Theatre Performance

The Performance Concentration offers students who desire a more intensive educational experience in Acting and Directing the opportunity for focused study. Working closely with faculty, student artists are challenged through a dynamic course of study in acting, voice, movement, scene study, and auditioning techniques to develop a personal creative process that will serve them well as a young artist. With the application of performance skills in both studio and main stage productions, as well as a comprehensive exploration of theatre traditions and styles, Bradley students graduate with experience under their belt, confidence in their training, and a belief in the power of the theatre to influence our changing world.

Concentrations build on the experiences and training offered through the BA/BS Theatre Arts major. Students pursuing the Performance Concentration must complete all of the major requirements plus 19 semester hours of specific performance based classes.

The primary focus of the courses in this concentration is developing performance skills including Voice and Movement training. Junior Seminar (THE310) is a career preparatory course exploring opportunities for graduate school, internships, and employment in the performing arts. Senior Seminar (THE410) is a capstone projects course that is utilized to facilitate Bradley University Theatre’s Chicago Showcase. Students interested in exploring the craft of directing may substitute Voice (THE 201) or Movement (THE 203) with one of the following design courses: Stage Lighting (THE 326), Scene Design (THE 329), or Costume Design (THE 330.) This is to allow interested students the opportunity to build collaboration skills. Additionally, students interested in directing must substitute Advanced Acting (THE 315) for three credit hours of Practice in Directing (THE 317) where they stage a series of directing projects under the supervision and guidance of the faculty. Elective courses in performance include Stage Combat (THE 303) and Acting: Physical Styles (THE216) as well as Explorations in Theatre Arts (THE 498) where students and faculty can create special topics courses.

All students desiring to pursue a BA or BS degree with a concentration in Performance are required to audition prior to admission in the concentration. Students will be required to demonstrate basic talents and show they have the potential to grow as a theatre artist as well as possess the commitment and discipline essential for successful completion of their studies.

The Performance Concentration Audition shall consist of two contrasting monologues, one serious and one comic, plus an optional 16 bars of music. The entire audition should not exceed 3 minutes.

Concentration auditions are open to all students and are scheduled annually. Please review the department calendar for dates and times.

Concentrations are not required for graduation and may be dropped at any time.