Theatre Programs

For Humanities, Fine Arts and Professional Writing Co-operative Education information, please see this page.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre is an extensive program intended for students who wish to prepare for a career in professional, educational or community theatre or who wish to continue their studies in graduate or professional schools. The philosophy of the Theatre department is that the theatre should be studied in all its aspects and that it is best approached through a curriculum that leads to performance.

Through all courses and productions, students are encouraged to focus on fundamental creative, interpretive, performative and technical skills as they study the historical, contemporary and educational theories and practices of the theatre arts.

The department offers undergraduate students a choice between an Honours Program in Theatre History and a Theatre Major Program. In the latter program, students may select either a Specialist or a Comprehensive Option. A Co-op program is also available.

Students will be required to take part in rehearsals and performances. No student may register in an evening course without the permission of the department.

Theatre Major Program

Theatre students must select one of two program options:

• Comprehensive Option, or
• Specialist Option in Acting, Applied Theatre, Design, Directing, Production and Management, Theatre History, or Theatre/Writing.

Acceptance and continuance in a Major Program is subject to approval by the department.

Comprehensive Option

Students who wish to combine their Theatre studies with a wide range of other liberal arts disciplines should select the Comprehensive Option. A minimum of 30 units in Theatre core courses are required for Comprehensive Option students to graduate with a BFA in Theatre.

Specialist Options

Students wishing to emphasize a particular aspect of Theatre should choose one of the seven Specialist Options below:

• Acting
• Applied Theatre
• Design
• Directing
• Production and Management
• Theatre History

Normally, students must have a cumulative GPA of 5.0 (B) and a GPA of 6.0 (B+) in Theatre Courses to be admitted and advanced in any Specialist Option.

Students are strongly advised to follow the prescribed course requirements for their year and chosen Specialist Option. Failure to complete electives and register for all co-requisites in any given year may jeopardize students’ ability to complete their Specialist Option within four years.

Specialist Option in Acting

Students may enter the Option in Acting at the beginning of second year. enrolment is limited. Admission is by audition only. Students are advanced into third and fourth year subject to an annual review. Students in this Option are required to complete 4.5 units of performance credit in THEA 229, 329 and 429. Normally, eligibility for performance credits will commence as students enter the Acting Specialist Option in Second Year.

Specialist Option in Applied Theatre

Students may indicate their intention to enter the Option of Applied Theatre in first year. The Applied Theatre program allies the art of the theatre with effective pedagogy to build upon the growing recognition of theatre as an educative methodology in matters of social, political, economic and therapeutic concerns. The program provides the theoretical and experiential foundations that will serve those who wish to examine the use of theatre forms as they apply to teaching and/or non-theatrical settings, such as cultural, recreation and community centres, historic and environmental sites, museums, prisons, hospitals, social service and health agencies.

Students considering careers in elementary, middle or secondary schools are urged to consult with the Teacher Education Advising Centre early to plan their undergraduate programs.

Specialist Option in Design

Students may enter the Option in Design at the beginning of the third year.

Specialist Option in Directing

The Option in Directing is a preparatory program only. The foundation of its philosophy is that emerging directors must first secure a strong liberal arts education, as well as experience in all aspects of theatre production, before moving on to an in-depth study of directing. Students seeking entry into this option should secure the advice of the department on all required and elective courses before the end of their first year of study.

Specialist Option in Production and Management

Students may enter the Option in Production and Management at the beginning of the third year. enrolment is limited; selection is by interview. Permission of the department is required.

Specialist Option in Theatre History

Students may enter the Option in Theatre History at the beginning of the third year.

BA Honours in Theatre History

The Honours Program normally begins in a student’s third year. Students may apply to enter the Honours Program after the completion of a minimum of 6 units of course work in Theatre with a GPA in these courses of 6.0 (B+) or better.

A third-year Honours student whose GPA falls below 3.5 in that year, or below 5.0 in designated Theatre History courses, will normally be required to withdraw from the Honours Program.

A fourth-year student whose graduating GPA is lower than 3.5, but who otherwise meets the University’s requirements for graduation, will receive a BFA in the Specialist Option in Theatre History if the BFA requirements have been met.

Work Outside the department

All Theatre students must consult the Chair before accepting any theatre, film, television or other media work outside the department.