Theatre, B.F.A.

Admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre

Entrance into the program will require the following:

The Theatre B.F.A. degree is performance based and has an audition component to its requirements for admission.

All students must have and maintain a 2.5 G.P.A.

B.F.A. Acting Concentration:

Audition dates are scheduled for the spring semester each year. Please download, complete and return an Audition Application Form (Word). You must also be admitted to Western Carolina University. Please visit the Office of Admissions for admissions requirements and the application process.

Auditionees must perform two contrasting, contemporary monologues. These monologues must be two minutes or less each.

Auditionees must bring a headshot or recent picture that will be kept on file.

Auditionees must bring or send in two letters of recommendation.

Auditionees must bring in or send in a resume.

Auditionees must submit a short essay; B.F.A’s on “Why you want to major in Acting.”

Auditionees may bring video/DVD of other work.

B.F.A. Musical Theatre Concentration

Admittance to WCU’s Musical Theatre Program is by audition only; the entire audition must be memorized.

Audition dates are scheduled for the spring semester each year. Please download, complete and return an Audition Application Form (Word). You must also be admitted to Western Carolina University. Please visit the Office of Admissions for admissions requirements and the application process.

Singing

Applicants must prepare two songs from the standard Broadway repertoire: a ballad that shows a sustained legato line and an “up tempo” number. An accompanist will be provided in Cullowhee.

The audition may also include tonal memory exercises and melodic and rhythmic sight singing. The student must demonstrate musical skills and a voice of sufficient quality and expression in order to be admitted to his/her chosen program of study.

Acting

Auditionees must perform a comical or dramatic monologue from a contemporary play or musical.

Dancing

All candidates must participate in a dance class (warm-up and several combinations) Auditionees must wear standard rehearsal attire or clothing and shoes that allow for ease of movement. Sandals and tennis shoes are not considered proper attire.

Liberal Studies Hours: 42

Liberal Studies Program Requirements 

Major Requirements

The major requires 128 hours as follows:

Liberal Studies, 42 hours

Required Theatre Core Courses, 35 hours

Performance Concentration Acting or Musical Theatre, 51 hours

Required Courses:

Required Theatre Core Courses for all B.F.A. students, 35 hours:

• DA 258 - Dance Techniques Credits: 2, R6
• THEA 131 - Introduction to Professions Credits: (3)
• THEA 140 - Acting I Credits: 3
• THEA 170 - Theatre Production Seminar Credits: (1)
• THEA 237 - Costume Crafts and Makeup Credits: (3)
• THEA 240 - Voice and Articulation Credits: (3)
• THEA 270 - Theatre Arts Workshops I Credits: (1, R4)
• THEA 302 - Dramatic Literature and Criticism Credits: (3)
• THEA 332 - Introduction to Design for Stage and Screen Credits: 3
• THEA 350 - Directing I Credits: 3
• THEA 400 - History of the Theatre I Credits: 3
• THEA 401 - History of the Theatre II Credits: 3
• THEA 496 - Seminar in Professional Development Credits: 1
• THEA 499 - BFA Thesis/Senior Showcase Credits: 2

• Choose one of from below:

• THEA 172 - Theatre Production: Stagecraft Credits: (1, R2)
• THEA 173 - Theatre Production: Costume Credits: (1, R2)

Acting Concentration-51 hours

• 13 hours form THEA: 260(1), 340, 341, 345, 346, 441
• 6 hours from THEA: 220, 351, 320
• 8 hours from DA: 253, 255, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 303, 304, 305, 306
• 3 hours from ENGL 431, THEA 310
• 6 hour performance credits: THEA 270 + 5 hours from THEA 370, 486
• 15 hours elective in THEA, DA, MUS, MPTP
  • Note: We strongly recommend THEA 483 Internship as an elective

Musical Theatre Concentration-51 hours

Theatre Handbook: All students are required to read and adhere to the School’s Theatre Handbook.

Probation and Dismissal:

Probation 

1. If your overall GPA is below 2.5, you will be placed on probation. Such students will receive notification of probation in writing, a copy of which will be place in your advising folder. During this one semester probationary period you must raise  your overall G.P.A. to a minimum 2.5 or you will be dismissed from the program. If, after the probationary period, your overall G.P.A. is still below the required minimum of 2.5, you may appeal in writing for one additional semester in order to raise your G.P.A. Faculty will consider these requests, using the following criteria:  

• Likelihood of achieving a 2.5 in one semester.
• Student’s demonstrated effort in current classes.
• Student’s overall performance in the program. 

2. Probation may be imposed for other infractions not deemed of the level for dismissal (see Student Code of Conduct).
3. Students offered probation must sign a probation agreement which will go in their record.
4. Probation is offered for one semester. If at the end of that period the issue is resolved, student will return to good standing. If the issue is not improved or resolved, student will face dismissal from the program. Student may request in writing an additional semester to resolve the issue. Faculty will determine if that request is granted, based on the criteria listed above.
5. Students should understand that artistic merit is an important attribute of any professional. Therefore, a student’s artistic promise may be taken into consideration in any decision regarding probation and dismissal. 

 Dismissal 

1. A history of academic probation (two semesters or more) is grounds for dismissal. Such students may request an opportunity to prove their academic commitment to the program.
2. Infractions of the Student Code of Conduct, in addition to any penalties imposed by the University, could lead to dismissal from the Theatre program.
3. Any other disciplinary actions during the academic year may be grounds for dismissal.

 Appeal Process 

1. Students will be informed in writing of dismissal within one week of their interview. Reasons must be stated in this document. Faculty will then advise the student and help facilitate enrollment in another major.
2. Students may submit a written statement to Program Director and Department Head stating reasons why they should remain in the program. Once an appeal has been submitted:

• Faculty must meet to consider the appeal
• If appeal is accepted, student may still be put on probation.
• If the appeal is denied, student may appeal to the Department Head.
• Department Head may ask the faculty to reconsider the appeal. Faculty shall then meet with Department Head to discuss the appeal. Faculty will then vote on appeal, and faculty’s decision shall be final and binding.

Total hours required for the B.F.A.

To complete the program, a total of 128 hours are required. A student will have only one concentration in the B.F.A. degree. At least 32 hours taken at WCU must be at the junior-senior level to meet one of the general university degree requirements.

Students must pass a junior qualifying exam to continue in program.

Students must pass senior capstone recital to meet degree requirements.

Visit the department’s website at http://www.wcu.edu/academics/departments-schools-colleges/FPA/schools-departments-and-centers/stagescreen/stage-screen-academic-programs/thea/index.asp to view the 8 semester curriculum guide.