Program Requirements

Following your passion for theatre and dance

The program requirements for the each of the BFA theatre and dance tracks varies. In addition to completing the courses that are required for the major, you must also complete the general education and program requirements set by the University. All students in the BFA program will complete core curriculum of 31 credits and an additional 47 credits in the track option they choose.

Review of progress

There will be a review of your progress in the BFA program. BFA reviews are administered separately by each of the different BFA programs. Please discuss BFA review dates and requirements with your advisor.

Program requirements

Theatre and Dance

Bachelor of Fine Arts
Admission Requirements

In addition to the University’s admission requirements, students must be officially accepted into the BFA program prior to the first semester of coursework in the major. Auditions and/or interviews for placement in the program are held on campus during the fall and spring semester of each year. Prospective students should contact the Department of Theatre and Dance for specific information about the audition process and dates.

Major requirements (78-80 hours):
Major core (31-32 hours):
  1. Design/Technology (6 hours): Two groups from THE 250(2) and 251(1); or THE 255(3); or THE 260(2) and 261(1).
  2. Staging Composition (6 hours): Directing: THE 130(3) and 430(3); or Choreography: DAN 220(3) and 420(3).
  3. History (6 hours): THE 541(3); and THE 542(3) or DAN 552(3).
  4. Performance Techniques (3 hours) from: THE 121(3)*, 222(3); DAN 216(3), 225(3), 230(3), 245(3). *THE 121 is open to admitted BFA in Theatre and Dance/Acting and Musical Theatre majors only.
  5. Practicum (9 hours): Repeat THE 495(3) or DAN 520(3) three times for a total of nine hours. See each option for specifics pertaining to this requirement.
  6. Senior BFA Project (1-2 hours):
    1. THE 513(2) required for Acting option.
    2. THE 492(1) required for Design/Technology/Stage Management option.
    3. DAN 492(2) required for Dance option.
Complete one of the following options:
Acting option (47 hours):
  1. (36 hours): THE 122(3), 221(3), 226(2), 228(2), 321(3), 327(3), 328(3), 421(3), 424(1), 451(2), 489(2), 511(3), 522(3), 524(3).
  2. Three hours from: THE 510(3), 530(3), 543(3), 545(3).
  3. Three hours from approved performance related electives from Dance, Music, or Theatre courses.
  4. Each candidate will have a formal assessment with the Acting faculty at the end of each spring semester to evaluate individual progress, strengths, and goals.
  5. Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of THE 489(2) and 513(2).
  6. Five hours: Each candidate will complete five elective hours from approved courses inside or outside the department.
  7. Practicum (required in the major core): Each candidate will complete the following:
    1. Three hours of acting performance in a MSU mainstage project to be approved by major advisor: THE 495 (Practicum).
    2. Three hours of acting performance in a MSU mainstage project or a non-mainstage MSU faculty supervised initiative to be approved by major advisor: THE 495 or DAN 520 (Practicum).
    3. Three hours as a crew member in a MSU sponsored mainstage project to be approved by major advisor: THE 495 or DAN 520 (Practicum).
Dance option (47 hours):
  1. Dance Technique (24 hours): Six hours in each category. Must achieve the 300 level in two categories in order to graduate.
    1. Contemporary: DAN 216(3), 316(3), 416(3).
    2. Tap: DAN 225(3), 325(3), 425(3).
    3. Ballet: DAN 230(3), 330(3), 430(3).
    4. Jazz: DAN 245(3), 345(3), 445(3).
  2. Partnering Techniques (6 hours): DAN 319(3), 348(3).
  3. Additional Choreography (5 hours): DAN 372(2), 520(3).
  4. Dance Theory (6 hours): DAN 364(3), 565(3).
  5. Electives (5 hours): Five hours from THE/DAN approved by advisor.
  6. Introduction to the Profession: DAN 240(1).
  7. Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of DAN 565(3).
  8. Practicum (required in the major core): Each candidate will complete the following:
    1. Three hours of performance in a MSU mainstage project to be approved by major advisor: THE 495 or DAN 520 (Practicum).
    2. Three hours of choreography in a MSU mainstage project to be approved by major advisor: THE 495 or DAN 520 (Practicum).
    3. Three hours as a crew member in a MSU sponsored mainstage project to be approved by major advisor: THE 495 or DAN 520 (Practicum).
  9. Dance majors are strongly encouraged to take DAN 180 and one course from the following: MUS 241 (fulfills a General Education requirement), MUS 345 or MUS 346.
Design/Technology/Stage Management option (47 hours):
  1. Design/Technology core course sequence (3 hours not selected in major core) from: THE 250(2) and 251(1); THE 255(3); or THE 260(2) and 261(1).
  2. Design/Technology Specialties and BFA Reviews (33 hours): THE 224(1), 270(3), 275(3), 280(3), 292(1), 354(3), 392(1), 453(3), 455(3), 461(3), 558(3), 561(3), 562(3).
  3. 11 hours from: THE 324(1), 350(3), 454(3), 460(3), 530(3), 552(3), 555(3), 565(3); COM 205(3) or 332(3).
  4. Practicum (required in the major core): Each candidate will complete the following:
    1. Three hours of a design/production assignment in a MSU mainstage project to be approved by major advisor: THE 495 or DAN 520 (Practicum).
    2. Three hours of  a design/production assignment in a MSU mainstage project to be approved by major advisor: THE 495 or DAN 520 (Practicum).
    3. Three hours as a crew member in a MSU sponsored mainstage project to be approved by major advisor: THE 495 or DAN 520 (Practicum).
  5. Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of THE 492(1) and THE 495(3).

University level requirements:

  1. General Education Program and Requirements
  2. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements