Acting, Stage and Screen (BFA)

The BFA degree is a four-year, 132-unit, professional training program offering a vital and contemporary approach to the study of acting. The program comprises an integrated sequence of training in acting, voice, movement, camera, the web, voice-over, games, and includes multiple opportunities for performance on stage, and screen. The curriculum is based on the belief that an actor’s emotional, imaginative, vocal and physical resources must be developed and prepared with maximum experience and flexibility for a fast-changing and challenging modern workplace. This training is combined with course work in critical and historical studies and technical theatre. An audition is required for admission. The BFA in Acting for Stage and Screen program is unique and highly competitive.  

All BFA Theatre majors are required to earn a grade point average of 2.75 (A = 4.0) in their theatre courses each semester. BFA students who fail to earn a GPA of 2.75 in their theatre courses will be placed on probation the following semester. Students who remain on probation for a consecutive second semester will be disqualified from the BFA program.

A student disqualified from continued study in the BFA program for failing to meet the GPA standards outlined above will be given the option of transferring into the BA program.

General Education Requirements

The university’s General Education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. In addition, all entering freshmen are expected to complete a General Education Seminar during their first year at USC. These seminars satisfy one of the Core Literacy requirements above.

Note that courses within the major will also satisfy certain Core Literacy requirements. Please work with your major adviser to determine those courses.