Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Major in Theatre, Acting
Why should I choose UWG's Theatre program?
- Accredited through the National Association of Schools of Theatre
- Access to faculty working in the industry
- Access to industry standard sound, lighting, costume and scenic equipment
- Acting studio with a sprung floor; Computer Aided Design Lab, Lighting Lab, Sound Recording Studio, large scene shop, costume shop
- Access to guest artists from across the country
For more information, please see the Academic Catalog. A program map, which provides a guide for students to plan their course of study, is available for download in the Courses tab below.
Acting Concentration: The purpose of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre (Acting) is to prepare the student for the professional life as an actor. Through rigorous training, the BFA in Theatre (Acting) will develop students to be confident, proficient, and knowledgeable professionals who will be able to work in the stage and film industries. The faculty of the UWG Theatre Department will strive to create a nurturing, safe environment that holds the students to high standards and values.
Program Location
Carrollton Campus
Method of Delivery
Face to Face
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required:
This program may be earned entirely face-to-face. However, depending on the courses chosen, a student may choose to take some partially or fully online courses.
Save money
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited universities of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen.
Details
- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, he/she will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
Downloads
General
In order to be a candidate for the BFA in Theatre with a concentration in acting, students must complete 30 credit hours of course work with an overall GPA of 2.5, and an average GPA of 3.0 on their major courses, and audition for a faculty committee in their second year.
Students who wish to follow the BFA in Theatre must take this course in order to audition or show their portfolio to gain entrance into the BFA in Theatre degree program. It is encouraged that students take THEA 1000 in their second semester at UWG (if the student is not transferring from another university), or in their first semester at UWG if they are a transfer student. This course is in preparation for the audition or portfolio review jury to get into the BFA in Theatre program. The jury is part of this course and will take place at the end of the semester the student takes this course. This is a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory course. If a student receives a grade of Unsatisfactory, they will not be able to register as a BFA in Theatre candidate. Students must have completed 15 credit hours with an overall GPA of 2.5 and an average GPA of 3.0 in THEA and XIDS 2002 (Theatre & Collaboration) courses to take this course.
An introduction for the student of the theatre experience, this course delves into analysis of both the script and the actual performance. Students will also examine current trends in theatre on broadway, off-broadway, and in regional companies. The student will be expected to attend and write about one theatre production.
An introductory study of practical aspects of theatre production.
An introductory study of practical aspects of theatre production.
THEA 1291: Voice and Movement I is an experiential study of fundamental voice and movement techniques for the actor.
This course will continue to lay the foundation of voice and movement training for the actor. Students will explore how the actor s body and voice serve as a vehicle for the actor s artistry. The class will focus on self-discovery, increasing sensitivity and awareness, and finding release.
The ability to effectively analyze theatrical texts is essential to scholars and practitioners alike. In this class, students will dissect a script into its basic components to better understand structure, style, theme, and other essential elements of theatre. Students will also survey representative historical genres, styles of theatrical texts, and methods of literary and dramatic criticism, as well as receive an introduction to theatre- specific research methods and resources. The course will emphasize academic analysis, but applications to theatrical production contexts will be encouraged.
An intermediate study of practical aspects of theatre production.
Through lecture and hands on projects, students will learn basic scene shop and behind the scenes standards. Goal related projects will teach student how to operate basic stationary and hand tools found in the shop as well as how to read and build from CAD drawings. Basic construction techniques of how to build scenery for theatre, TV, and film will be discussed throughout the class. Heavy emphasis will be on shop safety and behind the scenes and set etiquette.
This course examines the process toward becoming an actor. Through improvisation, scene study, and monologue work, the student will begin to develop her/his own process toward developing a character.
This course continues examining the process toward developing a character started in THEA 2291, focusing on different techniques and approaches. Content will include plays from the 20th century and beyond.
This course introduces students to the theories and principles of stage corrective makeup. Students will be introduced to various stage makeup techniques through class projects and introduction to three dimensional stage makeup.
This course is offered on a one-time basis to cover different areas of performance in Theatre and Dance.
This course introduces the fundamentals of ballet technique to the student actor/dancer.
This course introduces the fundamentals of Jazz to the student actor/dancer.
The study of choreography in musical theatre works. Emphasis is placed on style, vocabulary, history, and technique.
This course introduces students to the technique of acting for television and film. Through scene study and text analysis, students will develop techniques for acting in front of the camera.
This course is for BFA in Theatre candidates only and should be taken after successfully completing 45 credit hours or more. It is to measure and evaluate the competency of being cast or assigned one lead/major role/design-tech position per year (BFA students are required to earn at least one principal role/position in a UWG Theatre production per year). Students taking this course will meet with their mentor during the semester for evaluation of their production work as it relates to the BFA in Theatre. This is a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory course. If a student receives a grade of Unsatisfactory, they will no longer be a BFA in Theatre candidate.This course is comprised of a series of interviews, auditions (juries), and other projects/assignments geared toward determining the student s knowledge, skills, and abilities to continue in the BFA program. This is a pass/fail course. A student must earn a minimum score of 75% to continue in the BFA program. Students will take this course twice once they have completed 30 credit hours of course work with an overall GPA of 2.5, and an average GPA of 3.0 on their major courses. The first semester of this course will be a preparation for their auditions/juries, which will take place in the second semester.
Survey of the roots of theatre and drama from the Greek period to Ibsen.
This course explores Shakespeare s plays and poetry from a performance perspective. Students will utilize text analysis, including scansion, monologue work, and scene study in order to truthfully perform Shakespeare s work.
This course focuses on period styles of acting by exploring Greek, Victorian and Restoration history and performance. Students will apply research, use of costumes and properties and text analysis in various scene studies.
An introduction to the major approaches, techniques, processes, and responsibilities associated with directing a play. Projects will include in-class directing. Prerequisites may be waived with permission of the instructor
Devised Theatre is an alternative approach to playwriting that emphasizes collaborative ensemble-based writing, community research and outreach, and social and political awareness. Utilizing improvisational techniques, community- oriented research skills and non-textual performance practices, students will explore and write plays based on their communities, interests and concerns. Prerequisites may be waived with the permission of the instructor.
This course will be a continued exploration of acting for film and television. Through scene study and text analysis, students will expand their range of emotional, intellectual, physical and vocal expressiveness for the camera. Students will have a completed demo reel by the end of the course.
A capstone course designed to build on all experiential work in the students' college career. Topics will vary with instructors. Prerequisites may be waived with permission of the instructor.
This course continues to address articulation difficulties and unwanted regionalisms that impede the actor s versatility. Dialect work will be covered, starting with Standard British speech, moving into a London Dialect (formerly called Cockney) and finishing with Irish and Jamaican dialects.
This course is designed to prepare students for the professional world of acting encompassing theatre, film, and television. Students will gain an understanding of the business of acting as well as learn how to promote and market oneself as a business. Students will select and rehearse scenes, monologues and/or songs for a final professional showcase.
This course concentrates on the theory and mechanics of traditional play-writing as well as its processes and skills as a profession. Students will experience the writing, development and rehearsed reading of performance works.
Study of selected plays, conventions and movements in drama from Ibsen to present.
Course offered on a one-time or experimental basis to examine selected issues related to the Theatre Arts and performance.
Permission of instructor required. Repeatable to a maximum of 6 credit hours. Opportunity for selected students to intern at theatre, film, commercial and entertainment companies.
Amy Cuomo, Ph.D.
Professor of Theatre: Playwriting, Dramaturgy, Theatre History
Shelly Elman, M.F.A.
Program Coordinator and Professor of Theatre
Guidelines for Admittance
Each UWG online degree program has specific requirements that you must meet in order to enroll.
- Complete online application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
- Official transcripts from all schools attended. Official transcripts are sent from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
- Verify specific requirements associated with specific populations identified here: Freshman Adult Learners Transfer International Home School Joint / Dual Enrollment Transient Auditor Post-Baccalaureate Non-Degree Seeking Readmission
Program Specific Admittance Guidelines
All incoming freshman Theatre majors are admitted as Pre-Theatre majors while they complete at least 15 credit hours with a GPA of 2.5 or better.
Application Deadlines
For a complete list of application deadlines, please visit:
https://www.westga.edu/admissions/dates-deadlines.php
Admission Process Checklist
- Review Admission Requirements for the different programs and guides for specific populations (non-traditional, transfer, transient, home school, joint enrollment students, etc).
- Review important deadlines:
- Fall semester: June 1 (undergrads)
- Spring semester: November 15 (undergrads)
- Summer semester: May 15 (undergrads)
See program specific calendars here
- Complete online application
Undergraduate Admissions Guide
Undergraduate Application
Undergraduate International Application - Submit $40 non-refundable application fee
- Submit official documents
Request all official transcripts and test scores be sent directly to UWG from all colleges or universities attended. If a transcript is mailed to you, it cannot be treated as official if it has been opened. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically.
Undergraduate & Graduate Applicants should send all official transcripts to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Murphy Building
University of West Georgia
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton, GA 30118-4160 - Submit a Certificate of Immunization, if required. If you will not ever be traveling to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.
- Check the status of your application
Contact
Shelly Elman
678-839-4704
relman@westga.edu
Specific dates for Admissions (Undergraduate only), Financial Aid, Fee Payments, Registration, Start/End of term, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.
Program Learning Outcomes:
- Students will develop, through improvisation, various acting techniques, and body and voice development, believable, truthful, and committed characters.
- Students will understand and demonstrate the specific demands of acting styles for major periods and genres of dramatic literature.
- Students will understand and develop the specific skills needed for collaboration with other actors, the director, stage managers, and designers.
- Students will demonstrate their ability to learn and perform dialects and heightened language speech in a clear, articulate and expressive manner.
- Students will develop strong, flexible, and controlled body and vocal instruments that will allow actors to use both instruments effectively in characterizations, and have the ability to project these characterizations in varying performance spaces.
- Students will develop and administer makeup techniques for a wide range of characters.
- Students will understand the basic business procedures of the actor’s profession.