Course Overview!

Ball State University's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre (Acting Option) provides a rigorous and innovative training curriculum for aspiring theatre artists. The program emphasizes a holistic approach, developing students' physical, vocal, and mental skills through diverse coursework and movement-based techniques. It's designed to cultivate critical thinking, collaboration, and responsible citizenship within a demanding artistic environment. The curriculum draws inspiration from influential acting methodologies, including those of Bogart, Grotowski, Stanislavski, and Linklater, incorporating coursework in devising, dialects, Shakespeare, and stage combat. Students gain practical experience through on-campus workshops with industry professionals and have opportunities to participate in senior showcases in New York and Chicago, as well as an LA Experience in Los Angeles. The program fosters personal growth and empowers students to explore their individual artistic voices and stories.

Course Structure

The BFA acting curriculum focuses on developing the complete theatre artist, training students as both creators and interpreters of theatrical material. The program includes a wide range of courses, drawing inspiration from various acting methodologies. Key areas of study cover devising, exploring different dialects, understanding and performing Shakespeare, and mastering stage combat techniques. There is also an emphasis on the collaboration and ensemble work crucial for a successful professional career within the theatre field, with significant attention given to movement-based approaches to training and acting. The curriculum culminates in a capstone experience, likely a one-person show film, showcasing the students' developed talents and skills after consistent refinement throughout the program.