BPA Course - Bachelor in Performing Arts

A Bachelors in Performing Arts or BPA course is a three to four-year undergraduate course that deals with the entertainment industry and its associated techniques that are performed physically in front of an audience. In an increasingly competitive global market, BPA courses help students develop the skills, experience, and connections that will help them succeed in this area. Candidates can specialise in any one of the three main areas of the performance and entertainment industry stressed in this course: Drama, Dance, and Music. Individuals who possess artistic talents and aspire to work in the entertainment industry are likely to enrol in the programme. For this, they must have obtained at least 50% to 60% aggregate marks in their 10+2 from a recognised institution.

Admission to Bachelors in Performing Arts courses can be made based on the applicant’s merit rank and entrance exam scores. Some universities accept candidates through entrance exams such as PUBDET, NSD, PUBDET, etc., while others offer direct admission to interested and eligible students. Further, students can pursue BPA courses in both offline and online modes of schooling with an average fee of up to INR 2 LPA. Some popular colleges for Bachelors in Performing Arts are Banaras Hindu University, Lovely Professional University, Parul University, and so on. After course completion, students can attain positions such as Drama Artist, Musician, Theatre Director, Actor, Community Arts Worker, etc. with an average salary of INR 4-8 LPA. Scroll down to learn more about Bachelors in Performing Arts course details discussed systematically on this page.

As discussed, the BPA course assists students in honing their abilities and developing into successful performers in any of the three diverse performing arts disciplines: music, dance, and theatre/drama. The following highlights table provides quick information about the Bachelors in Performing Arts course:

Anyone with an interest in performing arts is eligible to pursue a BPA course. Age, education level, or work experience are not prerequisites. A Bachelors in Performing Arts course's scope is rapidly growing in tandem with the entertainment industry's advancements. To improve both their skills and their expertise in the field of performing arts, applicants who have an undying love for music, dance, or theatre should enrol in this programme. This degree offers wonderful prospects for anyone wishing to pursue careers in teaching, set management, performance, choreography, or directing in the music or dance industries. As a result, this course is designed specifically for those who are innovative and want to showcase their artistic abilities.

Bachelors in Performing Arts eligibility criteria vary from one university to another. This is because some colleges provide merit-based admissions based on scores obtained in 10+2, while other colleges follow entrance exam screening criteria to evaluate applicants’ candidature. Given below are the commonly followed eligibility criteria for BPA course admissions:

• Students must have completed their higher secondary education or class 12 from a recognised institution or board.
• Candidates must have obtained at least 50% to 60% aggregate marks in any stream such as Science/ Arts/ Commerce.

Note: Most universities prefer students to have a background in the performing arts at the time of admission.

Bachelors in Performing Arts courses are offered to prospective students in all three modes of learning: full-time, part-time and online/distance schooling. Details are discussed below:

Full-Time Bachelors in Performing Arts Courses

A BPA course can be completed full-time in three to four years. For this course, theoretical comprehension is not as important as practical knowledge. One benefit of enrolling in a full-time programme is that candidates can connect directly with teachers and peers, which increases exposure, expertise, and knowledge.

Part-Time Bachelors in Performing Arts Courses

Applicants who are unable to attend regularly scheduled classes are intended for the part-time BPA course. The programme of study will last for six years. One benefit of the part-time programme is that it allows students to take it while working or engaging in other obligations.

Distance Bachelors in Performing Arts Courses

The three- to four-year distance learning Bachelor of Performing Arts degree is broken up into six- to eight-month semesters. After completing their 10+2, individuals who want to pursue a BPA course but lack the time to attend regular classes can consider remote learning as their best alternative.

Candidates who complete the BPA course are better equipped to excel in a variety of careers, including acting, dancing, and music. In addition to offering specialisation opportunities, the Bachelor of Performing Arts course instructs students in music, dance, and acting/theatre. On the other hand, BVA students have the option to study a wide variety of artistic disciplines, including printmaking, sculpture, painting, drawing, animation, and film. The following table highlights the differences between BPA and BVA courses:

While certain institutions accept applicants directly for BPA course admission, others require an entrance exam. Based on their performance on the theoretical entrance exam, applicants will be shortlisted for further consideration. Students must take a practical exam to assess their practical knowledge of the performing arts after passing the theoretical test. The institution's grounds will host a counselling session for the qualified applicants. Schools that administer entrance tests to accept applicants for their Bachelors in Performing Arts programme include Lovely Professional University and Banaras Hindu University. Listed below are a few popular BPA entrance exams:

• BHU UET
• IPU CET
• JNUEE
• NPAT
• PUCET
• TISS BAT

Getting a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree overseas would allow students to observe how people from various nations and cultures utilise the arts to represent and express who they are. Through practice, candidates will become more skilled and adaptable performers by learning new approaches and techniques. They will see the world, meet new people, and embark on an incredible experience in addition to obtaining a priceless worldwide perspective on the matter. The majority of undergraduate performing arts programmes combine theory and practice, so international student’s education will consist of a mix of lectures, workshops, seminars, and practical lessons. Students may anticipate dealing with practical assessments, presentations, written exams, essays, and portfolios, though the exact methods will differ depending on the module.

There will be some slight differences in the content of performing arts programs around the world based on the interests and expertise of university faculty members. In general, most programmes will cover the following topics:

• Choreography
• Dance techniques
• Introduction to directing
• Modes of acting
• Music theory
• Musical performance
• Stage design
• History, theatre, and culture

As discussed, the Bachelors in Performing Arts fees in India can range up to INR 2 LPA (approx.). However, it may depend on the type of institution (whether government or private), its location, research opportunities, facilities provided, etc. There are plenty of private colleges including deemed-to-be universities as well as theatre and drama institutes that are autonomous. Their excellent infrastructure and experts in theatre, acting, and filmmaking make them popular among students who want to pursue BPA courses. The following table outlines the average fee for BPA courses at both the government and private universities:

As discussed, the Bachelors in Performing Arts is a three or four-year course with a total of six or eight semesters respectively. In addition to imparting theoretical knowledge, the BPA course's disciplines teach essential interpersonal and practical skills. The BPA course curriculum is intended to give students all the pertinent knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the performing arts. Furthermore, major topics covered in the Bachelors in Performing Arts course curriculum include Hypothesis of Design, Systematic Drawing, and Basics of Structure, among many others. Among the many elective topics are music, dance, journalism, etc.

An applicant's chosen area of specialisation will determine which subjects are covered in their BPA course. Music, theatre, and dance are all extensively covered in the BPA course. A summary of the general subjects that will be taught in the course is as follows:

Dance

• Technique of Dance
• New Media and Performance Practice
• History of Dance
• Choreography

Music

• Raga Studies
• Intensive Study of Raga
• Fundamental Study of Tala
• Fundamental Study of Hindustani Music

Theatre

• Theatre Production
• Introduction to Indian Theater
• Indian Culture and Art
• History of Indian Theater

A Bachelors in Performing Arts course allows students to walk into a myriad of opportunities in the entertainment business. With a strong background in performing arts, students can find well-paying jobs in a variety of settings, including theatres, the film, dance, and music industries, as well as museums and non-profit organisations. These individuals are in high demand in the market because of their job experience and skill set in the theatre and related fields. The performing arts curriculum prepares students for a wide range of careers in the arts, including those in entertainment, film, arts organisations, nonprofits, art universities, music, and many more sectors. In the field, there are plenty of jobs available that let students earn lucrative packages while using their artistic inheritance.

In India, the average salary for Bachelors in Performing Arts is INR 4-8 LPA. Graduates in the performing arts have excellent career prospects. Numerous performing arts centres are looking for skilled workers to support their sector. The typical career profiles that are open to applicants with a BPA degree are listed in the following table:

After completing the course, prospective students will possess self-assurance, time management abilities, an inventive mindset, a knack for expression, collaborative skills and organisational skills. As a result of the widespread use of performing arts curricula in today's world, applicants enlist to refine their skills and become professional performers. Listed below are some skills that BPA students need to possess:

• Ability to Express
• Confidence
• Creative
• Innovation
• Organisational skills
• Patience
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Visualisation skills

Employment opportunities are many for individuals who are undertaking the Bachelors in Performing Arts course. Entertainment companies that hire skilled experts may recruit students who have obtained a BPA course degree and possess excellent skills required in the job market. Those with employment objectives and the desire to establish an outstanding professional life in this industry may find themselves well-suited for the following roles:

• Theatre stage manager
• Broadcast Engineer
• Broadcast Presenter
• Art Administrator
• Theatre director
• Screenwriter
• Community Arts Worker
• Musical theatre performer
• Dancer
• Dance- music- or drama- teacher
• Arts administrator
• Actor
• Dance Choreographer