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TheatreVCU's Degree Programs
Theatre, Bachelor of Arts
(120 credits required to graduate) All entering students are initially classified as Theatre Foundation majors with an area of emphasis in either Performance, Scenic Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design or Stage Management. The first two years of curriculum are the same for both BA/BFA degrees. After successfully completing the first two years of core theatre courses in their areas of interest, students choose which degree program (BA or BFA) they wish to pursue. The B.A. is designed for students who desire a program with a strong emphasis in theatre, combined with a strong liberal arts component, and a minor (or other course of directed study) in an area other than theatre.Performance, Bachelor of Fine Arts
(120 credits required to graduate) The core of the BFA Performance Track is an intense pre-professional program requiring eight semesters of acting, four of movement, four of voice, speech and dialects in addition to the other theatre-related classes.Design/Technology, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Scene Design • Costume Design • Lighting Design(120 credits required to graduate) Training in design is augmented by opportunities to study the fundamentals of sound design, prop construction, makeup and wig design.
Stage Management, Bachelor of Fine Arts
(120 credits required to graduate) The BFA in stage management provides a professionally intense production-oriented program for students serious about entering this field.Performance Auditions
All Performance applicants are admitted by audition and interview.Prepare two contrasting (one comedic and one dramatic) one-minute monologues from published play scripts.
Choose something in an appropriate age range that does not contain a dialect. Secure assistance in the preparation of audition materials.
Introduce the audition pieces by only the play's author, title and the character's name (background on the scene or plot is not necessary.)
We find that the following playwrights are generally overdone or are more difficult for high school seniors to deliver successfully: Mamet, O'Neill, Pinter, Shakespeare, Shepard and Williams.
Maintain a positive attitude, dress professionally yet comfortably and, most importantly - have fun!
Portfolio Reviews
All Design/Technology (Scenic, Costume, Lighting) and Stage Management applicants are admitted by portfolio review and on-site interview. Each applicant will be reviewed by one or more members of the Design Faculty.Applicants should have electronically submitted a portfolio of their best work from art classes or personal projects done outside of classes. Applicants may also bring to the interview any theatrical designs, such as photographs, models, renderings, drawings, paintings, costumes, drafting (pattern or architectural), or other pertinent materials. Actual work is best but photos or slides are acceptable.
Stage Management applicants should present a production prompt book.
Click here for more information on how to apply to the VCU Department of Theatre
The Application Process
Theatre VCU's application process is a self-managed process whereby the responsibility is placed upon the applicant to collect and return all supporting materials and documentation, including all transcripts and references, to the VCU Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Applicants must make sure that their application and all supporting materials are received and that their application is complete prior to securing an interview/portfolio review/audition with Theatre VCU.Please provide a valid e-mail address on your application for all VCU correspondence. Be sure it stays active at least one year from the date you apply as Theatre VCU will use it to communicate with you throughout the application process.
Only complete applicants will receive reservation forms.
How to Apply
Submit your undergraduate application to the VCU Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Application materials can be found here.The following documentation and materials must be submitted to the VCU Office of Undergraduate Admissions with your application in order for your application to be considered complete. Your application will not be sent to Theatre VCU for processing until all of these items are received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
• Transcripts (high school and/or college)
• SAT or ACT scores
• Recommendation form (1) - references must send recommendations using the online form at this link:
http://app.art.vcu.edu/reference/reference2.php, send recommendation electronically.
Theatre VCU Technical theatre application requirements:
All technical and design majors are asked to submit a current resume to the Department of Theatre.In Addition
Performance
Be sure to bring a resume and headshot to the audition.Stage Management
Applicants are required to submit a production prompt book. If an applicant does not have a prompt book or desires to send additional information, then they may submit a portfolio (12-16 images) of theatrical work (paperwork, show designs, etc).Scene, Costume and Lighting Design Portfolio Requirements
Submit 12 to 16 images of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual arts and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into the Theatre program at VCU. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2-D and 3-D media, which should include but not be limited to drawings, drafting and photographs of your designs for the stage. Drawing from observation is highly recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.Application Deadlines
Nov.13 - Applicants must turn in their materials by this date in order to be considered for university scholarships.
Feb. 1 - First Year, Transfer Students & Change of Majors
You are strongly encouraged to submit your application packet at least one month prior to the stated deadline to allow the VCU Office of Undergraduate Admissions ample time to process and forward your completed application to Theatre VCU. Applications to the Stage Management and Theatre Design programs completed and/or received after the deadline will be considered only if space is available and there is sufficient time for processing, review and notification.