BFA Showcase summary
For most students, graduation day is the summit of a college journey. But for actors training for professional careers, the final showcase is their opportunity to show what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown, and their readiness for professional work.
On April 18, 2022, the graduating seniors of the BFA program in Acting gathered at the Den Theatre in Chicago to present a live, in-person showcase to professional theaters and talent agencies in the Chicago area with the goals of gaining employment or representation. Most major talent agencies and theaters from the area were at the in-person showcase and had the opportunity to view the digital showcase, which had a larger reach to other markets like Los Angeles, New York City, and Atlanta.
As a professional training program, Illinois Theatre’s undergraduate acting program focuses on developing voice, speech, movement training, and acting for the stage and film. Each cohort, selected by audition, is intentionally small to promote a deeper level of learning and attention. The showcase, happening just a few weeks prior to graduation, is the culmination of years of training and work, and something the students and faculty are deeply proud of. This presentation both highlights the individual talents and skills of each actor, and serves as a professional audition to help jump start careers.
A representative from talent agency, DDO Chicago, wrote, “Thank you for this. This was wonderful – wish we could interview ALL of them! What a great bunch.”
Check out the BFA Showcase website for actor bios and more details. View the BFA Digital Showcase.