The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre at Avila
Avila University’s 120-credit undergraduate degree in Theatre, set in a liberal arts context, is designed to pave the way for professional careers in theatre. Offering a B.F.A. with concentrations in Acting, Musical Theatre, Directing/Producing, or Design/Technology & Management, and minors in Music, Dance, and Theatre, we provide diverse pathways to success in the industry.
Our pre-professional program, steered by experienced faculty, aligns your education with your career goals. We champion talent and dedication over seniority, providing leadership opportunities that build real-world skills. We cultivate an environment of growth and exploration, encouraging students to experiment across all theatre facets. This approach equips students with versatility, a crucial attribute for a thriving career in the dynamic world of theatre.

State-of-the-Art Performance Venues

Concentrations
The B.F.A. concentrations allow for just that: a concentrated study of one professional area. The B.F.A. is responsive to the needs of the professional areas of acting, directing, design/technical theatre and theatre management, and musical theatre. Unlike our conservatory competitors, the B.F.A. is firmly situated within a liberal arts university, and this is one of our program’s strongest assets.
- TR 211 – Voice/Diction and Dialects (3)
- TR 223 – History and Literature of the Theatre I (3)
- TR 227 – Stage Make-up (2)
- TR 253 – Stage Lighting (3)
- TR 255 – Costume Techniques/Design (3)
- TR 324 – History & Literature of the Theatre II (3)
- TR 361 – Stage Management (3)
- TR 377 – Business of Acting (3)
- TR 391 – Character Development (3)
- TR 415 – Playwright Seminar (3)
- TR 463 – Advanced Directing (3)
- TR 471 – Shakespeare in Performance (3)
- TR 473 – Acting Styles (3)
- TR 477 – Advanced Acting (3)
- DA 110 – Basic Tap (2) or
- DA 111 – Jazz Technique I (2)
8 credit hours total from the following:
- MU 111 – Applied Voice (1)
- MU 112 – Applied Voice (1)
- MU 211 – Applied Voice (1)
- MU 212 – Applied Voice (1)
- MU 311 – Applied Voice (1)
- MU 312 – Applied Voice (1)
- MU 411 – Applied Voice (1)
- MU 412 – Applied Voice (1)
2 credit hours total from the following:
- MU 115 – Applied Piano (1)
- MU 116 – Applied Piano (1)
- MU 215 – Applied Piano (1)
- MU 216 – Applied Piano (1)
- MU 315 – Applied Piano (1)
- MU 316 – Applied Piano (1)
- MU 415 – Applied Piano (1)
- MU 416 – Applied Piano (1)
8 credit hours total from the following:
- MU 151 – Avila Singers (1)
- MU 251 – University Singers (1)
- MU 271 – Music Theory I (3)
- MU 272 – Music Theory II (3)
- MU 291 – Diction (3) or
- TR 211 – Voice/Diction and Dialects (3)
- TR 223 – History and Literature of the Theatre I (3)
- TR 227 – Stage Make-up (2)
- TR 253 – Stage Lighting (3)
- TR 377 – Business of Acting (3)
- TR 391 – Character Development (3) or
- TR 477 – Advanced Acting (3)
- TR 463 – Advanced Directing (3) or
- MU 395 – Fundamentals of Conducting (3)
- TR 471 – Shakespeare in Performance (3) or
- TR 473 – Acting Styles (3)
Choose One of the Following:
- MU 283 – History of 20th-Century Music (3)
- MU 284 – Music History I (3)
- TR 324 – History & Literature of the Theatre II (3)
- TR 223 – History and Literature of the Theatre I (3)
- TR 227 – Stage Make-up (2)
- TR 229 – Scenic Art for the Stage (3)
- TR 253 – Stage Lighting (3)
- TR 255 – Costume Techniques/Design (3)
- TR 257 – Sound Engineering & Design (3)
- TR 324 – History & Literature of the Theatre II (3)
- TR 361 – Stage Management (3)
- TR 415 – Playwright Seminar (3)
- TR 451 – Computer Aided Design (3)
- TR 452 – Period Styles in Scenic Design (3)
- TR 453 – Advanced Stagecraft (3)
- TR 454 – Advanced Lighting & Sound Design (3)
- TR 455 – History of Costume (3)
TR 456 – Portfolio Prep for the Theatre (3)
4 hours from the following:
- TR 286 – Technical Theatre Practicum (1-2)
- TR 288 – Stage Management Practicum (1-2)
Directing & Producing Concentration
TR 223 – History and Literature of the Theatre I (3)
TR 253 – Stage Lighting (3)
TR 255 – Costume Techniques/Design (3)
TR 288 – Stage Management Practicum (1-2)
TR 289 – Directing Practicum (1-2)
TR 324 – History & Literature of the Theatre II (3)
TR 361 – Stage Management (3)
TR 377 – Business of Acting (3)
TR 391 – Acting III (3)
TR 415 – Playwright Seminar (3)
TR 451 – Computer Drafting for the Theatre (3)
TR 463 – Advanced Directing (3)
TR 471 – Shakespeare in Performance (3)
TR 473 – Acting Styles (3)
TR 495 – Internship (3)
Careers in the Arts..
A degree in the arts can provide career opportunities across a wide range of industries. Some of the most common include:
- Actor – salary varies
- Choreographer – salary $32,000
- Screenwriter
- Assistant Directory – salary $52,057
- Broadcaster – salary $58,300
- Casting Manager – salary $69,780


Contact
Dept. of Performing Arts
11901 Wornall Road / Kansas City
Matt Schwader Harbor, MFA, Chair of the School of Performing Arts; Associate Professor, Theatre; Director of Performance Studies
P: 816-501-2405 / E: matt.schwader
Life on Campus



Transferring to Avila?
Did you know that you can get college credit for work history? Learn more about the Prior Learning Assessment Transfer hours!
Related Programs
All degree programs



