BA, BFA offered by the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Step into the spotlight with the program. From day one, join a vibrant community exploring stage, screen, voice, and gaming through acting, devising, movement, and skills like Performance Capture and Clown. You鈥檒l dive into creation, scene study, script analysis, and character development, then gain extensive hands-on experience in fully mounted productions and mainstage shows. Upper-year students also craft original work for the Devised Theatre Festival, collaborating with peers, award-winning faculty, and industry pros. All this happens in the heart of Toronto, backed by state-of-the-art facilities: a 360-seat main theatre, black box, carpentry and costume labs, welding area, and full technical suites鈥攑lus access to a dynamic season of shows.
Career Options in Theatre (Acting and Performance)
Here are just some of the career options related to this major. As all degrees offer transferable skills, some jobs are more closely linked to this field, than others. Check for regional requirements.
- Actor (stage)
- Actor (screen/film)
- Animator (performance capture)
- Arts administrator
- Associate producer (theatre/performing arts)
- Audience development specialist
- Casting assistant
- Casting director (theatre)
- Casting director (film/TV)
- Creative director (theatre company or arts organization)
- Creative producer
- Dialect coach
- Dramaturg (theatre)
- Entertainment journalist or critic
- Event producer (arts events, festivals)
- Family/children鈥檚 theatre performer
- Film/TV performer (voiceover work)
- Game voice/performer (performance capture, VO)
- Head of outreach or community engagement (arts org)
- Instructional designer (theatre education programs)
- Intrinsic performance coach (acting, confidence, presentation)
- Lighting technician (theatre, multidisciplinary)
- Lockstep stage manager (early career)
- Marketing coordinator (theatre/arts)
- Motion capture artist (video games/animation)
- New play development associate
- Outreach coordinator (arts education)
- Personal/performing arts coach
- Production assistant (theatre/TV/film)
- Production coordinator (theatre)
- Propriety rights/clearance agent (arts licensing)
- Public relations specialist (arts organization)
- Script reader or development assistant
- Script supervisor (production)
- Social media manager (theatre company)
- Stage manager
- Stage combat/fight captain
- Stunt performer (where applicable)
- Talent agent (theatre/acting)
- Theatre teacher or teaching artist
- Voice coach or vocal technician
- Voice actor (animation, radio, video games)
- Workshop facilitator (creative writing, theatre games)
- Writing facilitator/playwright liaison
- Youth theatre program director
Some career choices may require further education, such as graduate studies or professional courses and exams. For detailed career descriptions and specific requirements, please check .
Entry-Level Positions in Theatre (Acting and Performance)
An undergraduate degree is typically sufficient for these positions, though some locations may require additional qualifications. For region-specific information, please check .
- Actor (stage)
- Actor (screen/film)
- Arts Administrator (entry-level)
- Casting Assistant
- Dramaturg or Assistant (theatre)
- Marketing Coordinator or Assistant (theatre/arts)
- Motion Capture Artist (video Games/animation)
- New Play Development Assistant
- Outreach Coordinator (arts education)
- Production Assistant (theatre/tv/film)
- Public Relations Specialist (arts organizations)
- Script Reader or Development Assistant
- Stage Manager [entry-level]
- Stage Combat/Fight Captain
- Talent Agent (theatre/acting)
- Theatre Teacher or Teaching Artist (community settings, after-school programs)
- Voice Actor (animation, radio, video games)
- Youth Theatre Program Director or Assistant (community or nonprofit settings)
- Writer or Dramaturgy assistant (in-house scripted projects, development labs)
For career descriptions, visit . Some occupations may also be found on ; for login information, navigate to the Career Centre鈥檚 homepage in .
Skills Developed through a Degree in Theatre (Acting and Performance)
Core Skills
- Performance Development: Training in acting techniques, voice, and movement to create compelling stage performances.
- Design and Production: Gaining hands-on experience in set, lighting, sound, and costume design for live theatre.
- Playwriting and Script Development: Learning to write and refine original works for performance.
- Directing and Staging: Acquiring skills in conceptualizing and leading theatrical productions.
- Technical Theatre Operations: Mastering stage management, rigging, and backstage technical systems.
- Collaborative Creation: Developing the ability to work in ensembles to devise innovative and interdisciplinary performances.
Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills
- Creative Communication: Expressing ideas effectively through acting, directing, or design to connect with audiences and collaborators.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Working cohesively with peers and mentors in diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
- Research for Performance: Conducting historical, cultural, and thematic research to inform creative choices.
- Organizational Planning: Managing rehearsals, production timelines, and resources effectively.
- Feedback and Adaptation: Incorporating constructive criticism to refine creative work and achieve artistic goals.
- Audience Engagement: Learning strategies to captivate and connect with live audiences through performance.
Management and Teamwork Skills
- Project Management: Overseeing all aspects of theatrical productions, from planning to execution.
- Leadership Development: Guiding creative teams as a director, stage manager, or production leader.
- Conflict Resolution: Addressing creative differences and fostering collaboration in team settings.
- Time Management: Balancing rehearsals, creative tasks, and deadlines efficiently.
- Production Coordination: Collaborating with technical and creative teams to deliver cohesive performances.
- Adaptability: Navigating the dynamic and unpredictable nature of live theatre with flexibility and resilience.
Professional Associations
Professional associations offer valuable insights into qualifications, industry trends, and career opportunities. They provide networking events, workshops, mentorship programs, and internships, as well as job boards and career development resources. Additionally, some associations offer professional licensing and regulatory oversight.
- (CAEA): Represents professional actors, stage managers, and directors in live performance across Canada.
- (PGC): Advocates for Canadian playwrights, offering resources and professional development.
- (ADC): Represents Canada鈥檚 professional theatre, film, and television designers.
- (PACT): Supports the Canadian theatre community through advocacy, networking, and resources.
- (ITI): A global network fostering collaboration among theatre artists worldwide.
- (ACTRA): Supports performers in live theatre, film, and television across Canada.