BFA offered by the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Ignite your creative vision with 91亚色鈥檚 program. This dynamic and innovative degree prepares you to become versatile artists by combining acting, directing, writing, and devising techniques. With a focus on creating original performances, you will learn to tell compelling stories while exploring contemporary theatre practices. Guided by industry professionals, the program provides hands-on opportunities to perform, collaborate, and experiment in studio and production settings. Graduates emerge as confident, multifaceted creators ready to thrive in Canada鈥檚 vibrant performing arts scene and beyond.
Career Options in Theatre (Performance Creation)
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
- Artistic Director
- Casting Assistant
- Community Arts Facilitator
- Costume Designer
- Creative Consultant
- Cultural Programmer
- Devised Theatre Artist
- Director (Stage or Screen)
- Dramaturg
- Event Producer
- Festival Coordinator
- Film and TV Actor
- Improvisation Performer
- Lighting Technician
- Multimedia Artist
- Playwright
- Production Assistant
- Production Coordinator
- Production Designer
- Program Coordinator (Arts and Culture)
- Props Manager
- Public Speaking Coach
- Scenic Artist
- Script Supervisor
- Set Designer
- Stage Manager
- Storyboard Artist
- Technical Director
- Theatre Administrator
- Theatre Educator
- Theatre Journalist or Critic
- Theatre Producer
- Tour Manager (Theatre Productions)
- Voice Actor
- Workshop Facilitator (Performance Creation)
- Writer/Editor (Theatre Focus)
- Youth Drama Instructor
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 (Performance Creation)
An undergraduate degree is typically sufficient for these positions, though some locations may require additional qualifications. For region-specific information, please check .
- Acting Assistant
- Assistant Director
- Casting Assistant
- Community Theatre Facilitator
- Costume Assistant
- Dramaturgy Assistant
- Event Production Assistant
- Festival Production Assistant
- Front-of-House Coordinator
- Lighting Technician (Entry-Level)
- Playwriting Assistant
- Production Assistant (Stage or Screen)
- Props Assistant
- Rehearsal Coordinator
- Script Reader
- Set Decoration Assistant
- Stage Crew Member
- Stage Management Assistant
- Touring Assistant (Theatre Production)
- Workshop Assistant
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 (Performance Creation)
Core Skills
- Performance Development: Training in acting, voice, and movement to create engaging, original stage performances.
- Playwriting and Devising: Learning to write, structure, and collaborate on original scripts and devised theatre pieces.
- Directing and Staging: Gaining skills to conceptualize, block, and lead performance productions.
- Production Design: Developing a working knowledge of set, lighting, sound, and costume design to support creative visions.
- Technical Theatre Skills: Learning the fundamentals of stage management, rigging, and backstage operations.
- Dramaturgy and Script Analysis: Analyzing theatrical texts and providing creative input to enhance storytelling.
Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills
- Creative Communication: Conveying ideas and emotions through acting, directing, and collaborative storytelling.
- Research for Performance: Gathering historical, cultural, and thematic data to inform and enrich theatrical productions.
- Organizational Planning: Managing rehearsals, scripts, and production timelines to ensure smooth creative processes.
- Feedback and Adaptation: Incorporating constructive criticism to refine performances and creative output.
- Audience Engagement: Learning techniques to connect effectively with audiences through live performance.
Management and Teamwork Skills
- Project Management: Overseeing all aspects of theatrical productions, from rehearsal schedules to final performances.
- Team Leadership: Leading creative teams as directors, stage managers, or production coordinators.
- Conflict Resolution: Addressing creative disagreements constructively to maintain collaborative momentum.
- Time Management: Balancing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines in high-pressure rehearsal and production environments.
- Production Coordination: Managing roles and responsibilities across technical and creative teams.
- Adaptability: Adjusting creative visions to respond to unexpected challenges in performance creation.
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): The professional association representing performers, directors, and stage managers in Canada.
- (PGC): Supports Canadian playwrights with resources, advocacy, and development opportunities.
- (ADC): Represents Canada鈥檚 set, costume, lighting, and projection designers.
- (ITI): A global network fostering collaboration among theatre artists worldwide.
- (PACT): Represents and supports professional theatre companies and artists in Canada.