Theatre BFA
The BFA is a pre-professional degree in which Theatre Majors can further specialize in a chosen area of emphasis: Performance, Design, Management/Direction, and Technology.
Theatre – Bachelor of Fine Arts
Theatre, BFA
Offered as a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre
The BFA is a pre-professional degree requiring additional study and specialization within the major. All students admitted to the BFA must first be accepted as a BA or BS theatre major.
Admission to the BFA program is by audition, interview, and/or resume-portfolio presentation. Students may apply for admission to the BFA no earlier than the end of their sophomore year; transfer students should wait until they have been in residence at least two full terms prior to auditioning/interviewing. Students should consult with their program advisor for more information about the BFA program.
Degree Fit
Program Preparation
Students who display a talent in Acting, Design, Direction, Management, or Theater Technology and possess the commitment and discipline to further specialize and develop their abilities and collaboration with colleagues are perfect candidates for the SOU Theatre BFA Program.
Degree Roadmap
Starting with the foundational sequential track of course work, a Theatre Major can choose to specialize in a certain area of emphasis after their sophomore year. Once accepted, BFA candidates will take additional classes in their area of emphasis as well as being held to rigorous academic standards in their course work. The BFA candidate will work more closely with a specific faculty mentor to gain hands-on experience in theatrical productions through professional guidance and instruction.
Capstone
The BFA degree requires the completion of a creative project that demonstrates proficiency in the candidate’s field of emphasis. The BFA thesis is the culminating of the four-year undergraduate theatre training experience. Whether as part of a departmental production or a proposed independent project, the BFA candidate works in conjunction with a faculty mentor from proposal to completion of the thesis which will prepare and propel the candidate into career possibilities within the professional theatre world.
Career Path
Become a Professional
Career opportunities for a Theatre degree:
- Actor
- Scenic Designer
- Costume Designer
- Sound Designer
- Lighting Designer
- Projection/Media Designer
- Sound Engineer
- Studio Engineer
- Master Electrician
- Director
- Dramaturg (Literary Manager)
- Stage Manager
- Production Assistant
- Production Manager
- Theatre Administration
- Theatre Management
- Artistic Director
- Producer
- Theatre Education
- Choreographer
- Scenographer
Salary Range
$25,000 – $125,000
*Based on National Average
Future Success
SOU Theatre Studies Alumni
Kristen Mun - 2009
BFA Management (Stage Management)
Kristen is an Equity stage manager with Portland Center Stage, and has worked as a production assistant for Portland Center Stage, Artist Repertory Theater, and the Actor’s Theater of Louisville.
Blaine Johnston - 2010
BFA Performance
Blaine works for Disney ABC Television Group in New York as a Casting Assistant and Showcase Coordinator for ABC Primetime.
Alex Meyer - 2012
BFA Technology (Technical Direction)
Alex is currently a foreman and lead mechanic at BBI Engineering, a San Francisco company that designs and build audio-visual interactive exhibits for theatres, museums, and corporate installations.
Section Contents: Theatre Programs
Contact the Theatre Program
SOU Theatre Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6346
– Questions About Theatre? –