The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in the Performing Arts is a four-year programme of full-time study for those aspiring to a career in the Performing Arts or in Arts Education. The aspiring artist will have the opportunity to experience a range of courses from Acting, Dance and Music to Theatre Design & Production and Music Technology.  Building on a foundation of common and core courses in performance, culture and entrepreneurship, students may carve a unique pathway through available courses from across the programme* to create an educational and artistic pathway suited to their specific aims and ambitions.  Concentrations will be available in all the above areas.

Each of the four academic years is divided into two semesters, with a Production and Performance period at the culmination of each year.
BFA students enjoy:

• An innovative programme of full-time intensive study
• Excellent teaching and mentorship by active professionals in their field of study
• Diverse exposure within a stimulating multidisciplinary environment
• Regular high-level performance opportunities

Having earned the required 120 credits, students will be awarded a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the Performing Arts.  Each student will be mentored by a faculty member throughout the programme of study, up to and including a 12-credit Capstone project in the final year.

A graduate of the BFA in the Performing Arts will be a confident artist equipped with the skills and mindset required for success in the Creative Industries. Carefully designed Education courses within the programme ensure that all graduates can be classroom-ready upon completion.

*Some in-programme prerequisite conditions may apply.

ACTING

Acting at APA is an intensive combination of studio exploration, practical rehearsal projects and staged theatrical presentations.  Students explore wide-ranging techniques and develop strong body-awareness, vocal skills and imagination.

DANCE

Dance at APA offers a wide range of styles, including Classical Ballet, Classical Indian, Modern and Contemporary forms, while placing emphasis on Caribbean Folk Dance and the Caribbean aesthetic.

MUSIC

Music at APA offers a wide range of performance and theory courses under the guidance of a diverse and inspiring faculty, traversing an array of genres and styles as represented in the Caribbean culture.

THEATRE DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Theatre Design & Production (TD&P) at APA responds to the growing demand for quality theatre designers and technical practitioners in Trinidad and Tobago and beyond. Using the tools of art and technology (Scenery, Costume, Light and Sound), students learn to create the world in which unforgettable theatre and Carnival performances unfold.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

Music Technology at APA equips students to generate and develop ideas, design, execute, produce, and complete the delivery of complex media projects for local and global mass media, utilising industry standard practices and procedures and cutting-edge software and hardware.

General enquiries:
Ms Roxanne Frost
roxanne.frost@utt.edu.tt
+1 868 642-8888
Ext. 27122

APPLICATION & AUDITION

Admission to The Academy for the Performing Arts is a two-part process:

Audition / Interview at APA

AND

Application to UTT

Although candidates may register for audition and/or interview at any time during the year, candidates auditioning in the September - November period are at an advantage for acceptance the following September. Those successful at audition will be advised on how to apply to the University itself.

Minimum UTT Application Requirements:

EITHER 

Passes in a minimum of five (5) subjects at CXC (CSEC), General Proficiency level in Grades I or II and, from 1998, Grade III or equivalent GCE O' Levels including Grades A, B or C in Mathematics and English Language. In addition, a science subject at CSEC (CXC) is advised for those who may wish to become classroom teachers.

OR

A Diploma in a relevant subject area from a recognised institution

N.B. In some instances, it may also be possible to gain entry as a Mature Student replacing these requirements with a combination of other relevant qualifications and experience. The candidate would need to possess the critical elements of the stipulated qualification and would be assessed by the APA Faculty as possessing a combination of qualification and educational or experiential maturity to enable him/her to successfully participate in the Programme.

APA Bachelor of Fine Arts in the Performing Arts Multidisciplinary Audition/Interview
Candidates must attend an audition/interview and choose two of the following four areas to present to the panel:

1. Design and Production: A portfolio of work (art, design, production)

   For further information, candidates may write to:
   Ms Paulette Alfred
   Assistant Professor of Theatre Design and Production
   paulette.alfred@utt.edu.tt

2. Acting: A memorised monologue (click below)

   For further information, candidates may write to:
   Mr Michael Cherrie
   Assistant Professor of Acting
   michael.cherrie@utt.edu.tt

   • Men: BFA in the Performing Arts Acting Monologues
   • Women: BFA in the Performing Arts Acting Monologues
      
3. Music: A solo song or instrumental item AND an aural test

   For further information, candidates may write to:
   Mr Aidan Chamberlain
   Assistant Professor of Music
   aidan.chamberlain@utt.edu.tt

4. Dance: A three-minute choreography by the candidate himself/herself AND participation in a dance ensemble as directed

   AND

   1. All candidates will write an essay of 300-500 words on a general topic chosen by the audition panel on the day.
   2. All candidates will be required to submit two letters of recommendation.

ALL CANDIDATES SHOULD NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

Candidates are generally admitted to APA based on the practical audition, while the written element serves to establish the current level of written English and to provide background information on the candidate.

Candidates are encouraged to prepare the required song with an accompanist, but none will be provided at audition. Candidates wishing to audition with accompaniment should either bring pre-recorded backing tracks or engage the services of an accompanist.

Material should be selected that to showcase the current skill level of the candidate.

A warm up space will be provided. Candidates should be sure to arrive well ahead of the scheduled audition time to make use of this opportunity.

International applicants may audition by means of a high-quality video or audio recording. A web-based transfer service such as WeTransfer may be used to send large video or audio files. These recordings should be emailed to the address provided at the foot of each audition protocol.

Please click here to make your selections for audition. Please note that the selection made will NOT necessarily be reflected in any limitation of options within the programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Programme GATE funded?
A: Yes, the Programme is funded by GATE. Click here for further details.

Q: How do I apply?
A: Application is first made to UTT itself which refers successful applicants to APA for audition.

Q: What are the application requirements?
A: Passes in a minimum of five (5) subjects at CXC (CSEC) General Proficiency level in Grades I or II and from 1998, Grade III or equivalent GCE O' Levels including Grades A, B or C in Mathematics and English Language; OR a Diploma in a relevant subject area from a recognised institution. In some instances, it may also be possible to gain entry as a Mature Student replacing these requirements with a combination of other relevant qualifications and experience.

Q: Can I study part time?
A: The BFA in the Performing Arts programme is only available full time.

Q: At which campuses is the BFA in the Performing Arts Programme offered?
A: The programme is currently offered only at the UTT campus at NAPA, Port of Spain.

Q: What kind of classes will I take when I first join APA?
A: The first two years prescribe the following:

• Cross-disciplinary Common and Foundation courses
• Core courses from across the performing arts discipline

Q: Am I good enough to get in?
A: The best way to answer this question is to register for an audition. Beyond a minimum level of proficiency, it is most important that potential students demonstrate flexibility, eagerness to learn and a capacity for continued growth.