Bachelor of Arts Concentrations
Performance
Majors interested in a performance concentration can focus in either acting/directing or dance.
Auditions for all main stage productions and most studio productions are held during the first week of classes in each semester for events occurring that term. Exceptions exist for some class projects with late starting dates, studio shows which bridge holiday periods, etc. Typically, auditions consist of presenting a two minute monologue, fully memorized and well-rehearsed. An audition for a musical includes singing 16 bars of a song of one's choice.
The main stage season typically features four productions, including one musical. Faculty members direct these. Casts and crews are composed of either undergraduate or graduate students. In addition to students, guest artists occasionally augment the casts and crews.
In addition to the main stage season, the department sponsors a flexible and diverse studio season which can include faculty, undergraduate and/or graduate student directed productions.
Acting/Directing
Acting
Students will have the opportunity to enroll in a variety of classes that will test their acting muscle including:
- Fundamentals of Acting
- Intermediate Acting: Meisner Technique
- Actor Training: Body Work
- Advanced Acting: Comedy and many more
Students will also be able to gain practical knowledge in acting through performance opportunities in the main stage and studio seasons.
Auditions for all main stage productions and most studio productions are held during the first week of classes in each semester for events occurring that term. Exceptions exist for some class projects with late starting dates, studio shows which bridge holiday periods, etc. Typically, auditions consist of presenting a two minute monologue, fully memorized and well-rehearsed. An audition for a musical includes singing 16 bars of a song of one's choice.
Directing
A student's first public directing opportunity is afforded after taking Directing I and II at BU and, of course, satisfying all prerequisites for those courses. All official student-directed projects are done in a departmental venue or other authorized space and are supervised by a faculty member. Students progress through a series of production levels as described under Production Classifications and may advance to a directing thesis if qualified.
Students will also have the opportunity to work as assistant directors on faculty-directed main stage and studio productions.
Dance
Dance Oppurtunities
There are numerous opportunities for dance students in classes and showcase productions. Classes include Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Composition dance techniques. The Department also sponsors the Children's Dance Theatre, a student-produced ensemble, which perform at local elementary schools as well as on campus.
Children's Dance Theatre
Since it's creation in 1975 by Kathleen Nolan, Children's Dance Theatre has had seventeen performing seasons. The company is established each September through auditions for both dancers and student choreographers. These members choreograph and perform a varied program to combine the many different cultural backgrounds and dance interests of the members. The intent is to share these interests with other university students and expand the knowledge of the audiences they reach. This organization is funded in part by the Student Association. For more information contact Rhae Anne Busch at 607.777.6951.
Design & Technical
The Department offers a specialization in design and technical theatre that includes Scene, Lighting, Costume, and Sound Design, Technical Direction and relevant support areas. Opportunities also exist for students to design both studio and main stage productions. Focus is on preparations for a variety of careers in the technical fields and the creation of design opportunities which are crucial to the development of a portfolio that will make one competitive in seeking admission to the best graduate schools in the country.
