Bachelor of Fine Arts - Acting Concentration

An undergraduate degree with a concentration in acting.

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Acting Concentration

About

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting Concentration is intended for the dedicated and committed student who wishes to pursue a career as a professional actor, educator, or go on to graduate study. The Acting concentration provides the student with comprehensive core coursework in Acting, Voice, and Movement and includes supplemental coursework in Acting for the Camera, Dance, Stage Combat, Improvisation, and Shakespeare. Nationally and internationally recognized faculty members teach a holistic hands-on approach to the body, voice, and creative abilities in traditional and contemporary techniques. These, among others, include Stanislavsky, Meisner, Viewpoints, Michael Chekhov, Alexander, LeCoq, Suzuki, Linklater, Lessac, and Rodenburg.

Acting Concentration

Over four years, students will have the opportunity to audition for multiple performance experiences. These include classic American plays, contemporary plays, improv, works-in-progress, readings, devised performances, and student works, to name a few. Students may be cast as early as their first year, and all BFA Acting majors are required to audition for every main-stage production. Students are encouraged to audition for as many Teaching Lab, Studio, Dance Concerts, and Directing Scenes, as schedules allow.

studio

Coursework

All BFA students must fulfill University Core requirements. The course catalog is linked below for current degree information, including course descriptions and all degree requirements. The one sheet linked below provides an example of a 4-year degree sequence for informational purposes only. Please see your advisor for a detailed plan to complete a BFA Acting Concentration degree. 

Women on stage with smoke in front

Theatre Performances

The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance season productions provide a showcase for the creative research of the academic program. Students enrolled in a major are encouraged to audition for non-season performances as schedules allow. Follow the link to view a short list of performance opportunities that are available to all students, including BFA students in the Acting Concentration. 

Students Onstage Performing Love and Information

Program Audition

All BFA candidates must formally audition for admittance into the degree program. All prospective students must be accepted by the University of Texas at Arlington prior to acceptance into the BFA program. Our Acceptd page provides detailed information on what must be submitted for each concentration. After your submission has been reviewed, you may be contacted to schedule a virtual or in-person callback. Follow the links below for our two step process. 

Fall 2025 audition applications are now open. $35 Acceptd fee is waived until December 15th.

Faculty Listing

Felicia Bertch, MFA Acting, University of South Carolina

Associate Professor of Instruction

Program Head, BFA Acting

Felicia Bertch

Email: bertch@uta.edu

Phone #: (817) 272-3176

Office: Fine Arts Building North 150

Megan Noble Haratine, MFA Acting, University of Delaware Professional Theatre Training Program

Assistant Professor of Instruction

Megan Haratine

Email: megan.haratine@uta.edu

Phone #: (817) 907-3983

Office: Fine Arts Building North 151

Joe Chapa, MFA Acting Performance, University of Mississippi

Associate Professor

Joe Chapa

Email: jchapa@uta.edu

Phone #: (817) 272-2567

Office: Fine Arts Building North 152

Elizabeth Hawkins, MFA Theatre, University of South Carolina; PATP Acting & Musical Theatre, Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts

Assistant Professor of Instruction

Elizabeth Hawkins Adjunct Professor Profile Photo

Laurel Whitsett, MA Drama Text & Performance, The University of London, King's College and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art; MA Linguistics, UTA

Distinguished Senior Lecturer

Laurel Whitsett Profile Photo

Email: whitsett@uta.edu

Office: Fine Arts Building North 180

Jay Duffer, MFA Theatre Performance, University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Adjunct Assistant Professor

Co-Artistic Director Amphibian Stage

Jay Duffer

An Inside look at EURYDICE by Sarah Ruhl

Enjoy a video journey through the play, performed at UTA with original music composed for the production.