Theatre

• Three programs are offered:

  • 2-Year Theatre Diploma Program

  • 2-Year Technical Theatre Diploma Program

  • Bachelor of Arts, Minor in Theatre

• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students

• Apply for Admission

Theatre Programs

The Theatre department offers a two-year Theatre Diploma, a Technical Theatre Diploma and a Bachelor of Arts - Minor in Theatre. Students may wish to take one of the two-year Theatre diplomas, and then switch to the Bachelor of Arts – Minor in Theatre for their final two years at VIU. To obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre (instead of a B.A. Minor) students will have to attend a university offering a Bachelor Fine Arts in Theatre. The University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, and almost all Canadian universities will accept VIU’s two-year programs as university transfer. Both Theatre Diploma students share a common first year. After completing the first year, students continue in either the Theatre Diploma or the Technical Theatre Diploma.

The Theatre diploma program will expose students to a range of practical elements associated with theatre production as well as the academic study of theory and theatre history. Students will learn how to translate plays from the written script to the stage, the basics of acting techniques including voice, movement, and characterization, the elements of set design, stagecraft, sound design, lighting design, and costume design. Students will study dramatic works from early modern European origins to more recent Canadian productions. Students will also learn safe practices around the stage. This program is open to full–time students only. Upon successful completion of program requirements, students will be awarded a Theatre Diploma.

The Technical Theatre diploma program emphasizes the technical aspects of theatre to help fill the growing need across Canada for trained theatre technicians. Hands-on experience is fundamental to the program, and students will be learning the skills of technical theatre by working behind the scenes on a wide variety of shows. Students will be able to take theoretical and practical courses which explore topics such as props, costumes, sound, stage management, carpentry, running crew, front-of-house management, production management, technical direction, publicity, theatrical make-up, scene painting, special effects, and lighting. This program is open to full–time students only. Upon successful completion of program requirements, students will be awarded a Technical Theatre Diploma.

The Bachelor of Arts – Minor in Theatre is intended for students who wish to pursue Theatre courses and the study of theatre as part of a Vancouver Island University BA degree. Upper-level Theatre courses complement several other disciplines including creative writing, play writing, digital media, or media studies and these courses are useful electives for education students.

During each academic year the Theatre department presents a season of plays and concerts, and hosts professional touring theatre and dance companies, allowing students to work alongside theatre professionals.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have found employment as actors, stage managers, assistant stage managers, lighting technicians, sound technicians, box office managers, front-of-house managers, lighting board operators, scene painters, props persons, costumers, technical directors, and theatre managers.

Admission Requirements

• General admission requirements apply.
• Interview with the Theatre department.
• English 12 with minimum grade of “C” or equivalent.

Recommendations for Admission

Most students in the Theatre program have had some exposure to live theatre in the past. An interview will be conducted for all students who wish to take the Theatre Diploma program. There are no auditions or portfolios required, but a keen interest in producing and participating in live theatrical events is expected.

Notes on Admission

• Students intending to transfer to another university should consult a VIU Advisor.
• Students must have a strong desire to work in theatre, since they have to work extremely long hours. The ability to work as a member of a team is also very important.
• Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in September and applications are accepted between November 15 and March 31. For further information regarding late applications and program contacts check the Program Availability List.

Theatre Diploma Option

Program Outline

Technical Theatre Diploma Option

Program Outline

Updated: February 29, 2012