BFA in Acting in Syracuse United States | Syracuse University

The Bachelor of Fine Arts program enables students to expand their theatrical knowledge through courses covering design, lighting techniques, historical costumes, drama studies, and production coordination. Participants gain hands-on experience by joining technical crews or assisting with stage direction.

The acting-focused B.F.A. leverages the Drama Department's facilities and partnership with Syracuse Stage to deliver intensive instruction in performance methods, script interpretation, improvisational creativity, vocal techniques, and physical expression.

From the first year, students engage in professional-level training, dedicating up to 18 weekly classroom hours to diverse theatrical disciplines. The curriculum includes theater history, direction techniques, vocal performance, script creation, and technical production. B.F.A. candidates can additionally choose electives in visual design, illumination methods, costume evolution, dramatic texts, and production supervision. While freshmen cannot perform publicly, they contribute to productions through various backstage roles including crew operations and assistant directing positions.

After mastering foundational skills during the initial year, students become eligible to audition for departmental shows, collaborative Syracuse Stage projects, student/faculty-led productions, VPA student films, and (when suitable) Syracuse Stage performances. Professional credits may be obtained through Syracuse Stage collaborations.