Undergraduate Programs

BFA Theatre, Acting Concentration

an actor in period attire

The bachelor of fine arts acting concentration at The University of Alabama provides advanced, highly disciplined students the tools necessary to successfully pursue a professional career on stage and screen. This rigorously structured sequence of study is designed to support the actor in the development of a solid base of technique in a wide array of acting styles and methods.

Why Acting at UA?

Intensive Training

The curriculum is complemented by intensive training in movement and voice for the stage, and augmented by advanced study in all areas of theatre, including directing, playwriting, design, and technology. All courses are taught by a vibrant, distinguished faculty of working professionals, dedicated to partnering with students to achieve greater success, both at the university and in the world beyond.

Performance Opportunities

From the first semester on campus, BFA students are provided considerable performance opportunities in the Mainstage and Studio seasons, as well as in a performance showcase tailored specifically for first-year students.

With their extensive national and international connections, the faculty facilitates significant performance experiences each summer, including an ongoing internship with the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, and performance opportunities with the Teatro Nacionale in Havana, Cuba, the Utah Shakespearean Festival and the Texas Shakespeare Festival.

Sweeney Todd cast members performing on stage

In their final year, students perform in Bama on Broadway, our NYC showcase, which has served as a successful bridge to the profession for many of our graduates, including Sonequa Martin-Green (Star Trek: Discovery, The Walking Dead), Michael Luwoye (Hamilton), and Scarlett Walker (Carousel). 

Guest Artists and Masterclasses

Throughout their academic career, students will also be exposed to the highest caliber of guest artists to enrich their training, including masterclasses with Broadway, television and film casting directors, Hollywood directors, internationally recognized guest directors and specialists in everything from commedia to swashbuckling.

makeup chart hanging on wall in dressing roomAdmissions Process

Admission to the BFA acting concentration is by audition and interview only. Auditions are held on campus each November and January, with exact dates published each fall on the auditions page. Students must complete the online application form and apply to The University of Alabama to receive consideration.

Students will be notified of acceptance, and eligibility for the departmental scholarship no later than Feb. 1. If accepted, continuance is dependent upon satisfactory development, evaluated by the acting faculty at the end of each semester.

Auditions

Find current, detailed information about the audition process on our acting/musical theatre auditions page.

Please prepare two contrasting monologues of no more than 90 seconds each.  If you sing, you are welcome to do so, provided you bring recorded accompaniment. You may be asked to perform additional material. An actor’s warm-up will be provided prior to the audition.

For more information, please contact Seth Panitch, director of the acting program, at (205) 348-3845 or spanitch@ua.edu.

Have any questions? Visit our FAQ page.

Curriculum

Read details about the curriculum on our BFA Acting Concentration Curriculum page.

For more information on the department, University and/or core curriculum requirements, please visit the UA Undergraduate Catalog.

Have any questions? Visit our FAQ page.