Dec 03, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
2024-2025 University Catalog

Theatre Performance, BFA


The performance program prepares students to be well-rounded artists and performers, with an emphasis in exploring body, voice, and artistic imagination. The program trains students to be professional artistic collaborators using consent-based practices, social justice lenses, and courses in diverse styles of movement and voice as well as acting, directing, and creative research techniques. Students also put theory into practice as part of Central Theatre Ensemble’s regular on-campus season.

Admission Requirements
Admission to the program is by audition/interview only. Auditions/interviews begin with an online screening process that culminates in program admission being offered in early spring for the fall cohort.

See the auditions procedures page www.cwu.edu/theatre/auditions.

Program Requirements

In addition to the department core courses requirements, performance BFA candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in Theatre Arts with a minimum grade of “B-” (2.7) in each of the performance specialization courses. 

Meeting this standard is reviewed as part of the annual jury.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • create multi-dimensional, believable characters based on source material of diverse genres and styles in performance; 
  • execute flexible, relaxed, and controlled use of the body in stage movement towards the creation and execution of character in performance;
  • apply appropriate vocal techniques, including diverse dialects, styles, and media toward the creation and execution of character in performance;
  • apply techniques for analyzing source material toward the creation and execution of character in performance; 
  • participate in solo and ensemble performance in a variety of formal and informal settings;
  • demonstrate collaborative skills necessary for  theatre making;
  • examine the basic business procedures of the actor’s profession and industry; and
  • implement research and creative skills toward self-generative performance.

Theatre Arts Core Requirements


The Theatre Arts programs are designed to prepare knowledgeable, skilled graduates who will successfully compete in an increasingly competitive field. Students will also learn to assess, explain, and interpret the many roles and responsibilities inherent in the world of the professional theatre artist, and beyond. They will understand how to use the skills they develop in other career paths related to their degree.

Admission Requirements
BA students
apply directly to the department through the one-step online application, after admitted to the institution. 
No audition is required.

  • For a student new to the institution: The theatre arts application should be completed following admission to the university, and one week prior to enrolling in courses.
  • For a continuing CWU student: The theatre arts application can be competed at any time.

BFA students audition/interview through our online pre-screening web-based program, GetAcceptd.com. Information on the audition/interview process can be found at the department website.

Students seeking a theatre minor apply directly to the department through the one-step online application, after enrollment at the institution. 

Theatre Arts Core Requirements


Students in all theatre arts programs must earn a grade of “C+” (2.3) or higher in theatre arts core requirement courses.

Lab Component - Credits: 3


All theatre students completing programs which share the theatre arts core requirements are required to complete at least three lab assignments.

Complete three credits of the following:

Production Component - Credits: 3


All theatre majors are required to complete at least one backstage assignment.

Choose one from the following:

Theatre Arts Core Total Credits: 33


Performance


Required Courses for Performers Credits: 22


Required Technical Theatre Component Credits: 6


Choose two of the following:

Performance Focus


BFA Performance students should take courses in the following component areas:

Acting Component Credits: 15


Movement and Voice Component Credits: 11-12


Choose any of the following for a minimum of eleven (11) credits.

Literature Component Credits: 5


Choose one of the following:

Total Credits: 107-108


College and Department Information


Theatre Arts Department  
College of Arts and Humanities  

Online Availability
The program does not have a designated online only option.

Program Codes
Major plan codes: THPEBFA, THPEBFAP