Each program is intended for the talented and serious student who wishes to pursue a career in theatre, dance, or graduate school. The theatrical studies option is a broad based program which offers students knowledge and training in many areas of theatre. This option also is recommended for students wanting to pursue careers in directing, stage management, playwriting, or theatre management. Acting and Musical Theatre option students are selected for the options by audition only. In addition, Acting and Musical Theatre students must pass a jury at the end of their sophomore and junior years to continue in the option and an exit jury during the senior year to complete the option.
Admission is by an on-campus or, in certain circumstances, a video audition.
The philosophy of the Acting Option begins with the recognition that craft mastery is a lifetime process. Accordingly, the AO endeavors to ground performers with experiences and training in all areas of professional theatrical performance, live stage as well as recorded media. Actors leaving the AO are focused toward constructing lifetime careers in traditional stage entertainment, in front of the camera, or in alternate performance worlds such as comedy improvisation and recreational entertainment. Acting Option students receive extensive training in acting for stage and for camera through specialized classes in vocal training, dance, acting for the camera, and a progression of acting classes. Furthermore, the program addresses issues of career as well as art.