Currently, there are only three institutions within the USG that offer a BFA in Theatre (Columbus State University, Valdosta State University, and University of North Georgia). UWG is the closest in proximity to Atlanta, a burgeoning capital in the entertainment industry. Indeed, according to the FilmLA study on 2016, Georgia outpaced all filming locations, both nationally and internationally. (FilmLA, Inc.: 2016 Feature Film Study, p. 3) UWG Theatre Department wants to fulfill a strong need for artists in both the acting and design/technical fields of theatre and film in the Atlanta market. A close second in our reasoning is to recruit students to UWG and the Theatre Department. Because there are so few options for earning a BFA in Theatre in the state, skilled students are going out of state for this degree. High School students interested in pursuing a degree in Theatre in University are being told by their guidance counselors and their Drama teachers to pursue the BFA. We want to give them what is in demand. Lastly, there is the data: CSU is busting at the seams in terms of their BFA enrollment in both Acting and Design/Technology (as of Fall 2016 they have 84 students enrolled), VSU is holding steady at 82 (also in both Acting and Design/Technology; from the Fall 2017 census) and at UNG, which has only the BFA is with a concentration in Design and Technology, the enrollment is a very large 40 (from the Fall 2016 census). There is an obvious need for another BFA in Theatre degree in the USG. According to the Georgia Department of Economic Developments Team Work: FY16 Year in Review, Georgia is ranked third in the US and fifth in the world for film production (as of 2017, Georgia is now ranked #1 in the world for film production). This resulted in an over $7 billion economic windfall for the state. There are over 159 camera-ready communities in the state (camera-ready is understood to mean that film production companies can utilize these areas without having to convert them into film sets; they are ready for use.). (p. 8) What better place to develop on camera and behind the scenes talent than in the state that boasts these numbers? Likewise, the arts community in the state is healthy and vibrant. The Georgia Council for the Arts doled out 179 grants to various state arts programs, totaling $1.2 million. (p. 10) What does this have to do with creating a new BFA degree in Theatre at UWG? It means that there are healthy, flourishing arts communities all over the state, and that there are people who support the arts. The BFA in Theatre will contribute performers, designers, publicists, artists, and arts supporters to the Georgia economy.

BFA in Theatre with a Concentration in Acting Program Learning Outcomes: Students will develop, through improvisation, various acting techniques, and body and voice development, believable, truthful, and committed characters. Students will understand and demonstrate the specific demands of acting styles for major periods and genres of dramatic literature. Students will understand and develop the specific skills needed for collaboration with other actors, the director, stage managers, and designers. Students will demonstrate their ability to learn and perform dialects and heightened language speech in a clear, articulate and expressive manner. Students will develop strong, flexible, and controlled body and vocal instruments that will allow actors to use both instruments effectively in characterizations, and have the ability to project these characterizations in varying performance spaces. Students will develop and administer makeup techniques for a wide range of characters. Students will understand the basic business procedures of the actors profession. BFA in Theatre with a Concentration in Design/Technology Program Learning Outcomes: Students will develop the ability to understand and articulate basic elements and principles of design theory. Students will develop their understanding of the aesthetic use of color. Students will develop the ability to communicate design ideas and realities to other personnel involved in the production, including directors, other designers, stage managers, and actors. Students will develop the ability to produce and communicate design ideas with freehand drawings. Students will develop a fundamental knowledge of the total design process, including the progression of raw materials through multiple design shops and the roles that various craftspeople play in the creation of a finished product. Students will gain knowledge of federal, state, and local health and safety codes, best practices, and industry standards as they relate to theatrical venues and production elements. Students will compose materials appropriate for the preparation and presentation of a professional portfolio of design and technology-related work that demonstrate ones abilities, strengths, processes, and experiences.