University of Connecticut

Additional information

Degree Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting at the University of Connecticut is an intensive, conservatory-style program designed to prepare students for direct entry into performance careers in all areas of professional theatre, including television and film. Students are also thoroughly prepared to continue acting studies at the graduate, Master of Fine Arts level. Combining a four-year sequence of acting classes with extensive voice and movement training and a well-rounded course of studies in the art of theatre, the BFA Acting Program also offers outstanding performance opportunities through the Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT), the performance wing of the Department of Dramatic Arts. At the CRT, students work with professional actors and directors on the way to earning membership points in Actor's Equity, the American union for professional stage actors and stage managers.

COURSE OF STUDY

Our program of study is unique among the Northeastern BFA acting programs in both state and private universities.  Our mission is to provide the tools, skills, experiences, and processes to empower the young actor…who strives toward greatness…for a career in the American Theatre in all of its manifestations.  Our program balances the artistic training with the academic learning.  This brings into focus the path of the professional actor with the maturation of the individual as a citizen of the world.
Below are a few examples of what makes our program unique:

• All our instructors are working professionals as well as dedicated teachers.
• Our class size is the smallest of any BFA Actor Training Program in the Northeast (typically 12 individuals), which allows us to provide significant individual attention.
• Study Abroad with Semester in London.  Juniors will spend their Fall semester abroad studying in London. This will be a unique opportunity to study:  Acting Shakespeare, Speaking Shakespeare, Period Dance, Physical Theatre (taught by members of Theatre Complicite), Stage Combat with potential certification as actor/combatant by the British Society of Fight Directors.  The students will be in direct contact with directors, actors, and designers of current productions of the London Theatre. This will also include 8 to 10 performances as well as tours of The Globe and the National Theatre.
• Learn from professional guest teaching artists: Such as comedy class with Jerry Adler who appears regularly on The Good Wife and with Pat McCorkle of McCorkle Casting who teaches Acting for the Camera class.
• Opportunity to work with Puppet Arts majors on film and live action projects.
• Casting at Connecticut Repertory Theatre where BFA actors work alongside MFA and Equity actors directed by outstanding professional directors while earning points towards their union affiliation.
• Senior Showcase for NYC agents, casting directors and additional industry professionals.