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    For students entering in 2023-24
Screen Acting (B.F.A.) Suggested 4-year Plan
Academic Advising

» Screen Acting (B.F.A.): Suggested 4-year Plan for 2023-24

How to Use your 4-year Plan

  • This is a suggested 4-year plan for your major, as followed by the Department of Theatre, and not meant to replace regular academic advising.
  • The plan may be flexible and changed to accommodate studying abroad, a second major/minor(s) or AP/IB credits.
  • You should work with the B.A. Theatre Program Director and/or academic advisor to develop a plan that meets your interests and goals.
  • You must earn a minimum of 120 credits to graduate and 78 major-specific credits to earn a B.F.A. in Screen Acting.
  • Transfer students and those looking to add as a second major should contact the program advisor for degree planning.
  • If you have any questions, please contact theatre@chapman.edu.

Suggested 4-year Plan

  • We encourage you to select your General Education (GE) and minor/second major/Themed Inquiry/Honors program around the plan below. Once you fill your GE classes around your major classes, you will have a better idea of space remaining each semester when choosing your Exploration Focus.
  • To be enrolled full time, you must take at least 12 credits a semester.
  • In order to graduate within 4 years, we recommend you take 30 credits a year.

 

Year 1

Fall Semester (8.5 credits for major)

  • TH 105 - Theatre Practicum (0.5 credits)
  • TH 111 - Introduction to Performing Techniques (2 credits)
  • FTV 140 - Introduction to Film and Media Aesthetics, Lecture and Laboratory (3 credits)
  • TH 170 - Creating Theatre: From Page to Stage - The Art of Collaboration (3 credits)

Spring Semester (6.5 credits for major)

  • TH 105 - Theatre Practicum (0.5 credits)
  • TH 112 - Acting Fundamentals (3 credits)
  • FTV 130 - Introduction to Visual Storytelling (3 credits)


Year 2

Fall Semester (18 credits for major)

  • FP 115 - Editing I (3 credits)*
  • TH 218 - Character Building for Performance (3 credits)
  • SW 127 - Writing for Film and Television I (3 credits)
  • TH 230 - Screen Acting I (3 credits)
  • FP 239 - Directing I (3 credits)*
  • FS 244 - History of Film to 1959, Lecture and Laboratory (3 credits)

Spring Semester (3-6 credits for major)

  • FS 245 History of Film 1960 - Present, Lecture and Laboratory (3 credits)
  • TWP 320 - Narrative Television Workshop (3 credits) or TH 335 - Actors and Filmmakers Workshop (1-3 credits) [offered in summer]**

 

*Can take in fall or spring semesters.

**TH 335 in summer may be substituted for TWP 320.

 


Year 3

Fall Semester (12 credits for major)

  • FP 280 - Intermediate Production Workshop (3 credits)
  • TH 283 - Voice Production and Techniques I (3 credits)
  • TH 379 - Text Analysis and Scene Study for Performance (3 credits)
  • FTV/TH Elective (3 credits)***

Spring Semester (9 credits for major)

  • TH 211 - Movement for the Performer (3 credits)
  • TH 330 - Screen Acting II (3 credits)
  • FTV/TH Elective (3 credits)***

 

*** Students must complete 9 total credits of major electives. See the catalog for a list of elective classes. Electives can be taken in any semester.

 

 

Year 4

Fall Semester (12 credits for major)

  • TH 321 Meisner Technique (3 credits)
  • SCAC 497 Thesis in Screen Acting Workshop (3 credits)
  • TH 497A The Business of Acting (3 credits)
  • FTV/TH Elective (3 credits)***

Spring Semester (6 credits for major)

  • TH 476 The History of Acting in American Film from 1890 - 1970 (3 credits)
  • SCAC 498 Thesis in Screen Acting Workshop (3 credits)

 

*** Students must complete 9 total credits of major electives. See the catalog for a list of elective classes. Electives can be taken in any semester.

 

Chapman Catalog

Screen Acting (B.F.A.)

View all requirements, courses, and electives and elective groups on the Screen Acting (B.F.A.) catalog page.