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The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting is a rigorous program designed for aspiring stage and screen performers. Candidates gain admission through auditions and interviews, alongside meeting University Park campus requirements. The four-year curriculum features specialized studio instruction, including a semester at London's Theatre Academy for advanced study. While performance chances are available, students must audition to secure these roles. The program combines theatrical studies with general education to enrich actors' creative and intellectual growth. Pursuing additional majors or minors requires prior program approval. As with all School of Theatre offerings, this BFA program maintains accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).
The majority of Penn State’s applications come from traditional, first-year students. The following types of students are considered first-year applicants (or freshman applicants, as some refer to them): Current high school student in his or her senior year; Student who has earned a high school diploma or a GED and has no post-secondary coursework; Student who has attempted 17 or fewer credits (semester hours) of college coursework at a regionally accredited college/university before attending Penn State; Current high school student who may have enrolled in another institution(s) before graduating from high school (dual enrollment); Student who may have attended Penn State on a nondegree basis.
English Language Proficiency
The following are ways in which you can satisfy the language proficiency requirement: TOEFL: A minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL or 550 on the old paper exam and a minimum of 20 in each section of the new paper exam (code #2660); IELTS: A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 on the academic test.