Abilene Christian University

What you'll study

The curriculum gives hands-on instruction across all phases of theatre. Students choose one of six tracks and complete major and university credit requirements: Acting; Musical Theatre; Directing; Dance; Design/Technical; Theatre Education/Teacher Certification; and Theatre Ministry. Example coursework listed includes Acting 1, Stage Makeup, Beginning Directing and Fashion as Cultural Reflection. Track-focused descriptions in the catalog note:

• Acting — studio and performance training with a variety of techniques to prepare for professional work or graduate study.
• Musical Theatre — integrated singing, acting and dance technique for musical stage work.
• Directing — mentorship and opportunities to build a directing portfolio and interview to direct main-stage work.
• Dance — classes in ballet, tap, jazz, modern and conditioning, with dance concerts and musical participation.
• Design/Technical — development of rendering and practical execution skills through design work, show crews and practicum hours.
• Theatre Education — hybrid preparation in directing, design, acting and children's theatre with courses required for teacher certification.
• Theatre Ministry — study of faith-and-art intersections with practical ministry placements such as chapel leadership, church internships, prison and outreach ministries.

Entry requirements

The catalog describes program structure and credit requirements rather than specific admissions tests. Degree completion depends on completing University and major credit hours (University Hours + Major Hours: 50–68 credit hours, plus Electives: 4–22 credit hours) to reach a total of 128 credit hours, with students selecting one of the available tracks. Prospective students are advised to consult the ACU catalog and department for application steps and any track-specific auditions or portfolio requirements.

Career prospects

The program lists a broad set of career pathways typical for BFA graduates: actor (stage, film, voice-over, cruise lines), designer (sets, costume, lighting, sound, props), director, stage manager, technical director, teacher at various levels and in arts education programs, worship minister, playwright, agent, casting director and print/commercial model.

Scholarships & funding angle

While the catalog text does not specify particular scholarships, theatre programs commonly offer departmental awards, performance-based scholarships and work opportunities in productions or practicum credits; contact ACU Theatre and the university financial aid office to learn available funding tied to auditions, portfolios or theatre involvement.