WHAT IS THE B.F.A. IN ACTING?
A rigorous, highly individualized, and specialized training program combined with a broad liberal arts education. Students build a foundation of voice and movement and are introduced to a variety of acting styles and techniques to develop their own unique toolbox. Through ensemble-based collaboration and personalized instruction, students develop their process, build their technique, refine their expression, and deepen their craft.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Curious and collaborative students looking for a focused and intense four years of study. Ideal candidates want to broaden their perspectives and commit to the sometimes messy, always rewarding, process of transformation.
WHAT WILL YOUR FOUR YEARS LOOK LIKE?
YEAR ONE – FOUNDATIONS
To encourage community and respect across disciplines, the entire first year Center for Theatre and Dance class takes foundational courses such as Introduction to Professional Theatre, Race and Theatre in The United States, and take part in Technical Theatre Practicum.
Additionally, first year Acting and Musical Theatre students take core performance classes like Voice and Movement I and II and Scene Study I and II, which includes foundational Rasaboxes integration.
First year Acting students are required to audition for Production Laboratory productions beginning in their first semester and continuing each semester they are on the home campus. In their first semester, Acting students may opt out of callbacks and casting but still must complete the general audition.
YEAR TWO – SKILL BUILDING
Second year Acting students develop their skills through specific techniques and tools like the International Phonetic Alphabet, mask work, heightened-language text work, and Bioenergetics. Students transform their level of expressivity and understanding of complex language in classes such as Voice and Speech I and II, Movement for the Stage I and II, and Scene Study III and IV.
Acting students broaden their scope and perspective as artists in classes like Theatre History, Theatre Administration, and their choice of theatre and dance electives.
YEAR THREE – RESPONSIBILITY, CHANGE, AND LONDON
Third year Acting students synthesize their technique and develop an increased sense of independence in applying the skills they have learned. Third year coursework becomes more advanced with classes like Advanced Voice and Speech & Dialects for the Stage and Styles of Acting, and students expand their learning in Directing, Alexander Technique, and rehearsal and performance opportunities in faculty directed productions.
Third year students also have the opportunity, and are highly encouraged, to study abroad at the Ithaca College London Center, where they will immerse themselves in experiential coursework that features performance classes, Stage Combat, lectures, discussions, weekly theatrical walks through London, and play-going.
YEAR FOUR – SPRINGBOARD INTO THE PROFESSION
Fourth year Acting students begin to transition into their careers with advanced and professional preparation classes such as The Business of Acting, Audition Techniques, and Acting for the Camera.
Additionally, the entire fourth year class in the Center for Theatre and Dance attends Field Studies in New York City: a week of panels, workshops, and seminars with CTD alumni who are working in all aspects of the industry. Fourth year Acting and Musical Theatre students also mount a Performance Showcase for industry professionals and create relationships with agents, managers, and casting directors.