At UT Austin, how much different is the BA Program than the BFA Program? I know that the BA program is more about different things than acting, but other than that.
Is there any elitism between the programs? Do the BFA actors get cast more than the BA actors or is it strictly talent based?
Anything you may think I need to know would be greatly appreciated. Thanks:)
Hi @graphitepens! I’m a BFA Acting major at UT, so I can help you out with this.
BA degrees are more flexible. You take about 50% theatre classes each semester. You can take a wide variety of theatre classes to fulfill your degree requirements, and you have room to take more electives. You have a lot of different classmates. Most BAs will have a “focus,” such as acting, directing, stage management, etc, but these are not really official and don’t go on your transcript (so don’t worry too much about those).
BFA degrees are more rigid. You take about 70%-80% theatre classes each semester. Your theatre classes are picked for you. You take these theatre classes with the same people all four years. You can take electives, but it can add a lot of hours.
There is definitely some resentment between the BAs and BFAs. It’s not to the point that it creates a toxic environment, and very few of the BFAs I know I’d describe as “elitist,” but there is some grumbling here and there. Part of it comes from that BFAs tend to get cast more in mainstage shows. It’s important to note that we’re required to audition for every mainstage show, whereas BAs are not. So, naturally, there are more BFAs at auditions, and therefore more BFAs in shows.
Let me know if you have any other questions!