BFA Acting Showcase Spotlights CSU's Best

By Carrie Beth Wallace

Photos courtesy of CSU Theatre Department

Tonight, Columbus State University's Department of Theatre will host an event debuting many soon-to-be graduates from the Bachelor of Fine Arts program. The BFA Acting Showcase was created to offer graduating students an opportunity to perform for their peers and potential employers before they graduate.

David Turner, Associate Professor of Theatre--Voice and Movement at CSU, is in charge of tonight's production and is passionate about the program's role in preparing students for their careers.

"The BFA Acting Showcase features our senior BFA Performance majors in an industry-standard showcase," explained Turner. "We target professional talent agents, casting directors and theatrical representatives in both the ATL and Columbus markets."

Targeting these professional agents ensures the graduating students have a presence in the local market before they graduate. It also provides them with experience networking with and performing for the very people who could potentially give them their first role. It's an essential tool CSU provides each student, and many alumni have benefited from the program firsthand.

Turner said the program consists of a series of two-person TV/Film/Theatre scenes, with a few short Musical Theatre selections "thrown in for good measure." BFA Acting Showcase lasts less than an hour and is followed by a short reception. The performance is open and free to the public.

"While industry reps are invited to the Columbus showcase, the main goal of the event is to give the CSU Theatre community a chance to support the graduating actors as they prepare to venture out into the professional world," explained Turner. Tonight's performance in Riverside Theatre is expected to be a full house.

After this evening's performance, Turner and CSU's graduating actors will travel to Atlanta for another performance specifically for industry professionals. "This will be the fourth annual showcase in Atlanta," said Turner. "We are expecting well over a dozen agents, managers, casting directors and theatrical reps this year!" The performance will take place on Tuesday, April 23, at Theatrical Outfit's Balzer Theatre in downtown Atlanta, and will offer yet another opportunity for industry professionals to see CSU's finest before they're actually out of school.

Past graduates that have participated in CSU's BFA Acting Showcase have seen great success after graduation. CSU has BFA graduates on Broadway, starring in national tours, and with successful careers in the TV and film industry.

Don't miss tonight's performance of BFA Acting Showcase as CSU launches the professional careers of their newest graduates. Catch them in Columbus before they are off to secure professional work in the booming Atlanta market and beyond. ◼︎