Theatre

An actor onstage in a play.

B.F.A. in Acting

The BFA in Acting supports emerging artists as they craft careers that excite them. We believe you are an individual preparing to work in an industry that needs your voice. We are here to support you in discovering it and developing it. In an industry driven by artists creating across multiple platforms, the opportunity to study collaborative film production, new play development, participate in new play readings, and learn to create and devise on stage and film allows you to design the career you want. Create, perform, and explore with us.

Department of Theatre
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5360 USA
(269) 387-3220

What will I do in the B.F.A. Acting degree program at Western?

Our conservatory-style training begins with acting work grounded in truth, connection, and imagination. We then move on to industry-specific specialty training: professional preparation courses for both stage and film, advanced on camera training, and the physical and vocal training necessary for the stillness of film and the freedom of stage. Your training culminates in a digital showcase, providing both professionally produced audition material and an entrance to the industry.   

We are fiercely committed to fostering a healthy, functional, joyful community of artists. We offer wellness training for artists and intimacy direction support. Curiosity, a sense of play, and respect for the storytellers/makers will be integral components in your training experience here.

Your faculty here at WMU is a community of professional working artists committed to helping you navigate the profession you are entering. We are passionate about your growth. We are committed to helping you become the artist you want to be.

Recent WMU graduates with degrees in acting are working as:

  • Actors and musical theatre performers
  • Directors
  • Voice-over artists
  • Casting directors
  • Stage managers
  • Agents
  • Producers
  • Movement and voice specialists
  • Professional dancers

Here are some of the organizations they work for:

  • Marvel Studios
  • Dreamworks
  • Disney Corporation
  • Broadway
  • New York City off-Broadway productions
  • National Tours
  • Broadway in Chicago
  • Chicago Shakespeare Theater
  • Seattle Repertory Theatre
  • Oregon Shakespeare Festival
  • Various film and television productions
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Review degree requirements
I am extremely impressed with the level of talent, preparedness and professional behavior that I find in every student I audition from Western Michigan's theatre program—amazing young students.
—Ron Wilson, director, Case Western Reserve University-Cleveland Play House M.F.A. Acting Program

What will I learn in my B.F.A. Acting classes?

Opportunities to perform are many and varied. Since we are an undergraduate-only program, the BFA performance majors fill all the roles. Our production calendar features 7-8 mainstage productions and numerous student-directed/faculty-mentored productions in our three professional theatrical spaces. BFA Acting majors are eligible to be cast in both plays and musicals.

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Check out upcoming productions
Explore theatre facilities

Are scholarships available for acting students?

Yes, the School of Theatre and Dance makes annual awards of scholarships in several categories and for varying amounts. We award talents in performance, design, technical, stage management and arts management. Awards are based on academic achievement, experience, accomplishments and service, as well as financial need.
Get scholarship information

How do I audition for the theatre program?

After you complete your application for the B.F.A. in acting program, you will have the choice of auditioning in person or virtually. The guidelines for each audition format are detailed here:

To complete your application for the B.F.A. Acting program, you will need to : 

  • Upload a current digital photo and acting resume 

  • Provide email addresses for two references (teachers, directors) who know your work 

  • Know your current grade point average (GPA) 

You may audition virtually or in person.

In-person audition process 

What you will need for the audition:  

  1. Each auditionee is expected to prepare two monologues, each about a minute in length. (For more tips, please see the "Tips on preparation and selection of material" tab below). 

  1. Bring two sets of clothing to the audition day.  You will wear one set of clothing for the monologue audition and one set of movement clothes for the callback. You may wear your movement clothing to the interview—no need to change. 

 First round: Monologue audition 

The first part of the audition process is a traditional monologue audition. Introduce yourself with:

  1. Your name

  1. The title of the play your monologue is from 

  1. The name of the playwright

  1. Perform one of your two prepared monologues for the panel of performance faculty. There will be a timer—don’t worry if you get cut off! 

Following your monologue audition, you will be informed if you have been called back or not. If you are called back, you will be scheduled for a second group movement audition later in the day. If you are not called back, you are free to leave at that time.  

Second round: Group Movement Callback 

You will change into your movement clothes (clothing that is nonbinding, allows free movement and in which you are comfortable rolling around on the floor) for this round. 

Be prepared to “play.” This means you are fully available, physically and mentally, to explore the creative possibilities of performance.  

The Group Movement Callback is an opportunity for you to work directly with performance faculty who will be leading you and your group through a series of exercises exploring your physical and creative capabilities. This is not about “acting” or “putting on an act” but about you as an individual exploring the range of imagination and creativity you bring to your work. There is no right or wrong way to do these activities. What matters is willing and authentic participation.   

This callback is not a test, an improvisation or a performance. It is more like playing games, with performance faculty as the leaders. It is a chance for us all to get to know each other a little better as creative and enthusiastic artists.  

Third round: Interview 

After the Group Movement Callback, you may be invited to an interview. An invitation to an interview does not necessarily mean you will or will not be admitted.  

The panel of performance faculty will meet with each individual student. The content of your interview may vary according to the monologue audition, your performance in the group movement callback or the details of your academic record or performance experience.  

For example, you may be asked to work on one specific thing from the monologue you did in the morning. You may be asked to do your second monologue. You may be asked specific questions about the Group Movement Callback or about your education or experience.

You will also have the opportunity to ask the faculty any questions you may have. 

Our goal in the audition process is to get to know each auditionee’s personality and potential, as well as share the strengths and opportunities available in our program.  

We want the best possible match, for us and for you, so that you may select the program best suited to develop your individual artistic voice.

Virtual audition process 

First round: 

You’ll prepare two video submissions for your first-round virtual audition. 

First: Prepare and submit a video monologue audition of two contrasting pieces (see below for guidance on selection and preparation). Your video should allow you to be clearly seen and heard and be no longer than two minutes total. Film in landscape mode with your frame capturing you from the waist up. 

Second: Submit a video of yourself telling us something you feel we should know about YOU! This video should be no longer than one minute. 

Submit these videos through the Acceptd portal. 

Second round: 

We will hold virtual callbacks via Zoom. This is an opportunity for us to work with you on your material, get to know your artistry better and for you to have a clearer sense of how we work. On your callback day, you will have the opportunity to speak to some of our current students and attend a "virtual tour" of our facilities. You will also have the opportunity to ask the faculty any questions you may have. 

Our goal is to nurture each student's personality and potential, as well as share the strengths and opportunities of our program. We want the best possible match, so that you may select the program best suited to develop your individual voice.  

After all the auditions are completed, the faculty meets to review the admissions files and audition data for the applicants. We have many talented, qualified applicants. We practice rolling admission, which means while it is possible that an offer could be made within two weeks of your audition, it is not likely. Since we have multiple audition events, the majority of the offers will be made later in the audition season, which lasts until March.

Please ensure that we have accurate contact information for you so that an offer will not be delayed. Please acknowledge receipt of the offer, so we know you received it. At the time we make an offer, we will tell you the acceptance deadline. Please ask questions, tour the campus and the building, talk with our students and sit in on classes if you can. If at all possible, see a show—call or email the box office and let them know you’ve received an offer and they will do their best to accommodate you. We want you to feel confident in your choice and will do our best to help you get the information you need.

  • Choosing the perfect monologue takes work.
  • There is no shortcut to a great audition. We encourage you to seek out coaching and rehearse your audition in playful and imaginative ways. A monologue should show off who you are and the best work always comes from the actor’s ability to personalize the material. Be sure to use material that is relatively within your age range and understanding. We suggest that you focus on contemporary, realistic scripts.
  • Each monologue should be no longer than one minute, but 45 seconds is ideal.
  • Your monologue should be one in which you are actively working to impact the character to whom you are speaking. Monologues are most effective when you are actively and immediately trying to change or get something from your unseen scene partner and they matter to you tremendously.
  • Wear clothing that is simple, professional and comfortable. Do not use costumes, dialects or props.
  • Your intro is called a "slate." Keep this warm and welcoming. Tell us your name and the names of the plays from which you are doing material.
  • We want three-dimensional characters even though video is a two-dimensional medium. Find JOY in what you have to share. We can’t wait to see your work.

Preparing your audition

Sample resume