Bachelors in Performing Arts or BPA syllabus is divided into six to eight semesters based on the type of programme a student chooses to pursue. BPA subjects provide a solid foundation in both the theory and practice of performing arts. To succeed in the Performing Arts, including Dance, Theatre, and Music, candidates can enhance their real-life comprehension and ability through the BPA course. It places a strong emphasis on leadership and execution, which benefits students' self-esteem, interpersonal skills, and propensity for fruitful teamwork. Performing arts students can develop their skills and choose their BPA specialisation accordingly become successful in one of three disciplines — drama, dance, or music.
Among the major subjects taught in the BPA course syllabus are Hypothesis of Design, Basics of Structure, and Systematic Drawing. Also, there are several elective subjects to choose from, such as Dance, Journalism, and Music. Throughout each semester, students will learn important topics and techniques associated with the entertainment industry as part of the BPA curriculum. To be eligible to undertake the Bachelors in Performing Arts syllabus & subjects, students must obtain at least 50% to 60% aggregate marks in any stream. After graduation, candidates can work as a Drama Artist, Musician, Theatre Director, Community Arts Worker, and more. However, before doing so, students need to be adequately informed on the contents of the BPA syllabus and how varying between disciplines allows them to gain experience in a variety of entertainment-related techniques taught. This page discusses everything you need to know about the semester-wise BPA subjects, specialisations offered, course structure, best books, and so on.
The Bachelors in Performing Arts is a three to four-year programme based on the course type and specialisation one chooses to pursue, indicating that there are two semesters annually. The tables that follow provide a thorough rundown of the semester-wise BPA subjects and syllabus that candidates will be instructed on over their entire three-year study plan.
The following table outlines the first-year BPA subjects and their details:
Semester-I | Semester-II |
---|---|
Analytical Study of Tala and Shastra | Analytical Study of Indian Classical Music |
Folk Music | Tala Studies |
Fundamental Study of Hindustani Music | Elementary study of Hindustani Music |
Fundamental Study of Tala | Western Music |
Intensive Study of Raga | Elementary Study of Tala |
Rabindra Sangeet | Raga Studies |
Raga Studies | - |
The following table outlines the second-year BPA subjects and their details:
Semester-III | Semester-IV |
---|---|
Choreography | Chandas |
Dance on Camera | Mudras |
History of Dance | Indian Culture |
New Media & Performance Practice | Movement Techniques |
Technique of Dance | - |
The following table outlines the third-year BPA subjects and their details:
Semester-V | Semester-VI |
---|---|
Basics of Camera Light and Sound | Script Writing |
Basics of Vocal Practice | History of Western Theater |
Body Movement and Dance | Theory of Direction and Stagecraft Direction |
History of Indian Theater | Basic Concepts of Film Making |
Indian Culture and Art | Folk Theater Forms of India |
Introduction to Indian Theater | Film Theories |
Theatre Production | Stagecraft and Design |
For three to four years, candidates should study a broad spectrum of disciplines and curricula related to BPA. The following is a list of fundamental BPA subjects that all students must undertake during the course:
Genre | Subject |
---|---|
Dance |
|
Music |
|
Theatre |
|
Practical |
|
The following table highlights the common BPA subjects for all semesters:
Subject Name | Topics Covered | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Dynamics of Dance, Music and Theatre | Definition of Abhinayas, Raga classification, Trinity of music, Viniyogas, Theatre design, Bharathanatya repertoire, explaining Dharmis, improvisation and imagination | The goal is to offer students a deeper understanding of the three different art forms and give them the ability to select a speciality from among the three. |
Indian Theatre | Yakshagana, Character Psychology, NatyaSastra, Analysing Indian plays, Types and theatre forms | This BPA subject offers a high degree of education in the theatre. It gives the candidates a platform to expand their knowledge while they develop their abilities. |
Introduction to Performing Arts | Dance forms, Music, Theatre | The aim is to provide students with a thorough introduction to many types of art, such as music fundamentals, theatre-related knowledge, and diverse dance styles. |
Value-based Course in Bharathanatyam | Dance form specifics | To familiarise students with dance styles and help them comprehend how human emotions interact. Provide candidates with an understanding of gestures and facial expressions. |
Value-Added course in Music | Divyanamakeerthana, Asthapathi, Raga Malika, Bhajan, Patham, Classical music | Individuals can learn many types of music and take up the topic that suits their interests if they are given an in-depth knowledge of music as a subject. |
Elective 1 | Any language spoken abroad, such as French, German, Spanish, etc. | To improve multidisciplinary programmes. |
As discussed, candidates who enrol in the Bachelor of Performing Arts programme can specialise in dance, acting/theatre, and music instruction. The BPA course assists students in developing their real-world expertise and skills so they can succeed in the performing arts, acting, dance, and music, among other fields. In the final year of their graduation, students pursuing this programme must opt for a specialisation. Below is a list of specialisations candidates can choose from:
Applicants for the BPA programme must pass the admission exams to be accepted into the academic programme. The exam's administering institute determines the necessary cut-off scores for admission. The last phase of the selection process will be open to those who clear the BPA entrance exam. The following is a discussion about the BPA entrance exam syllabus.
BHU UET: It includes topics such as Accountancy, Basic Mathematics, Business Management, Business Organisation, Computers, Current Economic Affairs, Economics, Financial Market Management, General Knowledge, General Mental Ability, Language Comprehension, Money and Banking, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, Statement Analysis, and so on.
IPU CET: Computer awareness, applied mathematics, knowledge related to physics and chemistry, applied mechanics, and analytical and logical reasoning are among the topics covered in this entrance exam.
JNUEE: Boolean Algebra, Computer Science, Current Affairs, Data Structures, English Grammer, General Aptitude, General Comprehension, General Science, History of India, Input/output devices, Integers and fractions, Modern Algebra and Matrix Theory, Numerical Analysis, Organisation of a computer, Representation of Characters, Statistics and Probability, etc.
NPAT: It includes topics such as Applied Grammar, Contextual Usage, Arithmetic, Sets and Functions, Logical Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning, Elementary Statistics and Probability, Reading Comprehension, Error Recognition, and more.
PUCET: Binomial Theorem, Cell structure and functions, Complex numbers and Quadratic Equations, Conic Sections, Equilibrium, Human anatomy and physiology, Laws of Motion, Linear Inequalities, Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body Gravitation, Plant physiology, Properties of Bulk Matter, Redox Reaction, Sequence & Series, Status of Matter: Gases and Liquids, Straight lines, Thermodynamics, Work, Energy and Power, and more.
TISS BAT: Art/Music/Film, Averages, Awards, Current Affairs, Data Interpretations (Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, etc.), Economy, Environment/ Nature, Health, History/Geography, Integers/Fractions, Media/Advertisements, Politics/Constitution, Probability, Profit and Loss, Ratio Proportion and Variation, Simple/Compound Interest, Technology, Time, Distance and Work, and so on.
Along with offering students a basic overview of the subject, the BPA best books also allow them to delve deeply into their area of specialisation. Online and offline accessibility is available to students to buy these course books. If students obtain the course materials before enrolling, they can make a well-informed choice by carefully reviewing the prerequisites of the course. Listed below are the important BPA books students can use as references:
Book Name | Author Name |
---|---|
Dance Kinesiology | Sally Sevey Fitt |
The Moving Body: Teaching Creative Theatre | Jacques Lecoq, and Jean-Gabriel Carasso |
Theatre and Everyday Life | Alan Read |
What's the Story: Essays about Art, Theatre and Storytelling | Anne Bogart |
There are six to eight semesters in a Bachelor of Design in Performing Arts course, which lasts between three and four years. The BPA course structure aims to offer students all the pertinent knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the performing arts. In addition to imparting theoretical knowledge, the BPA course's disciplines teach essential interpersonal and practical skills. A brief overview of the BPA course structure is provided below:
Bachelors in Performing Arts syllabus & subjects that are included in the course structure depend on the duration of the program which ranges between three to four years. Listed below are the commonly followed course structure of Bachelors in Performing Arts:
The choice of the best BPA specialisations depends on factors such as the student’s academic needs, interests, course duration, and more. Listed below are a few common Bachelors in Performing Arts specialisations students usually opt for.
Yes, the BPA course syllabus includes project-based learning that offers individuals the required training in this field. In addition to ensuring that students understand concepts from start to finish, students work on projects to reinforce their understanding.
The top colleges that provide the best BPA course curriculum are Banaras Hindu University, Chhatrapati ShahuJi Maharaj University, Lovely Professional University, Amity University, Allahabad University, Bangalore University, Gujarat University, Parul University, Swami Vivekananda Subharti University, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Visva Bharati University, and so on.
Yes, the Bachelors in Performing Arts syllabus & subjects are taught practically as the course emphasises practical learning. Students gain an understanding of Performing Arts techniques through practical sessions and seminars that expose them to a variety of tools and technologies.
The Bachelors in Performing Arts core subjects are the Analytical Study of Indian Classical Music, Chandas, Choreography, Dance on Camera, Elementary study of Hindustani Music, Elementary Study of Tala, History of Dance, Indian Culture, Movement Techniques, Mudras, New Media & Performance Practice, Raga Studies, Tala Studies, Technique of Dance, Western Music, and so on.
The BPA course curriculum for Theatre specialisation includes the following subjects:
The BPA course curriculum for Dance specialisation includes the following subjects:
The BPA course curriculum for Music specialisation includes the following subjects:
The following are the commonly taught subjects in the Bachelors in Performing Arts course: