Theatre (BA)

Students in the Theatre (BA; BFA) program share a common first year, taking courses across various fields of theatre and performance. After the first year, students can branch into one of four specializations based on their interests and goals: (1) Acting Conservatory (BFA); (2) Production and Design (BFA); (3) Performance Creation (BFA); and (4) Performance Creation (BFA). Admission to some degree specializations is by audition or interview at the end of first year. Regardless of streams, students work together as actors, production and creative teams. Students planning to pursue graduate studies or teaching degrees are strongly encouraged to take the Theatre BA program.

Theatre - Acting Conservatory, BFA Honours

• With intensive studies in acting, movement and voice, the Acting Conservatory specialization in the Theatre (BFA) takes students deep into scene study, script analysis, and character development. Upper-year Conservatory members are cast in mainstage shows, featuring classic and contemporary masterpieces addressing today's cultural and political debates.  

• The Production and Design specialization in the Theatre (BFA) program features hands-on technical skills with creative aspects of theatre, such as set design, costume construction and stage management. The Production and Design specialization engages students in all elements of theatrical design and stage production. Studies in technical direction management complement sound, lighting, scenery, costume design, and construction courses.  

• The Performance Creation specialization in the Theatre (BFA) program emphasizes studio coursework, such as Stagecraft, Devised Theatre, Scene Study, Playwriting, and Directing. In keeping with the broad scope of Performance Creation work, this specialization prepares students to move fluidly across artistic disciplines and assume a range of roles in collaborative performance settings. This specialization is ideal for students who want to produce sophisticated, meaningful performance work that engages with more significant social justice and sustainability issues.  

• The Performance Creation specialization in the Theatre (BFA) program focuses on drama and performance theory studies, criticism and history, and theatre education. Students may opt to take a broad range of courses or choose to specialize in one or more of the following areas of study: (a) Playwriting, learning to write for the stage; (b) Directing, supporting productions; and/or (c) Devised Theatre, focusing on the collaborative creation of original works, incorporating all elements of playmaking, design, and management.