Acting (BFA)

Experience a fresh approach to actor training that can prepare you for a successful career in the performing arts. Baldwin Wallace's Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in acting is an intensive theatre program offering extensive training in acting, voice and movement.

Individual attention, professional mentoring and diverse performance opportunities are at the center of our BFA acting program. You'll benefit from BW's partnership with Cleveland's acclaimed Great Lakes Theater at Playhouse Square – where you can work alongside leading professionals, understudy acting roles and earn equity points.

As an acting major, you'll develop your whole-body-instrument and learn effective techniques for communicating with power and authenticity through movement and voice. You'll challenge yourself to excel. Express your creativity. And build an impressive resume.

A Top BFA in Acting Program

BW's Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting program was named one of the nation's best BFA acting programs by OnStage Blog. The four-year acting program was lauded for its ongoing partnerships with nationally ranked theatre and arts organizations. It is the only BFA in acting in Northeast Ohio.

Admission to Baldwin Wallace is selective, and determined by a thorough review of all items submitted. Completed applications are reviewed on a daily basis with decisions determined within 2-4 weeks. 

Required items are submitted through the applicant portal and include:

• Application
• Secondary School Transcripts
• Secondary School Report Form
• Teacher Recommendation
• International Student Certification of Financial Support Form
  • Prospective F-1 students must have the financial resources to live and study in the United States. This includes being able to cover the cost of tuition, books, living expenses and travel while enrolled. BW must collect evidence of the student’s financial ability to attend BW for at least one year (or the program length, whichever is shorter) before issuing a Form I-20. Please review the Instructions for Completing the International Student Certification of Financial Support Form for additional information.
• Financial Sponsor Letter
  • A financial sponsor letter is required documentation if a sponsor is helping the student financially.
    • Sample financial sponsor letter
• One of the following exams*:
  • TOEFL (recommended scores of IBT 79, CBT 213, PBT 550)
  • IELTS (recommended composite of 6.5)
  • SAT (recommended evidence-based reading/writing score of 520)
  • ACT (recommended English score of 21) 

As noted, the score levels above are recommended but not required. Students whose English language skills need development may be conditionally admitted and placed in BW’s ESL program provided by the LADO International Institute.

* Students who have taken an English language curriculum are highly encouraged to take the SAT or ACT exam. If these exams are not available, students should submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.