An Overview

Audition Dates and Information

At Texas State Unviersity, BFA Acting and BFA Musical Theatre are pre-professional programs that integrate a conservatory approach with the benefits of a liberal arts education.  The two programs work closely together to enrich the training experience and are designed to prepare artists to enter the profession upon graduation.  In addition to being highly skilled educators, our acting and musical theatre faculty have all worked on Broadway, Off Broadway, regional theaters, experimental theatre, feature film, and/or network television as actors, singers, dancers, composers, writers, directors, choreographers or musicians, and continue to work in all areas of the business when they are not teaching at Texas State.  This practical and artistic experience defines our approach to actor and musical theatre training.  Knowing what is required to succeed, the faculty prepares students for the reality of the professional world today.  As as result, we are able to provide our students with an exceptional and unique preparation for the business, giving them a competitive edge in the current market.  Our programs are challenging and highly competitive and we are looking for more than just talent in our students:  curiosity, courage, commitment, discipline, work ethic, perseverance, a passion to create, and a love of the actor's craft are some of the qualities we expect in our students.  These dynamic, highly competitive programs are for students who have decided upon a career in the theatre, film, and/or television.  Our students must be willing to commit to the highest artistic standards and work ethic that is present in working professionals on Broadway and in regional markets today.

What we are looking for:

Texas State is looking for committed, passionate, brave artists who embrace their craft, not just their careers.  We are interested in students who are inspired by the process -- individuals with a desire to commit to that process, not just the result.  Our goal is to find that unique group of artists that will help define the future of theatre in this country.  This is the type of student we want at Texas State:  the best of the best.

Curriculum:

Versatility is key to a long and successful career in the industry.  This means a multi-faceted training experience is essential.  What makes the students who graduate from our programs unique is that they are prepared for all mediums in the business not just their chosen field of expertise.  This is essential in the industry as "crossing over" from theatre to film and television is common today.  Our students receive training in a broad range of skills that is comprehensive and exceptional:  BFA actors study Stanislavsky fundamentals, voice, speech and movement, and specialty training in clown, mask, physical acting, comedy, improvisation, stage combat, musical theatre skills, and auditioning.  The BFA musical theatre performers study Stanislavsky fundamentals in acting, voice and speech, singing, all styles of dance, musical theater performance and auditioning.  Both programs are immersed in our "business of the business" labs and workshops that prepare each young artist for transition into the industry upon graduation.  Our curriculum is designed to cater to the immediate, as well as the long-term, needs of each individual.

Acting Curriculum

Musical Theatre Curriculum

Transitioning:

In addition to our "business of the business" labs and workshops, we have set up a network of alumni and working professionals in cities all over the country to help assist our graduates as they transition into the business.  We work closely with our seniors before and after graduation in helping each individual prepare for their professional careers.
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Master classes:

In addition to our faculty, we have numerous Broadway and industry professionals that visit regularly to teach master classes and provide hands-on workshops for our students.  These include Broadway casting directors, agents, performers, choreographers, musical directors, producers, vocal coaches, lyricists, designers, directors, composers and playwrights.  Our multi-facted approach affords the artist immersion in all aspects of the business and ultimately provides our graduates with the essential knowledge, training, and experience they need to compete professionally.

Acting Guest Artists

Musical Theatre Guest Artists

Showcases:

Our professional relationships allow us to approach the New York Showcase differently from other programs. If you are accepted into the BFA Acting or BFA Musical Theatre program, our approach will serve your transition into the business, no matter in what city you choose to begin your career.

How many do we accept?

Each year Acting accepts 12 - 14 students and Musical Theatre accepts 8 - 10 artists in the freshman class.  As a result, we are able to provide highly personalized training from the university faculty, and from some of the top Broadway, regional theatre, and film/TV professionals in the business.

In addition to their performing careers, we encourage and guide our students in other areas of professional development, so that, upon graduation, they have a number of avenues to pursue for immediate employment.  This is a reality of the business today.  To live in the world as a successful artist today requires having a well rounded life, practical life skills, education and career trianing.  We are proud that our programs encourage and nurture these things in our artists, in the classroom, and in their campus lives while at Texas State Unviersity.  Campus life at Texas State is rich in recreational activities, sports, arts, and multi-cultural events for our students to embrace and explore.

Cost:

The Texas State BFA Acting and Musical Theatre programs are one of the most affordable programs in the country.  Because we are committed to having the top talent in the country in our program, we offer out-of-state students scholarship money that qualifies them for in-state tuition.  The result is that students in our program pay a fraction of what the other top programs demand, whether they live in Texas or Tennessee, Dallas or Delaware, Pennsylvania or the Panhandle.  The average tuition per semester is $3,495.  Please see the cost comparison. 

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