
Writing Competency Requirements
| Requirement | Course | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarly Paper in MLA format | ASPM | |
| Professional Resume | APR | |
| Professional Cover Letter | APCL |
Major/Concentration Requirements
- 39 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 39 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| DANC 125 | Experiencing Dance: Techniques and Styles | 3 |
| THEA 132 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| THEA 133 | Acting I | 3 |
| THEA 142 | Wellness for the Actor | 3 |
| THEA 222 | Acting II | 3 |
| THEA 281 | Survey of Dramatic Literature I | 3 |
| THEA 283 | Survey of Dramatic Literature II | 3 |
| THEA 303 | Acting III | 3 |
| THEA 324 | Stage Makeup | 3 |
| THEA 351 | Movement for the Actor | 3 |
| THEA 353 | Voice for the Actor | 3 |
| THEA 404 | Acting IV: Scene Study | 3 |
| THEA 425 | Professional Theatre Practice | 3 |
| THEA 442 | Senior Showcase | 3 |
| Subtotal | 42 | |
| Acting Concentration Core | ||
| THEA 310 | Acting for the Camera | 3 |
| THEA 322 | Acting Technique (Repeat 2 times) | 6 |
| THEA 328 | Acting Shakespeare | 3 |
| THEA 337 | Directing | 3 |
| THEA 342 | IPA/Dialects | 3 |
| THEA 344 | Auditioning | 3 |
| THEA 394 | Theories of Acting and Directing | 3 |
| Subtotal | 24 | |
| Electives | ||
| Health and Fitness Elective | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Stress Management | ||
| Personal Health | ||
| Wellness through Movement | ||
| Career Enhancement Elective | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Theatre Arts Management | ||
| Drawing/Drafting/CAD | ||
| Costume Technology | ||
| Playwriting | ||
| Advanced Stagecraft | ||
| Scene Design | ||
| Stage Lighting | ||
| Costume Design and History | ||
| Stage Management and Safety | ||
| Studies in Audience Development | ||
| History of Musical Theatre | ||
| Selected Topics (Scene Painting) | ||
| Advanced Acting Electives | ||
| Select six credits from the following: | 6 | |
DANC XXX | Dance course 1 | |
| Musicianship for Musical Theatre I Requires permission of the instructor | ||
| Rehearsal and Production | ||
| Private Musical Theatre Voice Requires permission of the instructor | ||
| Musical Theatre Song Repertoire Requires permission of the instructor | ||
| Musical Theatre Dance I | ||
| Acting for Song I Requires permission of the instructor | ||
| Acting Technique Course is repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits | ||
| Shakespeare Tour | ||
| New Play Development | ||
| International Theatre Experience | ||
| Pop/Rock Song Repertoire Requires permission of the instructor | ||
| Musical Theatre Dance II | ||
| Projects in Theatre | ||
| Internship | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Selected Topics | ||
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 78 | |
- 1
Choose from DANC 125, DANC 220, DANC 221, DANC 222, DANC 224, DANC 298, DANC 305, DANC 320, DANC 321, DANC 322, DANC 420, DANC 421, DANC 422, DANC 424, DANC 426, DANC 428.
- *
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
Co-curricular and Experiential Learning
Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:
- International study programs International study programs (including Edinburgh, Scotland, Fringe Festival Trip)
- SRU Theatre Department Productions
- Theatre internships and summer theatre employment
- High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
- Student-faculty research
- Student leadership development
- Department field trips
- Theatre Department Student Staff
- Student Lab Productions in Sheehy Theatre
- Guest Artist lectures, workshops, and productions
Important Curriculum Guide Notes
This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.
PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions
ACTING- BFA (5390)
Concentration in Acting (THPE)
This program is effective as of Fall 2022.
Revised 07.27.2023
UCC 02.14.2023
Recommended Four-Year Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| THEA 132 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| THEA 133 | Acting I | 3 |
| THEA 142 | Wellness for the Actor (F) | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing ! | 3 |
| ESAP 101 | FYRST Seminar * | 1 |
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| THEA 222 | Acting II (S) ! | 3 |
| DANC 125 | Experiencing Dance: Techniques and Styles | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading ! | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| THEA 281 | Survey of Dramatic Literature I (F) | 3 |
| THEA 303 | Acting III | 3 |
| THEA 322 | Acting Technique (F) | 3 |
| THEA 394 | Theories of Acting and Directing | 3 |
| SCI 101 or SCI 102 |
Science of Life or Understanding the Physical World |
3 |
| Declare a Thematic Thread 2 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| THEA 283 | Survey of Dramatic Literature II (S) | 3 |
| THEA 310 | Acting for the Camera | 3 |
| THEA 324 | Stage Makeup (S) | 3 |
| THEA 404 | Acting IV: Scene Study | 3 |
| Acting Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| THEA 328 | Acting Shakespeare | 3 |
| Acting Electives | 3 | |
| Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| THEA 337 | Directing (S) | 3 |
| THEA 342 | IPA/Dialects | 3 |
| THEA 351 | Movement for the Actor (S) | 3 |
| THEA 353 | Voice for the Actor | 3 |
| Humanities Inquiry | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| THEA 322 | Acting Technique (F) | 3 |
| THEA 344 | Auditioning | 3 |
| THEA 425 | Professional Theatre Practice (F) | 3 |
| SCI 102 or SCI 101 |
Understanding the Physical World or Science of Life |
3 |
| Social Science Inquiry | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| THEA 442 | Senior Showcase (S) | 3 |
| Acting Electives | 6 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours** | 121 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject
- 2
Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.
- *
Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.
- !
Indicates a course which requires a grade of C or better.
** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses. However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year.
Major Code: 5390
Concentration Code: THPE
Revised date: 05.30.2024