A Helpful Post on OCU's BFA Acting

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I frequented CC a lot last year as I was applying to school. Now that I've been completing my freshman year, I've read a lot of confusion about the BFA Acting program at Oklahoma City University. I posted a long reply in another thread, and it was suggested that I repost a lot of that info here, to help change a bit of confusion/shine some light on my program.</p>

<p>If you audition for OCU for MT, and you perform a monologue, do not be surprised if you receive an acceptance letter from the Department of Theatre (soon to be School of Theatre). People from each school will be present. I know the letter might look a little unofficial (mine did last year!), but it's the real deal. :)</p>

<p>The BFA Acting program is growing by leaps and bounds. We, as actors, are trained to have as many tools in our toolbox as possible. When that role comes, we can pick out what pieces of our training we need to pull from. We're trained in a primarily Stanislavski technique. We all take classes in acting, movement, vocal production, diction, dialects, and audition techniques. Next year, we'll officially become a School of Theatre. We have at least 13 productions being put on next year- 6 Mainstage (directed by faculty or guest artists) and 7 Stage II (productions directed by students- the quality of acting is usually amazing). My numbers are approximate- I don't have the list in front of me. </p>

<p>Class sizes are small across the board. I have 9 students in my Acting II class, and 11 in my Acting I class. I love how it allows for such individualized work. While there are larger classes (all incoming freshman take Freshman Actor Lab, in which all freshman BFA students have a class together), they are more rare.</p>

<p>You're only required to have 3 credit hours of voice in the BFA program. However, it's not uncommon for people to take a credit each semester, or even two. While you don't take class with the MT/Vocal performance faculty, many of the professors are quite good. There are a few who aren't, but it's not difficult to request your professor and receive that professor.</p>

<p>You're only required to have 3 hours of dance. This is not difficult to do- but it is difficult to take a credit each semester, just due to scheduling. The School of Dance is very... frustrating in their enrollment and scheduling process. You basically have to schedule your classes so that the dance class you are leveled for fits into your schedule. However, the school has recently started the Community Dance Center, in which many students take class- but not for credit.</p>

<p>You are allowed to reaudition for the MT program- I have a friend who did just that, and was accepted. She'll be transferring to that program next year.</p>

<p>OCU has a very unique culture. The entire School of Theatre is very inclusive and loving- while we do have our competitive moments, we are overall very supportive. The school, as a whole, is filled with performing arts majors. It's not uncommon to hear songs being sung as people walk across the quad, or see a movement class working outside for the day. Buns fill the cafeteria. It's a great place to be for a performing arts major.</p>

<p>I hope this helps! If you need more information, just ask!</p>

<p>By the looks of their website they only do auditions at nine dates on campus. is this so? are there no touring auditions at all?</p>

<p>If you had extenuating circumstances, I would not be surprised if they allowed you to audition at an alternate time, though I do not know this for a fact. And there are some touring dates- I’d contact Cathy Cesar (her e-mail is on the website) for more information. :)</p>

<p>okay thanks, I’ll definitely keep that in mind</p>

<p>My daughter is a BFA in Acting Major at Oklahoma City University. It is a wonderful school and she loves it very much! She just finished her sophomore year and of course will be a junior in the fall. So far, every semester, she has worked dance and voice into her schedule. The dance program there is wonderful! She takes ballet, jazz and tap, along with voice and all of her acting. She wants to keep all of her skills improving while she is there. The theatre department is amazing! The people on the whole campus are the friendliest I personally have ever been to.</p>

<p>Burningbright, sorry that this is late, but they do attend several regional auditions, such as thespian festivals or conferences around the area, especially in Texas. I have many friends that were recruited from a Thespian festival in Houston and Dallas. They have also attended SETC in the past.</p>

<p>My daughter has been accepted to bfa acting at OCU. Do you know how many first year bfa acting students actually attend each year? She is trying to determine the size of the program and the possible opportunities to perform.</p>

<p>actingbug you’ll get some good answers here I’m sure, but why not have your daughter just call up and ask the department? They’ll be the ones who can give the best answers. And congratulations!</p>

<p>You are right Gwen Fairfax. She will call with her program questions. One caveat is that she received a bit of scholarship money at OCU but has to commit by Jan 14 to be eligible. She has two other schools in the mix and a remaining audition at each, St. Edwards (for scholarships) and U of H for acting admittance. Is OCU’s deadline usual practice? And thanks for the congrats; she is really excited to follow her passion.</p>

<p>actingbug - You may want to check out this discussion of that very topic over in the Musical Theatre forum:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1046403-accepting-scholarships-when.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1046403-accepting-scholarships-when.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Huge help, thanks austinmtmom! I’ve read the thread and realize there are others wondering what to do. I’m new here and appreciate your direction.</p>