Theatre (Performance Stream) Major
Theatre students may choose a performance stream or a production and design stream. Both lead to a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) with a major in theatre.
The performance stream emphasizes the development of the theatre artist. The studio courses are supplemented by courses in dramatic literature, theatre history, playmaking, and technical theatre. Courses chosen from disciplines outside theatre give the program an interdisciplinary component. Students are encouraged to participate in productions and to develop their own scripts and performance pieces.
The production and design stream provides a path for students who wish to study theatre, but prefer production and design aspects of the discipline.
Students whose interest in theatre is primarily historical, critical or theoretical are directed to the Visual Culture and Performance Studies major program, leading to a bachelor of arts.
¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Requirements
Program and course admission is contingent upon University admission. Contact Student Services for admission procedures, requirements and deadlines. Entry to all programs and to many courses is by audition, interview or application. Contact the school’s office for information on procedures and deadlines.
Although the University operates on a trimester system, most FPA courses are planned in a two term (fall and spring) sequence. Consequently, students enter in the fall term (September) and are advised to contact the school in the preceding January for program entry and requirements information.
Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing
Unassigned or general elective (type 2 and 3, respectively) transfer credit awarded for courses completed at other recognized post-secondary institutions will not automatically entitle students to advanced standing in the school?s programs. Advanced standing is generally given on an individual basis as a result of an audition or interview.
About the School’s Course Offerings
Students are encouraged to take advantage of interdisciplinary offerings within the school. As many programs depend on a continuing sequence of courses completed in order, students should plan carefully to gain the maximum benefit and efficiency from their study. Note that not all courses are offered every term and several are offered on a rotational basis, i.e. every third or fourth term. An advisor is available to help plan study programs.
Students are reminded that the school is an interdisciplinary fine and performing arts department, and are strongly advised to acquaint themselves with the many disciplinary courses that are available.
Special Topics Courses
The subject matter (and prerequisites) of special or selected topics courses vary by term.
Prior Approval Prerequisite
Where a prerequisite is, or includes, ‘prior approval,’ approval must be obtained before enrolling in the course. Contact the school for further information.
Program Requirements
Entry to all first year theatre courses required for the major is by audition and interview. Contact the Scholol prior to attendance at the University to request information about audition details and dates.
Students complete 120 units, as specified below.
BFA Academic Continuance Policy
Policy:
All BFA students who successfully complete the acceptance process within the School for the Contemporary Arts are offered the status of “Major” in a specific area of study entering the first year. In order to remain a major, all students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA in FPA courses of 3.0. Students that fall below the 3.0 will have a limited time to bring the average up before losing their status as a major.
Process:
All SCA student GPA levels will be evaluated at the end of each academic year, normally at the end of the Spring semester. A student who falls below the required cumulative GPA in FPA courses of 3.0 will be notified of their probation status as a major with a limited time to adjust their FPA GPA. Students will need to meet with the Area Coordinator and Advisor and plan their academic career for either re-establishing the Major or pursuing an FCAT BA with a double minor program. If the student does not bring the cumulative GPA in FPA courses to 3.0 in the allotted time, he/she will be dropped from the major. If the student is in first or second year of study within the major and falls below the required cumulative GPA in FPA courses of 3.0, the student will have two semesters to bring up their average to 3.0. If the student is in third year of their major, they will have one semester to bring their average to 3.0. Students who lose their status as a major in the SCA will have the option of pursuing the extended minor as part of the double minor BA option in FCAT, or via other options in the university.
Performance Stream
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 43 units including:
Four core courses below:
Introduction to acoustics, psychoacoustics, sound synthesis, audio sampling and signal processing, and sound production in general as relating to music, film sound, radio, new media, art installations and live performance. Students who take FPA 184 cannot take FPA 149 for further credit. Quantitative.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sarah Davachi |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Introduces innovations in the fine and performing arts to show the range of possibilities open to those who wish to employ or understand the use of moving images in their disciplinary and multidisciplinary art practices. By the completion of the course students should have a good sense not only of previous innovations and traditions, but of the contemporary scene as well.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sharon Kahanoff |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 6:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| E101 |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| E102 |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| E103 |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| E104 |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| E105 |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| E106 |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| E107 |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| E108 |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| E109 |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
An introduction to the techniques of artistic composition as experienced in a collaborative interdisciplinary studio environment. The emphasis is on the creation, analysis and critique of new compositions created in collaborative groups by students in dance, music, theatre, film/video and visual art. Prerequisite: One of FPA 122, 130, 145, 150, 160, 170.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
David MacIntyre |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
Plus one additional FPA history course outside their major.
and all of
This studio/theory course incorporates techniques of body awareness, centering, and structural realignment. The emphasis is on body conditioning and body connectedness. This course will be of interest to dancers, actors, kinesiologists, and athletes. This is one of four courses required for entry into the dance major and extended minor program.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cheryl Prophet |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
|
Sessional Allison Birt |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Vancouver |
An approach to the elements of acting based on improvisation, with some attention to working from established texts. Focus will be placed on the development of the actor's instrument. The work will include the development of individual powers of expression - vocally, physically, intellectually, imaginatively, and emotionally. May be of particular interest to students in other departments.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ker Wells |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
|
Sarah Brown |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
Begins the concentrated work of training the actor in both the freedom and the control of voice and body. This is accomplished through: work on the self as a source of personal imagery and as a potential wellspring of characters, work with other actors in ensemble relationships, work on text as a blueprint for expression, scene study as a vehicle for the realization of the specific dramatic content and overall shape of a play. Prerequisite: Prior to enrolment in this course, the student must pass a successful audition. Corequisites: FPA 129, 254.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Nicole Lewis |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
Introduces elements of playmaking such as self scripting, mask exploration, clowning and political theatre. The objective is to enable students to make their own theatre. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV to FPA 250 or prior approval.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Steven Hill |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
Expands the work undertaken in Playmaking I emphasizing writing skills and story structure. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: FPA 150 and prior approval.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ker Wells |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
|
Ker Wells |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
Continued performance research in voice and speech training, as well as research in movement. Prerequisite: Corequisite: FPA 251.
A conceptual approach to a selected body of dramatic work focusing on the detailed structural analysis of dramatic texts, their historical context, their development and production histories. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the evolving relationship between theatre and its audience. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Don Kugler |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
and two of
An introduction to the processes, tools and technology used in the production and presentation of the fine and performing arts. Course requirements will include hands-on assignments in the production of theatre, dance, and music events. Students will work directly with equipment and materials, and are expected to be involved in work on productions and exhibitions outside of lecture and lab hours. Laboratory fee required. May be of particular interest to students in other areas and departments.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
John MacFarlane |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| D101 |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| D102 |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| D103 |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| D104 |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
An introduction to the management, and organization of the performing arts. This course will provide a grounding for students who wish to become further involved in the administration of the performing arts and may include practical experience outside of regular seminar hours. May be of particular interest to students in other areas and departments.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kimberley Plough |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| D101 |
Gary Harris |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
| D102 |
Gary Harris |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
Students having a basic familiarity with elements of production and design participate in an in-depth theoretical and practical exploration of stage management, staging, audio and lighting for theatre, dance and music production. Assignments will be conducted in class and through practicum work on productions. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: FPA 170.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Barry Hegland |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| D101 |
Barry Hegland |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
Students having a basic familiarity with elements of production and design participate in an in-depth theoretical and practical exploration of stage management, staging, audio and lighting or theatre, dance and music production. Students in this class will develop skills necessary to provide technical support for the School's productions. Assignments will be conducted in class and through practicum work on productions. Maybe of particular interest to students in other departments. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: FPA 171. Quantitative.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kimberley Plough |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| D101 |
Sessional |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
+ See advisor for course options.
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 33 units, including all of
Continued performance research in voice and speech training. Prerequisite: Corequisite: FPA 350.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lisa Beley |
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Tue, Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Vancouver |
Continued performance research in voice and speech training. Prerequisite: Co-requisite: FPA 351.
A conceptual approach to a selected body of dramatic work. The detailed structural analysis of dramatic texts, their historical context, their development and production histories. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the evolving relationship between theatre and its audience. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: 24 lower division units or prior approval. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
and an additional 20 units of upper division credit
No more than eight upper division units from outside FPA may be used toward the major.
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
| Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
| W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV within the student’s major subject | |
| Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division | |
| B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth | Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division 6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc 6 units Humanities: B-Hum 6 units Sciences: B-Sci |
|
6 |
Additional Breadth | 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements) Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
|
Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
The University’s residency requirement stipulates that, in most cases, total transfer and course challenge credit may not exceed 60 units, and may not include more than 15 as upper division work.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.