B.A. Programs—General Information
The B.A. degree is the basic degree offered by the School of Theatre. Its purpose is to provide the student with study and experience in all areas of theatre and the opportunity for concentration in one or more areas of interest. The program is designed to give the student a broad comprehension of theatre theory and practice in order to lay a foundation for advanced study in graduate school, the beginnings of a career in the profession, or related fields such as teaching, law, and communications. The breadth and inclusive nature of the B.A. degree allow students to be highly competitive for Phi Beta Kappa membership as well as other academic honors organizations.

Since the curriculum and training are developed through a four-year sequence of course work, students are encouraged to begin their training, if at all possible, in their freshman year at the University Park campus. Students entering beyond the sophomore year may find it necessary to spend semesters in residence beyond the typical eight in order to complete the required course work. All prospective majors must meet University entrance requirements and successfully complete a faculty review.

1. Apply for admission. The Undergraduate Admissions Office prefers that all students use the Web application at http://admissions.psu.edu. Priority consideration for freshmen admission to University Park is given to complete applications filed by November 30, 2007. Transfer applicants should file their applications by February 1, 2008. All interviews/auditions must be scheduled by February 1, 2008.

2. Schedule a date for an interview/audition with the School of Theatre. University Park interviews/auditions begin at 9:00 a.m. unless otherwise indicated on the following dates:

Saturday, January 19, 2008 All Programs

Saturday, February 2, 2008 B.A Theatre, B.F.A. Stage Management and B.F.A. Design & Technology

Saturday, February 16, 2008 All Programs

Saturday, February 23, 2008 B.F.A. Musical Theatre ONLY

Musical Theatre Only

Sat.-Sun., February 2 & 3, 2008 New York City

Mon-Wed, February 4-6, 2008 Chicago*

Thursday, February 7, 2008 Las Vegas*

Sat. – Sun., February 9 & 10, 2008 Los Angeles*


*The Chicago audition will not include a dance audition. The Las Vegas and Los Angeles auditions will not include a dance audition or have an accompanist available. Applicants auditioning at those locations should bring taped accompaniment and a tape player.

Offers of admission are made by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The decision is based both on acceptable academic credentials and a successful interview and/or audition.

Preparation for the Interview/Audition

Before the interview/audition all students must:

1. Call the School of Theatre at (814) 863-6819 weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (EST) to schedule an audition. Be prepared to indicate your primary degree program choice or you may register on-line for an audition for all programs except B.F.A. Musical Theatre. http://www.theatre.psu.edu/admissions/ba_interviewform.html.

2. Send two letters of recommendation, resume and headshot to the School of Theatre Undergraduate Officer, 133 Arts Building, University Park, PA 16802-2900, or fax (814) 865-5754. The letters or recommendation should address the student’s character and theatre arts experience.

3. All students, except B.F.A. Musical Theatre students, need to submit a one-two page essay on a designated topic. The topic will be available when you call to schedule an interview/audition. The essay should be sent two weeks in advance of the interview/audition to the Undergraduate Officer.

Interview/Audition Requirements

B.A. FRESHMEN, ADVANCED STANDING STUDENTS AND CHANGE OF MAJOR/ASSIGNMENT
1. All students are required to interview with the faculty. Interviews will focus on the student's past theatre experience as well as the applicant's essay.

2. Only those students interested in the performance emphasis will be asked to audition.

a. Prepare a two-minute monologue from a contemporary script. The character should be appropriate to your age. We suggest that you work with your drama coach to identify an appropriate selection.

b. Please dress comfortably (note: wear shoes that will allow you to move naturally) and be prepared to participate in vocal and physical warm-ups.

3. Change of Major/Assignment students will be accepted into the BA degree for fall semester ONLY.

B.F.A. DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
1. All students are required to submit a resume and two or three examples of their artistic or technical abilities. This can include photographs of theatrical productions that they have participated in. This can also include copies of drawings, paintings, drafting, photography or any other items that show the students artistic or technical abilities. Please do not send originals. These materials along with the essay and letters of recommendation need to be submitted at least three weeks prior to the requested interview date. Only those students who have a complete file and who are academically admissible to University Park Campus will be considered for participation in the interview and portfolio process

2. The deadline to submit materials for the December 8, 2007 interview date is Monday, November 12, 2007. The deadline to submit materials for the January 19, 2008 date is Friday, December 21, 2007. The deadline to submit materials for the materials for the February 2, 2008 interview date is Monday, January 7, 2008. The deadline to submit materials for the February 16, 2008 date is Monday, January 21, 2008.

B.F.A. MUSICAL THEATRE
1. Prepare an up-tempo song and a ballad from the musical theatre repertoire.  The selections should last no longer than 90 seconds. The ballad should demonstrate the applicant’s musicality.  We will provide an accompanist except for the Las Vegas and Los Angeles auditions.  Please bring sheet music in the correct key.  One song should have been written prior to 1960.

2. Our dance faculty will teach a short ballet combination and a short jazz combination except for the Chicago, Las Vegas and Los Angeles auditions.  Please bring clothes appropriate for dance. 

3. Prepare a monologue not to exceed one and a half minutes. The monologue should be from a contemporary play and within the applicant's range.

B.F.A. STAGE MANAGEMENT
1. Answer in writing several specific questions related to stage management skills. Answers must be typed single spaced and limited to one page (front and back). The questions will be available when the student calls to schedule an interview.

2. Bring a resume, examples of past works, or production books to review with the coordinator of the stage management option.

Production Opportunities
During the academic year, the School of Theatre presents five to seven mainstage productions. In addition, B.A. students have the opportunity to participate in Thespians, a student run club that mounts two large musicals a year. B.A. students may also elect to participate in Outlaws, a School of Theatre student group which produces ten to fifteen shows a year, all based on original, student written material. No Refund Theater, another student run organization, provides additional opportunities with six to eight productions a year.

School of Theatre Facilities
We present mainstage productions in the Pavilion, a flexible 300 seat arena/thrust theatre; the Playhouse, a 450 seat proscenium theatre; and the Downtown Theatre Centre, a new, 100 seat proscenium performing space in downtown State College. In addition to these spaces, there are smaller, laboratory spaces which are suitable for student projects.