If you want to study Performing Arts in college, the first question to consider is, “Do you want to get a BA (bachelor of arts) or BFA (bachelor of fine arts)?” The answer to that question will dramatically change your admissions process, yet many students do not know the difference and are unsure which is right for them. Though they may sound the same, in practice they offer two distinct experiences. Here, we’ll distinguish between them so that you can make the choice that best aligns with your goals!
BFA Programs:
When you pursue a BFA, you are commonly required to choose a “concentration” or “track,” such as Acting or Directing, from the beginning. From then on, you take certain classes based on which track you chose. A BFA will be conservatory in form, meaning it will be a structured, highly dictated schedule of daily classes. You are typically required to spend at least fifty percent of your class time within your specific program, and that percentage can be much higher depending on the school. For example, BFA Musical Theater students at the University of Michigan take 75% of their classes within the School of Music, Theater, and Dance and only 25% of their classes in the liberal arts. Some schools, like NYU, change it up, with three conservatory days and two academic days, or some form of this, but again, intensity will vary depending on the school and program.
In a BFA program, your life is tied to the cohort: you rehearse with them outside of class, and you are with them all of the time in class. Common complaints can be that part of the typical college experience is missed within the rigor and small, curated size of these programs. On the flip side, this intimate cohort can be a welcome gift to students seeking refuge and bonding opportunities in the context of a larger university setting. All in all, the BFA is an intense deep-dive that is ultimately meant for career preparation in the field. It will feature more actual technique, acting, and performance in addition to a curriculum that builds on itself year by year. These programs are also tightly knit, with students often finding little difficulty receiving help or personal attention from faculty. The BFA is indeed taxing, rigorous, and not entirely conducive to the party/social scene if Greek life is a priority for you. If you crave structure, intensity, and career preparation, a BFA will be your best friend.
BA Programs:
Conversely, in a BA program, all theater students are more or less on the same track and do not need to specify a concentration. The BA is often more fluid and customizable, allowing you to take other classes and explore a greater range of academic interests. Therefore, students can sample classes in acting, directing, stage management, and/or set design all while completing their major. They also lean more heavily on theory than performance with greater emphasis on the study of literature, the history of acting, and film analysis than on acting performance or technique classes.
The required theater-focused class time in a BA program is usually much smaller. For example, BA Theater majors at Northwestern University are only required to take about 30% of their classes within the department, though they can elect to take more if they wish. This is ideal for students who wish to pursue double majors or minors outside of the Performing Arts or simply want the freedom to take whatever non-theater classes pique their interest. However, it is important to keep in mind that with that available time, students in BA programs are often also required to complete more general education requirements, such as math/science courses or language requirements.
If an immersive experience in performance is what you desire, the BA may not be the best for you, unless you intend to actively seek it out through student theater or outside of the program via alternate performance groups on campus. However, if you like flexibility and balance, and you are not yet ready to commit solely to a career in the arts, the BA may be the perfect outlet for greater exploration.
Getting Into BFA versus BA programs:
The vast majority of your time at a BFA program will be dedicated to your craft; therefore, schools typically require auditions (or another form of artistic review for non-performance-based concentrations) and place a significant amount of weight on that portion of your application. You can find more information on the actual audition process in our audition blog!
On the other hand, since you will have the freedom to take more classes outside of theater at a BA program, they evaluate you as a fit for the entire school, not just for the theater program. Therefore, they typically do not have auditions. You may send a resume or additional letter of recommendation from a drama teacher, but you are primarily judged on your academic record and essays.
It is important to note, however, that there are many nuances and exceptions to these rules. For example, although UCLA has a BA Theater program, they do offer auditions for some students, which is why it’s essential to research the specific requirements and programs at each school you are considering. Additionally, it is important to remember that there is no “right” choice here: top BA and BFA programs both offer incredible training and can prepare you for the future. It is merely a question of fit and what you want out of your four years.
At the end of the day, it may be preferable to give yourself options. You could apply for a handful of BFA programs, a few BAs, and for some, entirely academic majors if you are unsure. But even if you are sure, just remember that the arts have never and will never be dictated by a singular path, and so leave some margin for error and play. Even if you don't receive the acceptances you were hoping for, know that there are many ways to get to where you want to go, and the highly selective BFA programs – however well-reputed and regarded – may not be YOUR answer, just one of many.
