Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre

Bachelor of Fine Arts model which requires intensive focus in four emphasis areas; Performance, Directing, Production Design, and Theatre Education. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is designed to prepare students for professional careers in a variety of performance, design, or educational-related fields or for graduate school. Each area is listed below as a major.

Department of Theatre and Dance Goals: Bachelor of Fine Arts

1. To equip students with a vocabulary and language that reflects the standard terms and concepts used in the dramatic arts
2. To expose students to the foundational knowledge that impacts upon the major and minor movements of past and contemporary theatrical arts
3. To prepare students to display professional competencies in one of the four following areas: Performance, Directing, Production Design, and Theatre Education
4. To contribute to the cultural and artistic environment of Belmont University and the Nashville community
5. To provide students with opportunities to gain extensive practical and professional experience in a variety of areas within the performing arts
6. To provide students with an intensive regimented training program with incremental stages of development and experience in preparation for a professional career in the theatre and related fields.

 Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) - Emphasis: Performance

The Performance Emphasis is designed for students who are interested in a career as a professional actor in theater and other performance mediums. The Performance emphasis will prepare students to compete and succeed in the continually evolving world of entertainment performance, giving students the flexibility and skill sets needed to survive and work in a variety of entertainment positions. The B.F.A. degree creates a study of theatrical production and performance that includes theatre history, literature, criticism, analysis, contemporary trends, practical theatre process, and the exploration of theatre as an art form. Building on this foundation is a multi-disciplined approach to the production and performance of theatre with basic coursework in acting, directing, design, management, and the business of theatre. Completing the B.F.A. degree is a concentrated focus on coursework particular to Performance. The objective of the Performance emphasis is to prepare students for the diverse challenges of graduate studies and professional employment in a broad range of entertainment related careers.

 Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) - Emphasis: Directing

The Directing Emphasis is designed for students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in the field of theatrical direction. The Directing emphasis is a foundational degree giving the student the necessary tools and techniques required for pursuing graduate study. The Directing emphasis will prepare students for the diverse challenges of graduate studies and the subsequent professional employment as a theatrical director. The B.F.A. degree creates a study of theatrical production and performance that includes theatre history, literature, criticism, analysis, contemporary trends, practical theatre process, and the exploration of theatre as an art form. Building on this foundation is a multi-disciplined approach to the production and performance of theatre with basic coursework in acting, directing, design, management, and the business of theatre. Completing the B.F.A. degree is a concentrated focus on coursework particular to Directing. The objective of the Directing emphasis is to prepare students for the diverse challenges of graduate studies and professional employment in a broad range of entertainment related careers.

The Production Design Emphasis is designed for students who are interested in a career as a professional costume, set, or lighting designers in theater and other performance mediums. The Production Design emphasis will prepare students to compete and succeed in the continually evolving world of entertainment direction, giving students the flexibility and skill sets needed to survive and work in a variety of entertainment positions. The B.F.A. degree creates a study of theatrical production and performance that includes theatre history, literature, criticism, analysis, contemporary trends, practical theatre process, and the exploration of theatre as an art form. Building on this foundation is a multi-disciplined approach to the production and performance of theatre with basic coursework in acting, directing, design, management, and the business of theatre. Completing the B.F.A. degree is a concentrated focus on coursework particular to costume, set, and light design. The objective of the Production Design emphasis is to prepare students for the diverse challenges of graduate studies and professional employment in a broad range of entertainment related careers.

The Theatre Education Emphasis is designed for students who are interested in a career as an elementary or secondary teacher in theater. The Theatre Education emphasis will prepare students to compete and succeed in the continually evolving world of theatre education, giving students the flexibility and skill sets needed to survive and work theatre education and culminates in state licensure to teach theatre.  The B.F.A. degree creates a study of theatrical production and performance that includes theatre history, literature, criticism, analysis, contemporary trends, practical theatre process, and the exploration of theatre as an art form. Building on this foundation is a multi-disciplined approach to the production and performance of theatre with basic coursework in acting, directing, design, management, and the business of theatre. Completing the B.F.A. degree is a concentrated focus on coursework particular to theatre education. The objective of the Theatre Education emphasis is to prepare students for the diverse challenges of graduate studies and professional employment as a theatre teacher in elementary and secondary education.