Acting
Created for individuals with a passion for storytelling, collaboration and performance, this program empowers aspiring artists to take the next step toward a professional career in the performing arts. Whether your interests lie on stage or on screen, you’ll benefit from expert instruction, a supportive creative community, cutting-edge facilities and valuable industry connections. Bring your dedication, imagination and drive to a world-class university—and prepare to grow into your next role.
What will I learn?
The curriculum offers a comprehensive series of classes in acting, voice and movement, and audition techniques, with a strong emphasis on practical application through production. You’ll take courses in technical theatre and design, theatre history, dramatic literature and dance—and choose from electives in choreography, stage direction, stage combat, and other areas of interest.
At UB, our goal is to train complete theatre artists while giving you the tools to discover your unique strengths and interests. In your coursework, you’ll cover a variety of styles and methods, from classical to contemporary, as you learn how to solve problems, overcome challenges, and deliver award-worthy performances. And you’ll perform on stage in faculty-directed shows designed to showcase your talents and build your portfolio.
Acting BFA vs. Theatre BA
- The Acting BFA is designed for more in-depth study and requires an audition. You can start in the BFA program as a first-year student, or begin in the BA program and switch to the BFA after you take your intro courses and gain experience.
- The Theatre BA is a flexible major that offers a broad-based education in theater. BA students can also concentrate in Acting and are eligible to audition for department productions.
What can I do with an acting degree?
If you go to shows and watch TV and movies, there’s a good chance you’ve already seen our graduates at work.
They’ve acted in productions on Broadway, off-Broadway, in Europe and in regional theaters. You may have seen them on major TV network shows or in movies, including “Black Panther.” You can also find them working on cruise lines and in themed entertainment such as Disney Parks.
As an actor, you might work for a resident or touring theatre company, an animation studio as a voiceover actor, for film and television production houses, or as a freelance actor anywhere in the world. You can also explore related entertainment-industry jobs, including working as an acting coach, theatre educator, director, playwright or online content creator. And if you want more experience and specialized training, you can choose to get an MFA or other advanced degree at UB or another prestigious school.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $101,340.00 | N/A | |
| Actors | $43,050.00 | $20.70 | |
| Producers and Directors | $42,980.00 | N/A | Rapid Growth |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | $37,510.00 | $18.03 | Rapid Growth |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.