Bachelor in Acting (Bachelor's)

Tuition comes to 49,466 USD per year.

The programme emphasizes practical performance training grounded in established acting methodologies such as Stanislavski and Meisner. Students develop skills in voice, movement, dialects, stage combat, and audition techniques through structured coursework and hands-on production experience. Training occurs in both studio and main stage settings, including a 460-seat theatre and a black box performance space. The curriculum integrates theory and practice with exposure to directing, playwriting, and technical theatre elements.

Focus areas include Stanislavski technique, Meisner technique, classical acting, stage combat, dialects, auditioning.

The programme requires 120 total credits, with 76 credits dedicated to the Theatre-Acting major. Students complete specialized acting courses, theatre history, directing, and stage management, along with performance work in department productions.

Graduates pursue careers in regional theatre, film, television, radio, and teaching, with some entering graduate study in performance or related fields.

Applicants must audition for entry into the B.F.A. in Theatre-Acting programme. Audition events are held on-campus and off-campus in November and February. Required materials include a performance audition and submission of application documents.

The programme totals about 120 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, typical duration four years. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 64% of applicants.

Drake University places students in Des Moines, a city with connections to the arts, business, politics, and food. The campus offers an open environment for students who want to begin with a clear academic interest or take time to discover a direction. Hands-on experiences, leadership opportunities, and support designed to help students gain their footing are part of the Drake experience.

Academic options span more than 150 programs across seven colleges and schools. Faculty help students connect classroom learning with research, internships, and other practical experiences. Personalized mentorship is central to the student experience, with faculty available to support students as they work toward their goals. Global perspectives are integrated into campus life through learning alongside students from around the world and opportunities on campus and across the globe.

Community service is also part of learning at Drake. Students, faculty, and staff contribute more than 230,000 hours each year through volunteer work, outreach, and pro-bono service in the Des Moines community. International students can expect a setting that links academic study with local engagement and global perspectives, while the city provides access to cultural, civic, business, and culinary experiences beyond campus.