College Catalog
Acting
Description and requirements Faculty Courses
Description:
The professional actor training program is a four-year sequential course of study in acting—voice, speech, movement for actors, dramatic structure, and history of the theatre, supplemented by offerings in stage combat, performance improvisation, mask work, acting for camera, makeup, and audition technique.
The schedule is rigorous; in a typical week, a student works directly with faculty members for 27 to 40 hours and spends a comparable amount of time in preparation.
- The first two years of training focus on the development of the actor’s imagination and an exploration of his or her inner resources as they relate to the external demands and skills of the craft.
- During the third and fourth years, classroom work continues, and the principles learned in the first two years are applied rigorously in rehearsal and performance. Purchase Repertory Theatre productions provide a wide range of experience, from the contemporary to the classic, and are directed by visiting professionals as well as experienced resident faculty.
The acting BFA program is one of five in the nation that meets the standards of the Consortium of Conservatory Theatre Training Programs. In the fourth year, graduating seniors are presented to an invited audience of agents, producers, and casting directors in New York City and Los Angeles.
Please note: The acting BFA program does not offer training in musical theatre.
Requirements:
In addition to meeting General Education requirements and other degree requirements, all acting majors must successfully complete the following requirements (110 credits). Of the 110 credits, up to 8 credits of theatre history (ACT 1250 and 2100) may be counted toward the liberal arts requirement (30 credits minimum) for the degree.
Note:
Students who are wishing to obtain a dual degree (BFA/MUSB degree combined with a BA or BS degree or a BS degree combined with a BA degree) must satisfy the academic requirements for each degree and major. See complete dual degree policy.
Additional credits must be completed in order to obtain a second degree, and that in many cases this will require a student to extend their studies by one or more semesters. Please see your advisor for more information and guidance.
Freshman Year: 26 credits
Sophomore Year: 27 credits
Junior Year: 29 credits
Senior Year: 28 credits
Policy on Casting and Production
All students work in productions as cast. Because of the rigorous nature of the acting program, all coursework and extracurricular work or projects must be approved in advance by the student’s faculty advisor. If a student becomes involved with such a project or work without the knowledge and consent of the student’s faculty advisor, the student may be subject to probation and/or dismissal.
Courses
Official Catalog: Published August 12, 2026
Course Frequencies
Since actual course offerings vary from semester to semester, students should consult the myHeliotrope course schedule to determine whether a particular course is offered in a given semester.
Information Changes
In preparing the College Catalog, every effort is made to provide pertinent and accurate information. However, information contained in the catalog is subject to change, and SUNY Purchase assumes no liability for catalog errors or omissions. Updates and new academic policies or programs will appear in the college’s information notices and will be noted in the online catalog.
It is the responsibility of each student to ascertain current information (particularly degree and major requirements) through frequent reference to current materials and consultation with the student’s faculty advisor, chair or director, and related offices (e.g., enrollment services, advising center).
Notwithstanding anything contained in the catalog, SUNY Purchase expressly reserves the right, whenever it deems advisable, to change or modify its schedule of tuition and fees; withdraw, cancel, reschedule, or modify any course, program of study, degree, or any requirement or policy in connection with the foregoing; and to change or modify any academic or other policy.