Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre
Onstage, backstage and beyond.
Our Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre program is a studio-intensive course of study designed for students with a strong commitment to a professional career in performance, directing, design, teaching, or theatre ministry.
Our curriculum and facilities are contemporary and cutting-edge. As a theatre student, you’ll receive a well-rounded education with hands-on experience in all phases of backstage work.
BFA theatre students in performance and design tracks have the opportunity to spend their final semester studying with Broadway and award-winning instructors in New York City through the Tepper Semester program. The ACU Theatre Senior Showcase (website coming soon!) is held each year in NYC playing to prospective agents, casting directors, and other industry professionals.
All prospective students must audition and/or interview for tracks including the Theatre Education track. Audition information for ACU's BFA Theatre program can be found below.
Note: Our program is competitive; we accept only 12 incoming students each fall. This allows for more performance and learning opportunities for our students.
Why study theatre at Abilene Christian University? Here are a few reasons:
- We produce quality theatre influenced by our Christian worldview.
- A maximum of 12 freshmen/transfer students are admitted each fall, determined by audition/interview.
- Limited total enrollment of 50 students provides more performance opportunities for each student and smaller faculty/student ratios.
- Training reflects cutting-edge, contemporary curriculum including the Alexander Technique, the Linklater Vocal Technique, and concepts of actor training from Robert Cohen, Michael Shurtleff, David Craig, the Atlantic Theatre Company, and Stanislavski.
- The Williams Performing Arts Center, a $17 million facility opened in 2003, features the Fulks Theater (a 325-seat theater) and the Culp Theater (a multi-form theater).
- The Homecoming Musical is performed annually in the 2,100-seat Abilene Civic Center.
- Theatre students’ academic awards have included Dean’s Honor Roll (more than 50 percent regularly), Valedictorian, Trustees’ Award, B. Sherrod, Dean Adams, Servant Leader, Who’s Who, University Scholar and Honor Student.
- Theatre students’ average GPA and SAT\ACT score exceeds university average.
- B.F.A. is awarded in six different tracks.
- Alumni are successful in grad school as well as in professional employment.
What can you do after graduation?
- Actor (stage, film, voice-over, cruise lines)
- Designer (sets, costume, lighting, sound, props)
- Director
- Stage Manager
- Technical Director
- Teacher (all levels, arts education programs)
- Worship Minister
- Playwright
- Agent
- Casting Director
- Print/Commercial Model
Experiential Learning Opportunities
By design, theatre majors receive hands-on experience throughout their coursework and co-curricular opportunities such as:
- Productions
- Tepper Semester in NYC
- LA Film Studies
- Study Abroad
Ben Jeffrey
One of ACU’s most accomplished young graduates, Jeffrey has played Pumbaa in Broadway’s The Lion King since 2010.
Tré McLeod
Tré McLeod, senior musical theatre major from Houston, stepped onto a new stage this summer as an intern with Aramco Services Company, a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, the largest and most profitable oil and gas company in the world.
Eean Cochran
During his sophomore and junior years, Cochran was cast in Broadway tours of Dreamgirls and Bring It On, and had to juggle his coursework around his time on stage. But the extra year it took to complete college was well worth the experience.
Laura Harris
A graduate of ACU’s Teacher Education program, Harris’ degree plan combined theatre and education courses. She believes the classroom observation, teaching experience, feedback and faculty support served as the perfect preparation for entering the high school classroom and theatre.
Degree Details
Tracks
Acting
Dance
Design/Technical
Directing
Musical Theatre
Theatre Education
Theatre Ministry
Required Hours
University Requirements + Major Requirements: 50-68 credit hours (Choice of 6 tracks) + Electives: 4-22 credit hours = Total Required: 128 credit hours*
*Based on track selection
Example Coursework
Acting 1
Stage Makeup
Beginning Directing
Fashion as Cultural Reflection
Minor Available:
Yes
Department
Department of Theatre
Application Deadlines
National Candidates: May 1st
Early Action: November 1st
Regular: February 1st
