Theatre, BFA

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts offers more intensive training in three areas of concentration: Acting, Musical Theatre, and Design and Technical Production, giving advanced, highly disciplined students the tools necessary to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Audition/Interview Requirement for Admission

All applicants interested in pursuing one of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Concentrations must participate in an audition/interview with the Department of Theatre and Dance in order to be accepted into a BFA Concentration. Note that this is separate from the application process for being admitted to The University of Alabama.

To schedule an audition/interview, applicants should review the information found on the Department's website (https://theatre.ua.edu/) and select Auditions & Interviews.

Production Participation Information

In order to participate in department produced productions, enrollment at The University of Alabama is required and the student must enroll in an approved course.

Typically students enroll in one of the Practicum courses (TH 191/291/391/491), one of the Theatre Performance and Production courses (TH 193/293/393/493), or another approved Department course.

GPA and Other Requirements

Each student enrolled in a BFA concentration must have a University of Alabama grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better. Additionally, BFA students must earn a "C" or better in all courses they take for the BFA. If a student earns below a "C" in a course in the BFA, they must retake the course. Students enrolled in a BFA concentration are evaluated regularly for progress based on the requirements of the particular concentration. Students who do not make satisfactory progress in their concentration may be given the opportunity to continue in the Bachelor of Arts program (Theatre, BA) and will be subject to all requirements of that program.

BFA Program Concentrations

Bachelor of Fine Arts: Acting Concentration

This concentration provides a rigorously structured sequence of study designed to support the actor in the development of a solid base of technique in a wide array of acting styles and methods. The curriculum is complemented by intensive training in movement and voice for the stage, and augmented by advanced study in all areas of theatre, including directing, playwriting, design, and technology. All courses are taught by a vibrant, distinguished faculty of working professionals, dedicated to partnering with students to achieve greater success, both at the University and in the world beyond.

From the first semester on campus, BFA students are provided considerable performance opportunities in the mainstage and studio seasons, as well as in a performance showcase tailored specifically for first-year students. With their extensive national and international connections, the faculty facilitates significant performance experiences each summer, including an ongoing internship with the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, and performance opportunities with the Teatro Nacionale in Havana, Cuba, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and the Texas Shakespeare Festival.

Throughout their academic career, students will also be exposed to the highest caliber of guest artists to enrich their training, including masterclasses with Broadway, television, and film casting directors, Hollywood directors, internationally recognized guest directors, and specialists in everything from Commedia to Swashbuckling. In their final year, students perform in Bama on Broadway, our NYC showcase, which has served as a successful bridge to the profession for many of our graduates.

Continuance in the Program

Continuance is dependent upon satisfactory development, evaluated by the Acting faculty at the end of each semester. Students are evaluated regularly for progress, as well as professional deportment, but specifically via a qualifying assessment at the end of the first semester of their sophomore year.  The Sophomore Qualifying Exam includes assessment in acting, voice, and movement by the Acting faculty. If a student does not pass the Qualifying Exam, the faculty advises the student on how to better prepare before they re-take the exam the following SEMESTER.  If they do not pass at that time, the student will be advised to consider another major or degree program.  However, extenuating circumstances and individual issues are taken into consideration when making such decisions.

Bachelor of Fine Arts: Musical Theatre Concentration

The Musical Theatre concentration is committed to fostering a student's talent and technique in the three pillars of musical theatre: acting, singing, and dancing.  Students enjoy the advantage of being part of a vibrant liberal arts community with the added benefit of more intimate class sizes.  The BFA is designed to prepare students for a professional career or graduate study in musical theatre.

By studying Musical Theatre at UA, students will:

• work with a faculty of passionate, highly trained professionals.
• make valuable connections in professional musical theatre by participating in master classes and auditions here on campus.
• receive hands-on preparation for various employment opportunities through professional theatre conferences and on-campus auditions.
• have an invaluable, competitive edge with information and material that prepares students for a comprehensive career in the business aspects of musical theatre.
• have the opportunity to audition for participation in a senior showcase in NYC, performing for industry professionals.

Continuance in the Program

Continuance is dependent upon satisfactory development, evaluated by the Musical Theatre faculty at the end of each semester. Students are evaluated regularly for progress, as well as professional deportment, but specifically via a qualifying assessment at the end of the first semester of their sophomore year.  The Sophomore Qualifying Exam includes assessment in voice, acting, dance, and musicianship by the Musical Theatre faculty. If a student does not pass the Qualifying Exam, the student will be subject to a one year probationary period where they are encouraged to address concerns while they continue in the program. Students whose performance on the Qualifying Exam or after probation does not meet the requirements set by the Musical Theatre faculty, will be advised to consider another major or degree program.  However, extenuating circumstances and individual issues are taken into consideration when making such decisions.

Bachelor of Fine Arts: Design and Technical Production Concentration

The BFA Design and Technical Production concentration at The University of Alabama is a rigorous program designed to prepare talented and highly disciplined students for work in professional theatre. It offers competitive training in a collaborative environment. In addition to the required core theatre courses, the comprehensive curriculum includes all areas of design and technical production.

Beginning in their first year, students may be considered for a wide variety of production opportunities, including mainstage productions and studio theatre productions.

Continuance in the Program

Continuance is dependent upon satisfactory development, evaluated by the Design and Technical Production faculty at the end of each semester. Students are evaluated regularly for progress, as well as professional deportment. Specifically, students are evaluated every year for their work and progress in production assignments along with their coursework. If a student is not making satisfactory progress as determined by the Design and Technical Production faculty, the student will be subject to a one year probationary period where they are encouraged to address concerns while they continue in the program. Students whose performance during the probationary period is not considered to be satisfactory based on the concerns of the Design and Technical Production faculty, will be advised to consider another major or degree program.  However, extenuating circumstances and individual issues are taken into consideration when making such decisions.