Offered by: Theatre
Are you passionate about the performing arts and dream of a career on stage or screen? Slippery Rock University’s (SRU) Theatre Department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Acting, providing you with top-tier, pre-professional training grounded in contemporary actor training methodologies. Our faculty are not just educators; they are seasoned professionals – working playwrights, directors, and actors deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of talent. At SRU, you will gain invaluable practical experience through diverse production opportunities, both locally and potentially internationally, all while building a robust, well-rounded education to launch your professional acting career.
If your aspirations lie specifically in Theatre Performance or Musical Theatre, SRU also offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with dedicated concentrations in these fields.
Why Choose Theatre: Acting?
Choosing to study Acting at SRU means immersing yourself in a dynamic and supportive environment led by experienced faculty who are actively working in the theatre industry. Imagine learning from playwrights who understand character development from the ground up, directors who can guide your performance with expert precision, and actors who have walked the walk, sharing real-world insights and techniques. This isn’t just academic study; it’s practical, hands-on training designed to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to succeed. SRU provides opportunities to participate in productions that extend beyond the campus, potentially reaching international stages, broadening your horizons and building a truly impressive resume. You’ll develop not only your acting prowess but also essential real-world skills applicable across various professional paths.
What Will You Learn?
The Acting emphasis at SRU is structured to provide a comprehensive and progressive learning experience. You’ll begin by establishing a firm foundation in the renowned Stanislavski method, delving into the core principles of realistic acting. From there, you’ll advance into specialized upper-division courses focusing on key acting disciplines: voice, movement, and scene study. Core courses include:
- Acting II: This course delves into advanced techniques, with a focus on the influential methods of Uta Hagen, exploring character depth and truthful performance.
- Voice for the Actor: Develop vocal power, clarity, and expressiveness, essential tools for commanding the stage and connecting with audiences.
- Movement for the Actor: Explore physical techniques rooted in the Michael Chekhov method, enhancing your physicality, stage presence, and expressive movement capabilities.
- Acting Shakespeare: Master the art of performing classical texts, understanding Shakespearean language, verse, and dramatic conventions.
Beyond these core courses, Acting majors can customize their learning through Acting Technique electives, which offer focused exploration in areas such as:
- Auditioning: Hone your audition skills, learn how to make a strong first impression, and master the art of self-promotion.
- Stage Combat: Acquire skills in safe and effective stage combat techniques, adding another dimension to your performance capabilities.
- Devised Theatre: Explore collaborative creation, learning to generate original theatre pieces from concept to performance.
- Comedy: Master the timing, physicality, and nuances of comedic performance, understanding different comedic styles and techniques.
- Acting Classic Drama: Extend your skills in classical performance beyond Shakespeare, exploring other significant dramatic works.
- Theatre for Social Justice: Use theatre as a tool for social change, exploring performance that engages with contemporary social issues and promotes dialogue.
As an Acting major at SRU, you’ll have regular opportunities to audition for both mainstage and student productions. This consistent practical experience allows you to build a substantial performance resume and graduate with significant production credits. Furthermore, you can elevate your profile by participating in the prestigious Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), a national platform for college theatre programs. For an even more unique experience, SRU Theatre Department offers the chance to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, an unparalleled opportunity to gain international performance experience – a trip SRU has undertaken multiple times since 2006.
Careers In Theatre
Graduates from the Acting track at SRU are well-prepared to pursue diverse and exciting careers in the performing arts and related fields. Your comprehensive training opens doors to not only performance-based careers in theatre, film, and television, but also education roles, arts administration, and various fields that value strong communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills. Explore the multitude of exciting possibilities that a Theatre degree from SRU can unlock for your future.
