Acting

“Lysistrata” 2020-2021 Season
Photo by Cliff Hollis

BFA in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Acting 

About the concentration

The art of Acting is being part of something bigger than you…the story! In pursuing a career in Acting you join a legacy of performance storytellers.

In our program, you will undergo a rigorous conservatory-style training in preparation for working in the field of stage and screen. During your time at ECU, you will engage in a range of intensive coursework in actor training, instilling an organized, practical, and sustainable approach to the creation of truthful and believable behavior within the imaginary circumstances.

In addition to acting studio courses, your training consists of classes in voice and speech, dialects, directing, acting on camera, and professional preparation/audition technique. You will undergo intensive movement training that includes classes in physical characterization and stage combat (unarmed, rapier/dagger and broadsword), where you will have the opportunity to participate in annual skills proficiency testing for Actor/Combatant certification with the Society of American Fight Directors. You will also receive access to a comprehensive education in many other aspects of the performing arts, including theatre history, costuming, stage scenery, lighting design, dance, and stage management. Upon graduation, you will be well prepared to pursue a career as a professional actor, or for further training in graduate school.

In the Acting concentration, you will have the opportunity to perform in numerous Playhouse productions each year including the 1,500-seat Wright Performing Arts Center, the state-of-the-art proscenium in McGinnis Auditorium, and our intimate and fully equipped black box studio theatre.

Unarmed Combat
Photo by Professor Jill Carlson

Student experiences

You will also have the opportunity to perform in a number of student-run productions and be actively involved with student groups such as the East Carolina Theatre Association, Fifth Street Players, SWISH Improv and Nights at the Roundtable. You may additionally participate in Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity award projects.

How do I learn more about the program?

Contact Austin Jones: jonesmatt23@ecu.edu or 252-328-6333