Content and structure

Course content.

BA in Theatre, Major in Acting

What is acting? In a constantly changing and evolving society, this course explores what it means to perform, to tell a story and how to act. Today and tomorrow.

ZHdK trains students to become independent artists, not just actors. Therefore, this degree programme focuses on teaching students to create their own artistic profile by strengthening their individual authorship, self-reflection, critical thinking, analysis of current discourses, political identity, and ability to work collaboratively.

Through compulsory electives, students learn the basics of improvization, stage acting, speech training, movement, singing, and gain a contemporary approach to working and performing. Working together with fellow students from the BA in Film, you also have the opportunity to act in front of the camera. You can choose from a wide range of modules, which enables you to carve out your own distinctive profile. Throughout this process, you receive individual guidance from your chosen mentors. 


BA in Theatre

Acting is a major offered as part of the BA in Theatre along with three other specializations: Directing, Stage Design and Theatre Education. This degree programme interlinks the four major programmes, offers project-based teamwork, and a wide range of courses designed to develop your own artistic profile. By taking a practical approach, students benefit from an excellent infrastructure, professional network and opportunities to present their work on our in-house stages or at external venues. 

Course structure.

Level 1 

In groups or individual sessions, students learn the basics of stage acting and voice- and body work, instructed by a team of lecturers from various disciplines. 

Level 2

In consultation with your mentor, you are able to customize your semester programme so it contains compulsory electives specific to your needs and current level. These modules incorporate workshops as well as individual training sessions in speech, voice and singing.

Level 3

Students continue to work on practice-based modules, including theatre and film projects and performative formats. Moreover, further compulsory electives are offered. Speech and voice training and other workshops remain part of the programme.
An overview of the teaching modules offered as part of the BA in Acting is provided in ZHdKโ€™s online course catalogue.

Graduation project

Your Bachelor graduation project contains a written paper as well as an artistic performance. You will be given the possibility to undertake research in our own thesis atelier.

BA Theatre Acting, decorative picture
BA Theatre Acting, decorative picture

Skills acquired in the course.

Expertise/Profession

Deal with and work on a wide range of material. Demonstrate a willingness to learn and use the skills that you have acquired in familiar and unfamiliar settings. 

Position

Take responsibility for your authorship in collaboration with others.  

Participation

Take part in a wide range of ensembles and play an active role in the field of contemporary theatre. 

Entry requirements.

Acting captivates you and you have a keen interest in theatre. You show artistic potential and are open to different formats. Furthermore, you have the following skill set:

  • Energy and imagination 
  • The ability to translate acting instructions into specific action
  • Critical thinker and the ability to self-assess
  • Curiosity 
  • Openness, resilience and an independent mindset 

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

Studying theatre at ZHdK offers you a wealth of opportunities:

  • Our BA in Theatre is an internationally recognized degree programme.
  • Within the German-speaking area, Zurich is the only city to offer interlinked theatre majors, a wide range of courses, and the opportunity to collaborate in diverse teams in transdisciplinary work. 
  • The BA in Theatre has developed strong partnerships with other universities and industry leaders and fosters international collaborations. This allows students to gain experience outside their subject area and in their professional field.
  • While building a distinctive profile, showcasing your stage projects and working with others, you have the chance to network beyond your discipline and degree programme.
  • Theatre as a field of study combines individual support with training sessions, seminars and project work in small groups, in close cooperation with students and lecturers from all the theatre programmes.
  • External guests add to the expertise offered by the universityโ€™s lecturers, opening doors to numerous artistic opportunities. 
  • Gathered on one campus, ZHdKโ€™s faculties are located in close proximity to one another and offer an extensive infrastructure of the highest calibre. Students have access to workshops with cutting-edge equipment, a museum, concert halls, sound and film studios, rehearsal stages, studios, a library and exhibition rooms. A roof garden, cinema, music club, cafรฉs and a canteen also offer opportunities for them to meet for study or recreational purposes.