Overview
Our BFA in Theatre Performance is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in all aspects of theatre performance. From exploring the canon of dramatic European literature in fresh and innovative ways to collaborating on new works – you’ll gain experience in it all. We prepare you for professional internships and auditions, so you graduate with a wide range of tools to excel in the industry.
Acting
In the Acting concentration, you’ll develop your craft through a variety of courses, including acting techniques (including Stanislavski, Meisner and Viewpoints), vocal techniques (including Linklater and Skinner), physical performance and acting for the camera.
Throughout our program, you’ll have opportunities to work on a range of productions, from contemporary plays to Shakespearean classics. And that’s not just on our own stages. Our students are involved with all of the city’s professional theatre companies, including the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, First Stage, Skylight Music Theatre and more.
Musical Theatre
Combining the three performing disciplines of music, dance and theatre, this concentration trains you to take the triple threat above and beyond. Included in this track are courses in music (voice lessons, theory and musicianship, piano, large and choral/vocal ensembles), dance (ballet, tap, jazz, West African, musical theatre, etc.), and theatre (acting, play analysis, and theatre production).
Our students annually perform in carefully chosen musical productions essential to pre-professional training. That means you’ll be in front of an audience throughout your time in the department.
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate applicants must meet general University admission requirements in addition to specific program requirements found on the Peck School of the Arts apply page.
Undergraduate Advising
Academic advising is a collaborative process that empowers students to realize their maximum educational potential. Students are encouraged to visit the Peck School of the Arts Advising & Student Services page to meet with your advisor prior to each semester’s registration period. Advisors provide students with individualized appointments to assist with degree requirements, course selection, campus resources, college success strategies, graduation assessment, academic policies and more.
Laptop Requirement
Preparing for a future defined by digital technology is an important step in developing artists. Our digitally integrated curriculum helps you achieve a professional level with leading art-related software and practices.
Laptop ownership is strongly recommended for all students. However, it’s required for most majors. For more information, please visit the Peck School of the Arts admission page.
Advance to Major and Retention
Theatre faculty will assess students' academic and artistic growth through grade reports and/or individual conferences at the end of each semester. All Theatre majors who do not demonstrate a consistent level of artistic and academic improvement while maintaining a 2.5+ GPA overall with a 3.0+ GPA in their program may not advance and may be placed on probation. Failure to demonstrate improvement in subsequent semesters can result in academic probation or being dropped from the program.
Credits and Courses
University Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements 1 | ||
| Competencies 1 | ||
| Oral and Written Communication – Part A and Part B 2,3 | ||
| Quantitative Literacy (QL) – Part A and Part B 2,3 | ||
| Foreign Language 2,3 | ||
| Distribution Requirements 1 | ||
| Humanities | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences (Must include one lab) | 6 | |
| Social Sciences | 6 | |
| Cultural Diversity 2 | ||
| Electives | ||
| University Credits (outside of PSOA) | 12 | |
| Credits in Peck School of the Arts 4 | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
- 1
Learn more about the General Education Requirements.
- 2
Credits may be utilized in conjunction with General Education Social Sciences, Humanities, or Arts credits. See advisor for guidance.
- 3
Theatre students must complete the General Education Requirements (GER) in Oral and Written Communication competency (OWC), Quantitative Literacy competency (QL), and Foreign Language proficiency prior to enrolling in 310-level or above theatre courses.
- 4
9 credits are required in 3 of the 4 other departments in PSOA, outside of the student's discipline: Art and Design, Dance, Music, Theatre, or Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres.
The minimum number of credits required to complete the Bachelor of Fine Arts in the Performance Acting track is 126 credits while Performance Musical Theatre track is 130 credits. Students who need background preparation courses in math, English, foreign language, and chemistry may need additional credits.
Acting Track
Theatre Department Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THEATRE 110 | Fundamentals of the Actor's Process | 3 |
| THEATRE 213 | Play Analysis | 3 |
| THEATRE 214 | Stagecraft (with lab) | 4 |
| THEATRE 225 | Costume Construction (with lab) | 2 |
| THEATRE 275 | Performing Arts Management | 3 |
| THEATRE 230 | Acting 2: Text and Performance | 3 |
| THEATRE 236 | Theatre Production and Design | 3 |
| THEATRE 305 | The Theatrical Experience: | 3 |
| THEATRE 322 | The Theatre: Modern and Contemporary Period | 3 |
| THEATRE 321 | The Theatre: Beginnings Through Realism | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Acting Track Requirements and Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| THEATRE 330 | Acting Topics: (Topic: Acting for the Camera) | 3 |
| THEATRE 430 | Stage Voice and Speech 1 | 3 |
| THEATRE 431 | Stage Voice and Speech 2 | 3 |
| THEATRE 440 | Physical Performance 1 | 3 |
| THEATRE 441 | Physical Performance 2 | 3 |
| THEATRE 463 | Master Class in Professional Theatre Study | 3 |
| THEATRE 470 | Acting Technique 3 | 3 |
| THEATRE 471 | Acting Technique 4 | 3 |
| THEATRE 475 | Rehearsal and Performance: (2-3 cr as assigned; repeatable) | 6 |
| THEATRE 530 | Stage Voice and Speech 3 | 3 |
| THEATRE 531 | Stage Voice and Speech 4 | 3 |
| THEATRE 540 | Physical Performance 3 | 3 |
| THEATRE 541 | Physical Performance 4 | 3 |
| THEATRE 570 | Acting 5 | 3 |
| THEATRE 571 | Acting 6 (Capstone) | 3 |
| Theatre Performace Electives | ||
| Select electives with your advisor | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 57 | |
Musical Theatre Track
Theatre Department Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THEATRE 110 | Fundamentals of the Actor's Process | 3 |
| THEATRE 213 | Play Analysis | 3 |
| THEATRE 214 | Stagecraft (with lab) | 4 |
| THEATRE 225 | Costume Construction (with lab) | 2 |
| THEATRE 230 | Acting 2: Text and Performance | 3 |
| THEATRE 236 | Theatre Production and Design | 3 |
| THEATRE 275 | Performing Arts Management | 3 |
| THEATRE 305 | The Theatrical Experience: | 3 |
| THEATRE 322 | The Theatre: Modern and Contemporary Period | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| The Theatre: Beginnings Through Realism | ||
| Theatre in the Americas: Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Theatre | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Musical Theatre Track Requirements and Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required 1 | ||
| Theatre | ||
| THEATRE 408 | Acting in Musical Theatre | 3 |
| THEATRE 431 | Stage Voice and Speech 2 | 3 |
| THEATRE 470 | Acting Technique 3 | 3 |
| THEATRE 471 | Acting Technique 4 | 3 |
| THEATRE 475 | Rehearsal and Performance: (Select 6 credits [Variable credit as assigned/cast]) | 6 |
| Music | ||
| Fundamentals of Music 1 | ||
| MUSIC 123 | Aural Theory I | 1 |
| MUSIC 142 | Class Voice for Musical Theater Level I | 2 |
| MUSIC 143 | Class Voice for Music Theatre Level II | 2 |
| Select 1 Voice Ensemble for 1 semester | 1 | |
| MUSPERF 1 | Fundamentals of Piano: | 1 |
| or MUSPERF 101 | Lessons in Piano | |
| MUSPERF 111 | Lessons in Voice (complete 2 semesters of 1 credit) | 2 |
| MUSPERF 412 | Voice Lessons for Musical Theatre (complete 4 semesters of 2 credits) | 8 |
| Dance | ||
| DANCE 111 | Ballet I | 2 |
| DANCE 112 | Contemporary Dance Practice: Ballet Tradition II | 2 |
| DANCE 117 | Tap I | 2 |
| DANCE 122 | African Dance & Diaspora Technique I | 3 |
| Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis 1 | ||
| DANCE 327 | Dance for the Musical Theatre I | 2 |
| DANCE 427 | Dance for the Musical Theatre II | 2 |
| Choose 2 of the following not previously taken: | 4 | |
| Modern Dance Technique I | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Modern Tradition II | ||
| Jazz Dance I | ||
| Jazz Dance II | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Ballet Tradition III | ||
| Choose 1 of the following: | 2 | |
| Introduction to Yoga | ||
| Alexander Technique for the Performer | ||
| Body Conditioning: Pilates Method | ||
| Somatic Pedagogy and Practice | ||
| Choose 1 of the following: | 1 | |
| Repertoire and Ensemble (repeatable) | ||
| Repertory/Student Choreographer | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select electives in music, theatre, or dance as discussed with advisor | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 61 | |
Acting Sample Plan of Study
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| University Core: General Education Requirements | 6 | |
| THEATRE 110 | Fundamentals of the Actor's Process | 3 |
| THEATRE 225 | Costume Construction | 2 |
| THEATRE 305 | The Theatrical Experience: | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| University Core: General Education Requirements | 6 | |
| THEATRE 214 | Stagecraft | 4 |
| THEATRE 230 | Acting 2: Text and Performance | 3 |
| THEATRE 236 | Theatre Production and Design | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| THEATRE 213 | Play Analysis | 3 |
| THEATRE 430 | Stage Voice and Speech 1 | 3 |
| THEATRE 440 | Physical Performance 1 | 3 |
| THEATRE 470 | Acting Technique 3 | 3 |
| University Core: General Education Requirements | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| THEATRE 275 | Performing Arts Management | 3 |
| THEATRE 431 | Stage Voice and Speech 2 | 3 |
| THEATRE 441 | Physical Performance 2 | 3 |
| THEATRE 471 | Acting Technique 4 | 3 |
| THEATRE 475 | Rehearsal and Performance: | 2 |
| University Core: General Education Requirements | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| THEATRE 321 | The Theatre: Beginnings Through Realism | 3 |
| THEATRE 530 | Stage Voice and Speech 3 | 3 |
| THEATRE 540 | Physical Performance 3 | 3 |
| THEATRE 570 | Acting 5 | 3 |
| University Core: Required Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| THEATRE 322 | The Theatre: Modern and Contemporary Period | 3 |
| THEATRE 475 | Rehearsal and Performance: | 2 |
| THEATRE 531 | Stage Voice and Speech 4 | 3 |
| THEATRE 541 | Physical Performance 4 | 3 |
| THEATRE 571 | Acting 6 | 3 |
| University Core: Required Electives | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| THEATRE 330 | Acting Topics: (Topic: Acting for the Camera) | 3 |
| THEATRE 475 | Rehearsal and Performance: | 2 |
| University Core: Required Elective | 3 | |
| PSOA Core: Required Elective | 6 | |
| Theatre Electives: Degree Electives | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| University Core: Required Elective | 3 | |
| PSOA Core: Required Elective | 3 | |
| THEATRE 463 | Master Class in Professional Theatre Study | 3 |
| Theatre Electives: Degree Electives | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 126 | |
Musical Theatre Sample Plan of Study
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| DANCE 111 | Ballet I | 2 |
| MUSPERF 1 or MUSPERF 101 | Fundamentals of Piano: or Lessons in Piano | 1 |
| MUSIC 142 | Class Voice for Musical Theater Level I | 2 |
| MUSIC XXX | Choral Ensemble | 1 |
| THEATRE 110 | Fundamentals of the Actor's Process | 3 |
| THEATRE 214 | Stagecraft | 4 |
| THEATRE 305 | The Theatrical Experience: | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| DANCE 112 | Contemporary Dance Practice: Ballet Tradition II | 2 |
| MUSIC 143 | Class Voice for Music Theatre Level II | 2 |
| MUSIC 101 | Fundamentals of Music | 3 |
| THEATRE 230 | Acting 2: Text and Performance | 3 |
| University Core: General University Requirement | 6 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| DANCE 122 | African Dance & Diaspora Technique I | 3 |
| MUSPERF 111 | Lessons in Voice | 1 |
| MUSIC 123 | Aural Theory I | 1 |
| THEATRE 213 | Play Analysis | 3 |
| THEATRE 225 | Costume Construction | 2 |
| THEATRE 236 | Theatre Production and Design | 3 |
| University Core: General University Requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| Choose 1 not previously taken: | 2 | |
| Modern Dance Technique I | ||
| Jazz Dance I | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Ballet Tradition III | ||
| MUSPERF 111 | Lessons in Voice | 1 |
| THEATRE 275 | Performing Arts Management | 3 |
| THEATRE 475 | Rehearsal and Performance: | 2 |
| University Core: General University Requirement | 3 | |
| Elective: (Outside of PSOA) | 6 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| DANCE 117 | Tap I | 2 |
| Choose 1 not previously taken: | 2 | |
| Modern Dance Technique I | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Modern Tradition II | ||
| Jazz Dance I | ||
| Jazz Dance II | ||
| Contemporary Dance Practice: Ballet Tradition III | ||
| MUSPERF 412 | Voice Lessons for Musical Theatre | 2 |
| THEATRE 470 | Acting Technique 3 | 3 |
| Elective: (Dance, Music, or Theatre) | 2 | |
| PSOA Elective: (Art or Film) | 3 | |
| University Core: General University Requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Choose 1 of the following: | 2 | |
| Introduction to Yoga | ||
| Alexander Technique for the Performer | ||
| Body Conditioning: Pilates Method | ||
| Somatic Pedagogy and Practice | ||
| MUSPERF 412 | Voice Lessons for Musical Theatre | 2 |
| THEATRE 431 | Stage Voice and Speech 2 | 3 |
| THEATRE 471 | Acting Technique 4 | 3 |
| THEATRE 475 | Rehearsal and Performance: | 2 |
| Elective: (Outside of PSOA) | 3 | |
| Elective: (Dance, Music, or Theatre) | 2 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| DANCE 251 | Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis | 3 |
| DANCE 327 | Dance for the Musical Theatre I | 2 |
| THEATRE 408 | Acting in Musical Theatre | 3 |
| MUSPERF 412 | Voice Lessons for Musical Theatre | 2 |
| THEATRE 475 | Rehearsal and Performance: | 2 |
| THEATRE 322 | The Theatre: Modern and Contemporary Period | 3 |
| Elective: (Outside of PSOA) | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| DANCE 427 | Dance for the Musical Theatre II | 2 |
| MUSPERF 412 | Voice Lessons for Musical Theatre | 2 |
| DANCE 490 or DANCE 491 | Repertoire and Ensemble or Repertory/Student Choreographer | 1 |
| Elective: (Dance, Music, or Theatre) | 2 | |
| Choose 1 of the following | 3 | |
| The Theatre: Beginnings Through Realism | ||
| Theatre in the Americas: Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Theatre | ||
| University Core: General University Requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 130 | |
Theatre, BFA: Performance Learning Outcomes
Students graduating from the Theatre, BFA: Performance program will be able to:
- Practice the essential theories of acting and expression including a deepened and clarified ability to communicate story, truthfully play character action, and work confidently and creatively in a variety of contemporary physical approaches to generating theatrical performance.*
- Practice essential theories in acting, singing and dance including a deepened and clarified ability to communicate story, truthfully play character action and work confidently and creatively in a variety of contemporary physical approaches to generating musical theatre performance.**
- Utilize critical analysis in the generation of character aesthetic through applied problem solving and the communication processes common in theatre arts.
- Function effectively, collaboratively, and productively as a member of a performance ensemble.
- Utilize basic familiarity and fluency in the artform to inform their own acting practice through the experiencing of, participating in, and writing of theatre.
- Engage empathetically by exploring their own and others worldview to create respectful, ethical, and accessible environments to create diverse works of theatre.
- Engage fundamental techniques as a performer of a diverse group of dance forms including ballet, jazz and tap.**
- Utilize basic familiarity and fluency in the artform and the history of American Musical Theatre to inform their own performance and preparatory practices.**
- Practice and encourage empathy through civic engagement.*
- Present themselves confidently for professional employment in a variety of audition formats.
- *
Acting track only
- **
Musical Theatre track only
Policies and Regulations
Academic Regulations
For information on University-wide Academic Action Policy and honors for scholarship, see Academic Policies.
Auditing Courses
No studio or performance courses may be audited.
Declaration of Submajor
In most instances, after two years of basic preparatory courses in the major, students choose an area of specialization within their respective departments, known as a submajor. Students must declare a submajor after they have accumulated 45 to 75 credits to assure completion of the appropriate curriculum requirements for graduation.
Grievance and Appeal Procedures
If you have concerns about a class or a grade, or if you’ve been dropped from a program and would like to appeal, follow the grievance procedures found under the resources section on the Peck School of the Arts Advising & Student Services page.
Independent Study
Under special conditions, juniors and seniors are permitted to take courses in independent study. For regulations on independent study, see the departmental advisor.
Program Changes
All program changes must be signed by the instructor and the Peck School of the Arts Office of Student Services. Certain other courses may also require this approval indicated in the semester's Schedule of Classes.
Second Bachelor's Degree Candidates
Students with good scholastic records who wish to earn a second bachelor's degree in the Peck School of the Arts must obtain the recommendation of the Peck School of the Arts department in which they wish to major before they can be accepted. Upon acceptance, students must earn in residence a minimum of 30 credits beyond the studies for the first degree and must satisfy all curriculum requirements.
Semester Credit Load
A full-time Peck School of the Arts student is one who takes a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Typically, Peck School of the Arts students are not permitted to carry more than 18 credits per semester. Students who have a 3.0+ cumulative GPA may, with the permission of the Peck School of the Arts Office of Student Services, carry up to 21 credits per semester.
Transfer Students
Transfer students from other universities and colleges or UWM units are accepted by the Peck School of the Arts provided they meet the UWM admissions criteria and have a 2.0+ cumulative GPA.
Honors in the Major
- Honors in the Major is granted to students who have earned a GPA of 3.500 or greater in the major and the academic department's recommendation.
- High Honors in the Major is granted to students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or greater and the academic department's recommendation.
- Departmental Honors are granted to students recommended by their academic department for Honors excellence in performance not reflected in the GPA.
- Dean's Honors are granted to students with major achievements in one or more of the arts.
College of the Arts and Architecture Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.