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Student Resources

BFA - Acting

Theatre Production: Professional Actor Training

Course Work

Acting - Eight semesters of Stanislavsky-based training with classes in realism, Chekhov, Shakespeare, Commedia dell' Arte, Moliere, Restoration, Screen Acting and Audition Techniques.

Voice and Movement - Four semesters of studio work, grounded in the Linklater approach to voice and physical techniques that explore and develop the actor's instrument and physical characterization skills. Advanced analysis and performance of classical literature, period style and movement skills.

Dance/Combat - Classes in Dance and Stage Combat with the opportunity of testing for Actor Certification in Stage Combat.

Performance Opportunities

Debut - Freshman ensemble comprised of all B.F.A. Acting majors that performs first and second semesters in an original production focused on the process of acting.

Arizona Repertory Theatre (A.R.T.) - Sophomore, Junior, and Senior company members are cast each semester in the School of Theatre Arts A.R.T. Season which produces two Musicals, one Shakespeare and three other plays.

Touring Shakespeare - An educational entertainment based on the process of acting Shakespeare that has toured to schools nationally, performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and to schools in Monterrey and Saltillo, Mexico.

Showcase of Talent - Each year B.F.A. Junior and Senior candidates are presented to industry Casting Directors, Agents and Directors in our Showcase of Talent which works to launch the professional careers of Acting and Musical Theatre majors.

Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) Internship Program - The School of Theatre Arts has an active Internship program with the Arizona Theatre Company (A.T.C.), the state's regional LORT B Repertory Theatre. A.R.T. company members regularly perform as understudies in A.T.C. productions and receive academic credit and earn points in the Actors' Equity Association's Equity Membership Candidacy program.

Application and Audition Requirements

Freshman, Transfer and Change of Major

Audition Requirements

  • Presentation of one 1 minute "type" monologue (from approved list TBA. Please check Audition Information for up-to-date information). (Audition Assessment Criteria)

Continuation Requirements

For probationary admission to the sophomore level, all Acting Majors must:

  • Meet all University of Arizona academic standards for continuing status.
  • Successfully Audition and Interview with the Acting/Musical Theatre Division Faculty. (Audition Assessment Criteria)
  • Complete the Theatre Arts and Musical Theatre Core Curriculum:
    ACTING: T AR 111, 113, 116, 118, 145, 149, 151.
  • Maintain a GPA of 3.0 in major course work.
  • Have completed a minimum of 9 units of General Education/Foundations course work.

For final admission to upper division coursework and for full membership in the Arizona Repertory Theatre (A.R.T.) Company, all Acting Majors must:

  • Meet all University of Arizona academic standards for continuing status.
  • Successfully Audition and Interview with the Acting/Musical Theatre Division Faculty. Audition Assessment Criteria
  • Maintain a GPA of 3.0 in major course work.
  • Have completed two dance group courses.
  • Have completed a minimum of 18 units of General Education/Foundations course work.

Audition Assessment Criteria

Assessment of the audition is based on the following criteria:

Talent: The innate ability to act, to perform, to have the ability to be believed by others in a variety of imaginary circumstances and characters. Talent per se cannot be taught. It is a gift. However, the craft of acting can be taught. Talent can be developed and trained through the acquisition of technique.

Professional Potential: The potential for eventual success in the profession of acting or musical theatre. In order to be admitted and advanced in our program, the candidate must have demonstrated talent and professional potential.

Trainability: The ability of the actor to respond to and develop with training. Students who have demonstrated talent and professional potential but who do not, cannot, or will not respond to the training will not be advanced.