Training
•BFA Acting program prepares students for careers as performers in professional theatre, television, and film
•Curriculum includes up to ten acting classes covering Character and Scene Study, Shakespeare and Classical Works, Departures from Realism, Performing New Plays, and the Audition Process
•Courses include Acting for the Camera, Voice and Speech (three levels), Stage Movement, Advanced Stage Movement, and Professional Preparation
•Elective options include Stage Combat (Unarmed and Edged Weaponry), Master Teachers of Acting, Showcase, and Advanced Voice Extended Usage
•Low student-to-faculty ratio across the Helmerich School of Drama
•Faculty are working professionals — actors, directors, designers, dramaturgs, and stage managers who maintain active national industry profiles
•Part of the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts at a recognized four-star research institution
Performance & Productions
•Production of Waiting for Lefty won 4 BroadwayWorld Awards including Best Play in Oklahoma
•Students participate in productions across Schools of Drama, Musical Theatre, Dance, and Music
Notable Alumni
•Ed Harris — four-time Oscar nominee (Apollo 13, The Truman Show, Pollock, The Hours), Obie Award winner for originating "Eddie" in Sam Shepard's Fool for Love •Iqbal Theba '99 — SAG Award-winning ensemble member on Glee (Principal Figgins), recurring roles on Weeds, Two and a Half Men, Community •Travis McElroy — three-time NYT bestselling author, co-creator of My Brother My Brother and Me (adapted for NBC/Seeso) and The Adventure Zone (Peacock animated series), voice role in Trolls World Tour
•Dennis Weaver — SAG president, star of Gunsmoke (Chester Goode) and McCloud; OU drama graduate •Lou Antonio — three-time Emmy-nominated director (The West Wing, Dawson's Creek, Boston Legal), acted in Cool Hand Luke 