Overview

The Acting B.F.A. at the University of South Dakota provides an immersive environment where students develop as performance specialists within the professional theatre world. This comprehensive degree focuses on personal and creative growth, ensuring that graduates are fully prepared to navigate the complexities of a career in the performing arts. By combining rigorous classroom instruction with diverse extracurricular activities, the programme introduces students to new opportunities and challenges that mirror the demands of the industry.

Why Acting at the University of South Dakota?

Students benefit from a unique connection to the Black Hills Playhouse, a regional theatre located in Custer State Park that serves as a division of the College of Fine Arts. The Department of Theatre also hosts a variety of guest artists, ranging from Tony Award-winning choreographers to master puppeteers and automation experts. These industry professionals bring global knowledge to the Vermillion campus, providing students with invaluable networking opportunities and insights into contemporary professional standards.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 13299 per year
National fee: USD 13299 per year
Local fee: USD 9687 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide an enriching exploration of performance and technical theatre skills. Modules may include:

Directing
Movement Specialties
Auditioning
Voice Dynamics
Acting
Theatre History
Critical Theory and Analysis
Performance Studies

Careers with Acting

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the professional theatre world and the broader arts industry. The programme focuses on developing the skills necessary for careers as performers, artists, and artisans. By engaging with real-world experiences and building connections through the Department of Theatre, students are positioned to pursue roles in regional theatre, national productions, and related creative fields where performance expertise is required.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Scene Study
Voice and Diction
Movement for Actors
Acting Styles and Periods
Acting for the Camera
Audition Techniques

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Vermillion, United States

Disciplines

Drama View 1338 other Bachelors in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.6

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed application form
High school diploma or equivalent
SAT/ACT scores (if available)
Letters of recommendation

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

13299 USD / year

≈ 13299 USD / year
Out-of-State

13299 USD / year

≈ 13299 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9687 USD / year

≈ 9687 USD / year

Living costs

Vermillion

United States

1024 - 1781 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Acting.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Vermillion

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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