Acting

“Lysistrata” 2020-2021 Season
Photo by Cliff Hollis

BFA in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Acting 

About the concentration

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a professional actor? In our program, you will undergo rigorous conservatory-style training in preparation for a lifetime of work in film, television and the stage.

You will experience two years of intensive coursework in actor training, instilling an organized and practical approach to the creation of real and truthful behavior within the imaginary circumstances of the theater.

In addition to acting classes, your conservatory-style training consists of classes in voice and speech, dialects, directing, acting for TV/film 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 a comprehensive education in many other aspects of theatre arts, including theatre history, costuming, stage scenery, lighting design, and stage management, and be afforded the opportunity to expand your skill sets in more specialized classes, such as writing for solo performance and dance. Upon graduation, you will be well prepared for a career in both theatre and TV/film, or for further training in graduate school.

Unarmed Combat
Photo by Professor Jill Carlson

In the Actor 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. You will also have the opportunity to perform in ECU Storybook Theatre productions and others, including student-run productions.

Student experiences

In addition to mainstage productions, you can be actively involved with student groups such as East Carolina Theatre Association, Fifth Street Players, SWISH Improv and Reader’s Theatre. You may additionally participate in Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity award projects.

 

How do I learn more about the program?

Contact Bryan Conger: congerb18@ecu.edu 252-737-5027