Theatre

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Whether your passion is to shine on a stage, work skillfully behind the scenes or to instill a love for theatre in your own students, you’ll find the perfect outlet for your creativity among the seven tracks offered in ACU’s Master of Fine Arts degree.

The ACU Theatre program is exciting and competitive. We accept only 12 incoming students each fall, allowing for more performance and learning opportunities.  

Whether your passion is to shine on a stage, work skillfully behind the scenes or to instill a love for theatre in your own students, you’ll find the perfect outlet for your creativity among the seven tracks offered in ACU’s Master of Fine Arts degree.

The ACU Theatre program is exciting and competitive. We accept only 12 incoming students each fall, allowing for more performance and learning opportunities.  

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KEY DATES

Explore ACU

Early Application Deadline

November 1

Early Scholarship Deadline and FAFSA Opens

December 1

FAFSA Priority Deadline

January 15

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Are you interested in theatre?

At ACU, we are here for you on your journey to success, and it starts with answering your questions. Let us connect you with the information you need to navigate your next steps.
Complete the form to learn more about earning a degree in theatre.

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Video overview for ACU's BFA in Theatre program
The mission of ACU Theatre is to provide quality training and opportunity for the disciplined theatre artist in a nurturing environment that models Christian values.

B.F.A. in Theatre

Degree Details

These are the important details you will need to keep in mind as you prepare your application and degree plan. Explore the course requirements for the available tracks by clicking each option.

VIEW THE CATALOG

Tracks

Read more below about each of the theatre tracks. Find specific program information for each track at the “View Catalog” button.

Acting
Dance
Design/Technical
Directing
Musical Theatre
Theatre Education/Teacher Certification
Theatre Ministry

Required Hours

University Hours + Major Hours: 50-68 credit hours (Choice of 6 tracks)
Electives: 4-22 credit hours*

Total Required: 128 credit hours*

*Based on track selection

Example Coursework

  • Acting 1
  • Stage Makeup
  • Beginning Directing
  • Fashion as Cultural Reflection

View the catalog for a complete listing of courses.

Minor Available

Yes! ACU offers a minor in this study. You can learn more about this minor by viewing the catalog or explore all of the minors available at the button below.

UNDERGRADUATE MINORS

Department


Actors stand on stage while some look out in the distance and others speak to one another.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre

ACU Theatre’s rigorous and transformative studio-intensive program will launch you into a professional career in performance, directing, design, teaching or theatre ministry. Our curriculum and facilities are contemporary and cutting-edge. As a theatre student, you’ll receive a well-rounded education with hands-on experience in all phases of performance and backstage work.

Choose Your Path

The ACU Theatre department provides quality training and opportunity for the disciplined theatre artist in a nurturing environment that models Christian values. A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from ACU allows students experience all facets of theatre work and with a wide selection of  tracks to pursue.

Acting

Curriculum and performance opportunities prepare students for careers in acting and/or advanced training at the graduate level. A variety of training techniques help students hone their approach to character and acting choices.

Musical Theatre 

Students learn singing techniques to support all styles of theatre music. Combined with intensive acting and dance training, this track develops a proficiency that enables students to compete in the marketplace.

Directing 

With opportunities for exposure to a variety of styles and genres, directing students create directing portfolios and interview to direct a main stage show while mentored by a faculty member. Faculty guide students to explore their own vision of a piece and bring it to fruition.

Dance 

Experience a rigorous curriculum with classes in ballet, tap, jazz and modern as well as dance conditioning with a focus on technique, composition and performance. Dancers perform a dance show and participate in musicals each year.

Design/Technical 

This track provides training to express students’ artistic visions along with practical applications with show crews and practicum hours. Students have hands-on opportunities to develop their rendering skills in all design areas and execute their designs.

Theatre Education 

This hybrid track prepares students in areas of theatre including directing, design, acting and children’s theatre. Students are prepared for teacher certification with classes required by ACU’s Department of Education.

Theatre Ministry

Develop practical ways to explore the intersection of faith and art. Students prepare for ministry positions in a variety of fields, such as drama ministries and worship service design, with opportunities to lead Theatre chapel, intern at one of Abilene’s many churches or participate in prison and outreach ministries.

ACU Theatre students perform The Bus Stop Diner

Career Possibilities

The BFA in Theatre offers a wide range of exciting careers, including:

  • Actor (stage, film, voice-over, cruise lines)
  • Designer (sets, costume, lighting, sound, props)
  • Director
  • Stage manager
  • Technical director
  • Teacher (all levels, arts education programs)
  • Worship minister
  • Playwright
  • Agent
  • Casting director
  • Print/commercial model

Student Opportunities

By design, theatre majors receive hands-on experience throughout their coursework and co-curricular opportunities.

More!