Master Stage and Screen with a BFA in Acting
Dive into your craft with chances to learn about period styles, play analysis, theater history, and dialects and movement.
Why earn your Acting degree at St. Edward’s?
Auditioning for shows at the Mary Moody Northen Theatre allows you to earn points toward membership in Actor’s Equity; giving you the chance to work in the field with local creatives.
Join Austin’s Theater Scene
Take advantage of the variety of arts supported by the vibrant culture of Austin. While studying at St. Edward’s, you’ll be connected to the pulse of a cosmopolitan city and to a community that appreciates the beauty of human expression
Hands-on Experience
Students are encouraged to participate in the four Mary Moody Northen Theatre mainstage productions throughout the academic year. There are also opportunities to perform with the student organizations, Transit Theatre Troupe and Box of Chocolates Improv Troupe.
Visiting Artists & Professionals
Guest artists from the world of professional theater, film and television work with faculty and students in production. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in hands-on work in acting, writing, design and directing.
Reap the Rewards of Austin
Students in the Theater Arts major are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the variety of arts supported by the vibrant culture of Austin. While studying at St. Edward's, you will be connected to the pulse of a cosmopolitan city. Austin is home to a community of people who appreciate the beauty of human expression. Engaging with the local culture will feed your soul. It's also an epicenter to creativity and attracts world class events. Your immersion in such a colorful art scene will enrich your educational experience and connect you to people who share your passion.
What will you learn?
You’ll audition for the program in the spring of your freshman year, after you’ve had a semester to take theater arts classes and meet the faculty. Then, dive into your craft with chances to study period styles and practice working on camera. Gain valuable experience through the Professional Development Series, which includes workshops on voiceovers, commercial copy and other media.
A few examples of courses students take in the major:
- Performance 1A – An introduction to the process of making meaning through performance, including a historical review of teaching acting methods. Develop conceptual vocabulary and a movement vocabulary for use in rehearsal and performance. Introduction to character design and script breakdown.
- Acting for the Camera – Development and application of the necessary performance techniques required for film and television acting. Students receive practical experience in front of the camera and are introduced to the unique vocabulary of the medium.
- Exploration of Movement – Physical exploration of theatrical movement styles as they relate to performance. Students will focus on physical awareness, engagement, breath and approaches to character development.
What skills will you gain?
Upon completing the Acting program, you’ll be ready to…
- Perform for the stage and the screen
- Analyze plays and understand the impressions of theater history
- Create a professional quality film reel
- Confidently audition and introduce yourself to casting agents
What do our graduates do?
Acting majors go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s. Here’s a sample:
- Theater producer in New York City and London, including winner of two Tony Awards, one Olivier Award and one Outer Critics Award
- Writer, producer and director of a feature film premiering the Austin Film Festival
- Actor on the Walking Dead and The Fear of the Walking Dead
- Manager of the theater and dance programs in a public-school district
- Development coordinator at ACT Theatre in Seattle
- MFA candidate in Acting at UCLA
Scholarship Audition Weekend
Prospective theater students who have applied for university admission and been accepted to St Edward’s are invited to join us for a weekend in February of theater program activities. You will sit in on classes, tour the campus, dine with current students, meet program alumni, audition for a theater scholarship, see a show, meet the cast and crew and take workshops with university faculty. Scholarship Audition Weekend is a perfect way to test your 'fit' with the theater program as you are making that all-important college decision.
Explore Details About the BA in Acting
Major Requirements:
The Bachelor of Fine Arts requires 66 hours of major courses, which include a core theater coursework paired with acting coursework.
General Education Requirements:
The degree requires 54 hours of general education courses that students compete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.
View and download the full degree plan for our Acting major.