Department of Theatre and Media Arts

A BA in Theatre Arts Studies provides hands-on training, critical thinking skills, and the development of professional ethics across the various performance disciplines. Students focus on a particular area of interest and are trained in skills that can be used in multiple production and media environments. A list of required courses is given on the Major Academic Plan (MAP) summary for BA in Theatre Arts Studies.

Students will have opportunity to participate in dozens of theatre and film projects directed by faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Teaching assistantships and hourly jobs are available within the department for upper-division students. Internships are available with school districts, as well as with theatre, film, and television companies. 

Those interested in the Music Dance Theatre BFA or in the Acting BFA, should declare the Acting Pre-major, not the Theatre Arts Studies major. Applicants to the Music Dance Theatre BFA may also need to declare the Music Pre-major.

Major or Minor:

Major:

Minor:

Students will be considered on the basis of:

1. Applicants must have been accepted by BYU as a continuing day student prior to applying to the major.

2. Applicants must register as a Theatre Arts Studies Major or Pre-Theatre Arts Education Major in the Fine Arts and Communications Advisement Center (D-444 HFAC) to allow enrollment in prerequisite courses.

3. Applicants must complete or be enrolled in the prerequisite courses, TMA 101 or 102, TMA 160, and TMA 276. Applicants must complete each course with a grade of B or better. Transfer students must also register for these classes. If currently enrolled, applicant must indicate his/her current status by having faculty post grade and initial Check List.

4. Applicants must submit an official Intent to Apply (Pre-major declaration) to Shawnda Moss, Theatre Education Instructor, faculty box in the TMA Office, D-581, no later than 30 days before the application deadline.

5. While familiarity with all theatre faculty and staff is advised, applicants must:

For the complete Theatre Education major/minor application packet click here, or visit the TMA Office at D-581 HFAC. A list of required courses is given on the Major Academic Plan (MAP) summary for Theatre Education.

Due to the number of applicants and demands on department resources, a limited number of students are accepted into the theatre education program each year. The purpose of the application process is three-fold: 1) to introduce the student to the quality of work expected in the program; 2) to judge if the student is able to fulfill these expectations; and 3) to determine if the student’s interests and potential match the objectives of the theatre education program. The requirement of quality work and the matching program expectations and objectives with the student’s interests is critical for creating a well-grounded educational experience.

Application deadline is around October 14 every year.  Students not accepted on their first application may apply a second time unless they have earned more than 60 credit hours (including current enrollment, but excluding AP credits). Students with more than 60 hours of credit may apply only once. Transfer students who wish to apply may contact Amy Jensen, the theatre education advisor, at F-337 HFAC, 801-422-1886, or amy_p_jensen@byu.edu, for requirements and deadlines. Other exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Shawnda Moss at shawnda_moss@byu.edu. It is important for the applicant to provide an e-mail address. The department will communicate information and announcements regarding the application via email.

What does the process entail?
   1. Register online with the state of Utah (Utah.gov/teachers)
       Follow instructions to complete background check, cost $69
       Get an authorization form, print it
   2. 60 days to bring it in to be fingerprinted (120 MCKB)
       Pay $20 fee for fingerprinting
   3. Wait a couple weeks to get results back, then you are cleared

Why is FBI Clearance required?
The state of Utah wants to make sure that there isn't anything questionable about the teachers who are going to schools and working with kids. Fingerprinting and a background check are required in order to become licensed to teach in Utah.

Students working towards a degree in Acting will have numerous opportunities to gain experience in theatre performance and production in areas tailored to fit their desired career goals. With eight main-stage plays produced each academic year, students will have ample opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the production process. 

The Acting Pre-Major is open enrollment for any student interested in being accepted into the BFA Acting Program. In order to track progress through the program and to provide appropriate mentorship, students who wish to declare the major must meet with faculty and academic advisors and submit the Acting Pre-Major declaration paperwork to the TMA Office (D581 HFAC, 801-422-6645). Students must be declared majors before their first proficiency. Questions regarding this process may be directed to the TMA front desk or faculty advisors (see packet for contact information). A list of required courses is given on the Major Academic Plan (MAP) summary for BFA in Acting.

1. Collect the declaration packet for the Acting Pre-Major from the TMA Office (D581 HFAC, 801-422-6645), or click here to download. 

2. Follow the numbered instructions on the Acting Pre-Major Declaration FORM (see packet), and fill out as much information as possible.

3. Notify CFAC Academic Advisement (D444 HFAC, 801-422-3777) you want to be an Acting Pre-Major.

4. Submit declaration materials to the TMA Office, at which time you will receive the TMA Discount Card (provides a discount ticket to all theatre productions). Submission should include:

            a. The declaration form signed by faculty and academic advisors.

            b. TWO Four-year graduation plans signed by faculty and avadmic advisors—one can be MyMap. Plan A is your plan if you are accepted into the BFA Acting Major. Plan B will become your plan if you are NOT accepted into the BFA Acting Major. Plan B may be an alternate TMA major, or an alternate major outside of the TMA department.

            c. A current small photo.

5. Meet with a CFAC Advisement academic advisor once per year.

6. Meet with faculty advisor each semester.

The following prerequisites and two successful proficiencies are required to complete before entering the BFA Acting program: 101/102, 115, 160, 122,124,125, 123/128, 222, Dance 140/240. 

• You are rated by three different adjudicators on a scale from 1-5 in five different areas: clarity of interpretation, vulnerability/immediacy, body, voice, and professional attitude. 
• Professional attitude accounts for 1/3 of your score (which is measured by past performance in your classes). 
• Scores are averaged and students must have an overall score of 4 or above to pass. If scores are not high enough, you may want to consider transferring to another major. However, you can receive one more opportunity to try again the next round (three opportunities total). 
• You can always contact your advisor for advice (see pre-acting declarations for contact info). Auditions are held during reading days of each semester (December 9 & 10 this year). 
• A student may audition only until he or she has no more than 60 credits, unless he or she is a transfer student. Transfer students are allowed two proficiencies regardless of credits.

BFA in Music Dance Theatre