Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Slippery Rock University

Acting, Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Concentration in Acting

Program Learning Outcomes

Acting – ACTING CORE, BA and BFA

Students in the BA Acting  and BFA Acting programs will acquire the techniques necessary for the confident, skilled performance of dramatic roles (U01, U02, U05, U06, U09). Students will:

  • gain the tools to analyze and develop characters, and to create a meaningful personal connection to their roles;
  • master the ability to listen and respond truthfully in the moment;
  • gain the tools necessary to achieve a flexible, strong, and controlled voice and body to be used effectively as instruments for characterization.

ACTING – Acting Concentration, BFA

Students in the BFA Acting, Acting concentration will acquire the specific skills necessary for a career as a theatre performer (U01, U02, U05, U06). Students will:

  • achieve the highest possible level of performance as an actor;
  • achieve professional, entry-level competence in acting including significant technical mastery, and the capability to solve professional problems independently.

THEATRE DEPARTMENT, OVERALL

  • Communication (U01, U02): Students will learn to communicate effectively by developing and defending informed viewpoints about theatre.  Students will gain an understanding of the common elements and vocabulary of theatre and of the interaction of these elements, giving them the ability to analyze both dramatic literature and live performance perceptively and to evaluate them critically.
  • Creation/Production/Performance (U02, U05, U06, U08, U09): Students will gain an overview of the collaborative elements of theatre and will demonstrate an understanding of the production process.  Students will explore and experience different values, perspectives, and aesthetics allowing them to problem solve, create, perform and produce theatre.  Students will successfully execute job duties related to the performance of a role, crew position and/or design assignment.
  • Professional Proficiency (U05, U08): Students will acquire the entrepreneurial skills necessary to assist in the development and advancement of careers in theatre.  Students will learn to apply knowledge and skills to meet professional competencies in the field of theatre.  Students will learn procedures and develop skills that enable them to conduct themselves in a manner accepted in the professional theatre community.
  • Historical Knowledge (U02, U05, U09): Students will acquire familiarity with theatre literature of various historical periods, cultural sources, and modes of presentation.  Students will learn the essential elements of the historical development of theatre and drama.  Students will relate, connect, integrate, and contextualize knowledge acquired in theatre courses.
  • Degree Program Writing Competency (U01, U02, U05): Students will gain the ability to write clearly and effectively. 
 
 

Related Links

Acting, BFA Program Page

Theatre Department Page

 

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 3.00 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.00 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements42
Other Basic Requirments0-3
Computer Competency0-3
Major/Concentration Requirements78

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
MATH 117Quantitative Reasoning3
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Science Inquiry
SCI 101Science of Life3
Physical Science Inquiry
SCI 102Understanding the Physical World3
Subtotal15
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Subtotal12
Total Hours42
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

2

One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

Computer Competency

Demonstrate "computer competency" by one of the following:0-3
Pass Computer Competency Exam OR
Select one of the following at SRU or another post-secondary institution:
Introduction to Computing for Liberal Arts
Computer Concepts
Introduction to Computing and Programming
Technology for Wellness
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Writing Competency Requirements

Requirement Course Grade
Scholarly Paper in MLA format ASPM
Professional Resume APR
Professional Cover Letter APCL

Major/Concentration Requirements

  • 39 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 39 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
Core Requirements
DANC 125Experiencing Dance: Techniques and Styles3
THEA 132Stagecraft3
THEA 133Acting I3
THEA 142Wellness for the Actor3
THEA 222Acting II3
THEA 281Survey of Dramatic Literature I3
THEA 283Survey of Dramatic Literature II3
THEA 303Acting III3
THEA 324Stage Makeup3
THEA 351Movement for the Actor3
THEA 353Voice for the Actor3
THEA 404Acting IV: Scene Study3
THEA 425Professional Theatre Practice3
THEA 442Senior Showcase3
Subtotal42
Acting Concentration Core
THEA 310Acting for the Camera3
THEA 322Acting Technique (Repeat 2 times)6
THEA 328Acting Shakespeare3
THEA 337Directing3
THEA 342IPA/Dialects3
THEA 344Auditioning3
THEA 394Theories of Acting and Directing3
Subtotal24
Electives
Health and Fitness Elective
Select one course from the following:3
Stress Management
Personal Health
Wellness through Movement
Career Enhancement Elective
Select one course from the following:3
Introduction to Theatre Arts Management
Drawing/Drafting/CAD
Costume Technology
Playwriting
Advanced Stagecraft
Scene Design
Stage Lighting
Costume Design and History
Stage Management and Safety
Studies in Audience Development
History of Musical Theatre
Selected Topics (Scene Painting)
Advanced Acting Electives
Select six credits from the following:6
DANC XXX
Dance course 1
Musicianship for Musical Theatre I Requires permission of the instructor
Rehearsal and Production
Private Musical Theatre Voice Requires permission of the instructor
Musical Theatre Song Repertoire Requires permission of the instructor
Musical Theatre Dance I
Acting for Song I Requires permission of the instructor
Acting Technique Course is repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits
Shakespeare Tour
New Play Development
International Theatre Experience
Pop/Rock Song Repertoire Requires permission of the instructor
Musical Theatre Dance II
Projects in Theatre
Internship
Independent Study
Selected Topics
Subtotal12
Total Hours78
1

Choose from DANC 125DANC 220, DANC 221DANC 222, DANC 224, DANC 298, DANC 305, DANC 320, DANC 321DANC 322, DANC 420, DANC 421DANC 422, DANC 424, DANC 426, DANC 428.

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. International study programs International study programs (including Edinburgh, Scotland, Fringe Festival Trip)
  2. SRU Theatre Department Productions
  3. Theatre internships and summer theatre employment
  4. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
  5. Student-faculty research
  6. Student leadership development
  7. Department field trips
  8. Theatre Department Student Staff
  9. Student Lab Productions in Sheehy Theatre
  10. Guest Artist lectures, workshops, and productions

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

ACTING- BFA (5390)
Concentration in Acting (THPE)
This program is effective as of Fall 2022.
Revised 07.27.2023
UCC 02.14.2023

Recommended Four-Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
THEA 132 Stagecraft 3
THEA 133 Acting I 3
THEA 142 Wellness for the Actor (F) 3
ENGL 102 Critical Writing ! 3
ESAP 101 FYRST Seminar * 1
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 3
 Hours16
Spring
THEA 222 Acting II (S) ! 3
DANC 125 Experiencing Dance: Techniques and Styles 3
ENGL 104 Critical Reading ! 3
MATH 117 Quantitative Reasoning 3
Select one of the following: 3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
 Hours15
Second Year
Fall
THEA 281 Survey of Dramatic Literature I (F) 3
THEA 303 Acting III 3
THEA 322 Acting Technique (F) 3
Acting Elective 3
Humanities Inquiry 3
Declare a Thematic Thread 2
 Hours15
Spring
THEA 283 Survey of Dramatic Literature II (S) 3
THEA 324 Stage Makeup (S) 3
THEA 404 Acting IV: Scene Study 3
SCI 101 Science of Life 3
Acting Elective 3
 Hours15
Third Year
Fall
THEA 310
Acting for the Camera
or Acting Technique
3
THEA 353 Voice for the Actor ! 3
THEA 394 Theories of Acting and Directing (F) 3
Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours15
Spring
THEA 328 Acting Shakespeare 3
THEA 337 Directing (S) 3
THEA 344 Auditioning (S) ! 3
THEA 351 Movement for the Actor (S) 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
THEA 322 Acting Technique (F) 3
THEA 425 Professional Theatre Practice (F) 3
SCI 102 Understanding the Physical World 3
Acting Electives 3
Social Science Inquiry 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours18
Spring
THEA 342 IPA/Dialects 3
THEA 442 Senior Showcase (S) 3
Acting Electives 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
 Hours12
 Total Hours**121
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject

2

Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.

*

Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.

!

Indicates a course which requires a grade of C or better. 

** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses.  However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year. 

Major Code: 5390
Concentration Code: THPE
Revised date: 04.20.2023