Skip navigation
A theater production: Pursue your BFA in Acting degree at Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.

BFA in Acting

Act Out

You love the stage and performing. Regent’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, offered exclusively on campus, can help take your artistry to the next level. This classically informed education combines theatre and performance-related courses to help you become a well-rounded artist equipped to enter the industry. Upon successful audition and approval, you will enter this program in your second year.

On Campus
120+
January 13, 2025
Download PDF

BUILD ON A STRONG FOUNDATION

Enjoy Theatre, Acting and Practicum courses taught from a Christian worldview.

BOOST YOUR ARTISTRY

Develop skills in public speaking and gain physical awareness, grace, agility and poise.

LEARN FROM THE BEST

Be mentored by faculty in Virginia Beach who hold the highest degrees in their field. Meet the faculty.

Explore Scholarships

Explore exciting scholarship opportunities such as academic merit scholarships, honors college scholarships, and more! Learn about the scholarships for on-campus incoming freshmen: the $10,000 Freedom Scholarships, $4,000 Homeschool Scholarships and $4,000 Private School Scholarships.

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE

Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2024). It is also one of only 24 universities nationally “A” Rated for comprehensive liberal arts curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), 2022.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

On completing the BFA in Acting degree, you can:

  • Enter the industry with technical and performance skills.
  • Work in high-pressure environments.
  • Pursue a graduate degree for further professional development.

Career Opportunities:

  • Acting/performance
  • Technical production
  • Multimedia management
  • Art directing
$95Thousand
Approximate Mean Annual Wage of Actors, Producers & Directors, 2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Featured Courses
THEU 101Introduction to Theatre3
Architecture, technological innovation, literary genre, performance style, and artistic collaboration. Introduces basic principles of dramatic and performance criticism with a focus on writing about the drama.
THEU 105Stagecraft3
Training in the skills and techniques of technical theatre (including set construction, scene painting, lighting, and sound) through reading, lecture, and hands-on experience.
THEU 132Basic Acting 13
Intensive study in a variety of techniques and exercises developed by Constantine Stanislavski (and variations developed by prominent instructors who succeeded him) in order to prepare the student for the creative and practical demands of stage acting. In this first of a two-course sequence, emphasis is placed on exercise work focusing on concentration and public solitude, imagination, improvisation, observation, scoring physical actions, beat analysis, definition of and pursuit of objective, and the defining and playing of an action. It is recommended the student take THEU 101 before taking this course.
THEU 181Practicum in Theatre Production1-2
Students gain hands-on experience by working on a technical crew assigned to Regent Theatre production. Crew assignments may be drawn from a variety of production opportunities in the areas of scenery, costume, makeup, sound, light and props. Pass/No Pass. Majors must register for this course a minimum of six (6) credit hours. Minors must register for THEU 181 for a minimum of three (3) credits.
THEU 221Movement for the Stage3
Theory and practice of training the actor to expressively communicate with the body. Special emphasis is placed on non-verbal communication and raising the student’s awareness of movement as a foundation for developing a character. Lab required.
THEU 227Makeup for the Theatre3
Affords the student the opportunity to gain expertise in designing and applying a variety of stage make-ups including: corrective, fantasy, animal, special effects, and old age. The course includes the introduction of latex prosthetic pieces. Students are required to purchase a personal makeup kit. Prerequisite: THEU 101 or instructor approval.
THEU 232Basic Acting 23
An intensive study of acting in the realist tradition designed to prepare the student for the creative and practical demands of stage acting. Prerequisite: THEU 101 or THEU 132.
THEU 234Voice & Diction for the Stage 13
A healthy environment for integrated voice and movement work utilizing a psycho-physical approach, including tension/release, proper alignment, centering and breath work, economy of movement and freedom from habitual limitations. Cross-listed with THE 715.
THEU 251Improvisation3
Provides an overview of modern improvisation techniques as taught by Viola Spolin, The Second City, The Groundlings, and The Improv Olympics. These core skills are useful to the performer, the director, and the teacher. Special emphasis is placed on techniques used to build an ensemble, the use of improvisation as a tool to boost creativity, and the spiritual parallels between faith and this unique art form. It is recommended the student take THEU 101 and THEU 232 before taking this course.
THEU 312Stage Combat3
Performance laboratory for aesthetic guidelines, safety principles, and practical techniques used in the staging of armed and unarmed sequences of staged combat. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
THEU 314Play Analysis3
Provides tools for students to analyze plays as theatre literature from the perspective of performance such as structural approaches, historical/biographical approaches, a study of genres, psychoanalytic approaches, and moral/philosophical approaches to include Judeo-Christian core values. Prerequisite: THEU 101.
THEU 320Auditioning & the Business of Acting3
Students focus on Michael Shurtleff’s 12 Guideposts for improving cold-read and monologue auditions, and an overview of the business aspects of creating a successful acting career, including headshots/resumes, marketing, tax deductions, salary norms, union membership, etc.
THEU 330Screen Acting 13
Explores the techniques and methods of screen acting for single-camera productions (although multiple-camera productions are also addressed). Students prepare and perform scenes for presentation in class, participate in classroom exercises and discussions, and perform as on-camera talent for student productions. Instructor approval required. Cross-listed with THE 733.
THEU 337Voice & Diction for the Stage 23
A study of performance dialects for actors using the International Phonetic Alphabet. Dialects include Standard British, Cockney, Irish, and American Southern. Prerequisite: THEU 234. Cross-listed with THE 717.
THEU 375Special Topics in Theatre1-3
Intensive examination of a selected area of study in the field of theatre. Topics vary and are announced in advance. This course may be repeated for credit. Lecture, seminar, and/or team study. Instructor approval may be required.
THEU 405Theatre History 13
Historical examination of significant developments in world theatre and drama from its origins through the European Renaissance. Prerequisite: THEU 101 or instructor approval.
THEU 406Theatre History 23
Historical examination of significant developments in world theatre and drama from the 18th century through the 20th century. Prerequisite: THEU 101 or instructor approval.
THEU 420Performance Studio3
A performance lab that provides the advanced student an opportunity to research, explore, and generate performances within specific periods, styles, or genres. Provides students with both theoretical and practical experience in performance. Examples of offerings include (but are not limited to) Contemporary Drama, Shakespeare, Comedy of Manners, Commedia dell’ Arte; Non-traditional styles such as Absurdism, Expressionism, Symbolism, Auditioning and other topics as well. This course may be repeated for credit. Students having completed THEU 322 may be allowed to direct scenes. Prerequisite: THEU 232.
THEU 430Screen Acting 23
Builds on the foundation created in Screen Acting 1. Students will apply on-campus acting technique to scenes from varying genres while applying advanced acting problems. Additionally, students will perform different styles of commercials. Prerequisite: THEU 330. Cross-listed with THE 743.
THEU 437Voice & Movement Integration3
Trains student-actors in the optimal environment physical state for speaking and moving in performance. Using a psycho-physical approach, students will develop proper alignment, diaphragmatic breath, economy of movement, and freedom from muscular-tension limitations.
THEU 496Portfolio3
Students earn academic credit for acting in Mainstage, Secondstage, or Lab productions. Character analysis, production research, and rehearsal documentation culminate in a scholarly paper addressing the actor’s process. Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial high school or college transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Step 4: Submit Your FAFSA

Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov Regent's school code is 030913.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

DegreeTuition Block Rate Per SemesterCredit Hours Per SemesterTuition Rate Per Year
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$9,97512 - 18$19,950
DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$665Under 12$7,980
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$665Over 18$11,970
Students taking on-campus classes
(summer semester)
$665N/A$1,995+

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)

Housing Fees » | Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester)$4506$2,700
Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester)$39512$4,740

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

DegreeTuition Block Rate Per SemesterCredit Hours Per SemesterTuition Rate Per Year
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$9,49312 - 18$18,986
DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$630Under 12$7,560
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$630Over 18$11,340
Students taking on-campus classes
(summer semester)
$630N/A$1,890+

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)

Housing Fees » | Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester)$4506$2,700
Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester)$39512$4,740

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

“At Regent, I loved the integration of Christian values that were wrapped tightly in a strong academic degree. I felt completely academically prepared to go out and help people, but I also had that very foundational core belief system that was strengthened unbelievably.”

Jada Jackson, B.A. in Communication 2009; MA in Human Services Counseling 2010 President & TV Host, Total Life Counseling; Advisor, Listeners On Call; Author; Licensed Mental Health Counselor

“I truly believe God called me to be a journalist. Perhaps one of the most important lessons that I learned from Regent is to tell stories as best as I can through the lens of God. ”

Ashley Smith, M.A. in Journalism, 2013 Daybreak Anchor and Traffic/News Reporter, 13News Now (WVEC)

“Regent gave me the tools and confidence to integrate my faith in my community and career. I was able to develop my potential and am now fulfilling my purpose as a business leader.”

Scott Berry, 2009

“Thankful for all the Regent advisors who helped me through all the obstacles of graduating. Thankful for my professors who answered all of my questions and emails.”

Jennifer Anne McFadden,

“When it comes to higher education, it’s about giving students every opportunity to succeed and making sure they have the tools to walk out God’s calling. I've been given so much opportunity and a fantastic education at Regent; if that doesn't set me up to help someone else, what will? ”

Stephanie Iaquinto, Ph. D., 1996 Communications