PREPARATION:
Sophomore year is is the year when performance students decide which direction they would like to pursue in their training, BA or BFA degree. All students must go through assessments to formally enter the BFA program.
The only difference between the two degrees is the course of study. You can be a successful theatre artist with either degree. The BFA is not for everyone. The BFA is intended to be a more concentrated and intensive study of acting. With this workload you will be unable to graduate early and must commit to an additional two years of study. Students are encouraged to take a look at the required courses for the BFA and see if they are of interest. If not, then that student may be more suited for the BA. All of these things could be helpful when considering which track you would like to pursue.
Allow this to be an opportunity for you to reflect on what you need as a student and artist to best help you grow and succeed.
- – Have you enjoyed your performance classes thus far?
- – Do you find acting to be your sole focus in theatre?
- – Do you have other interests you would like to pursue, either within or outside of theatre?
- – Are you thinking of taking on a second major or minor(s)?
PROCESS:
All second year students who would like to pursue the BFA Performance degree are required to take part in Sophomore Assessment. Self declared BA’s are welcome to participate for feedback but are not required. The assessment has two components, one at the end of each semester. The fall semester is worth 30% of the overall score and the spring semester is worth 70%.
Each semester’s score is composed of a skills score and a professional preparedness score. Both are equally important, not just in assessment but also in your life as a professional actor.
After the fall assessment, students will receive faculty feedback and notification as to whether they are on track or need improvement. If you are notified of the latter, please communicate with your instructors throughout the spring semester to ensure you are doing all that you can to see progress in the classroom. After the spring assessment, you will have an in person meeting with a faculty member to discuss any faculty feedback and the result of your score. By the end of the second year everyone will be moving on as third years in either the BA or BFA track, which is exciting no matter the path you are on!
LOGISTICS
- – Requirements: Two contrasting contemporary monologues from a published play, not exceeding three minutes total
- – When: Wednesday December 13th, starting at 1:00pm
- – Please use the following link to sign up for a time slot: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gHKjTndYfk3HPxnIKbDYlOCUFyqBwZ1dDgHH-iKvLCU/edit?usp=sharing
- – Where: B72 however, when you arrive please report to the holding room (B53) and someone will retrieve you when we are ready
- – Linked here will find both the skills and professional preparedness rubrics for reference.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to Emily Mattison, Head of Undergraduate Performance mattisone@vcu.edu