Acting, B.F.A

Acceptance to the BFA Acting program is earned during the first and second year by demonstrated commitment and progress as a Theatre and Performance, Theatre Education and Performance, or Musical Theatre student, and by an audition process in the spring semester of the second year.

The undergraduate faculty of Performing Arts is committed to the following learning objectives for the BFA in Acting program.

Students will:

1. Analyze a body of dramatic literature.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of modes of critical/historical inquiry and a multiplicity of cultural and artistic perspectives.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural and social impact of the arts and their role as a theatre practitioner and as an active member of society.
4. Demonstrate an ability to collaborate in the act of making theatre.
5. Demonstrate technical and artistic proficiency in acting, voice and speech, and movement.
6. Demonstrate professional discipline and effective work habits.
7. Demonstrate preparation to pursue professional acting opportunities.

BFA Acting is an intensive program with a set curriculum focused on acting/performance, in which the admitted cohort take all of their studio classes together in their junior and senior years. As such, residency in Boston is required. BFA Acting students are not eligible to participate in the Los Angeles Program (ELA), which is open to Emerson seniors. If BFA Acting students want to attend the Kasteel Well Program in the Netherlands (or any other semester abroad programs), they will need to have done so in their sophomore year. They may, however, participate in external programs if offered in a summer semester.