¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

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Theatre (Performance Stream) Major

Bachelor of Fine Arts

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

After a student has declared a major in Contemporary Arts, he or she will need to maintain their BFA Program GPA (FPA) at a minimum of 3.0. Maintenance of the BFA Program GPA level will be evaluated at the end of the 1st and 2nd academic years, normally at the end of the Spring Semester. A student who falls below a BFA Program GPA of 3.0 will lose their status as major, and meet with the SCA Advisor. If the student has finished first year, they will normally have one year to increase the BFA Program GPA to 3.0 or above in order to re-establish the major. If the student has finished second year, they will need to meet with the Area Coordinator and the Advisor to determine

  1. if the BFA Program GPA can be raised and the major can be re-established and 
  2. plan their academic career for either re-establishing the major, or pursuing a SCA Extended Minor, and the FCAT BA Double Minor.

Performance Stream

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete a minimum of 43 units including:

Four core courses below:

FPA 186 - Art and the Moving Image (3)

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.

FPA 285 - Interdisciplinary Studio - Composition/Collaboration (3)

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
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver

Plus one additional FPA history course outside their major.

and all of

FPA 129 - Movement Fundamentals (3)

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.

FPA 150 - Introduction to Acting I (3)

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
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
FPA 250 - Acting I (3)

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.

FPA 251 - Acting II (3)

Continues and expands upon the work undertaken in Acting I. Prerequisite: FPA 250. Corequisite: FPA 255.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, Wed, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
FPA 252 - Playmaking I (3)

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
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
FPA 253 - Playmaking II (3)

Expands the work undertaken in Playmaking I emphasizing writing skills and story structure. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: FPA 150 and prior approval.

FPA 254 - Theatre Laboratory I (2)

The first of four performance research courses in voice and speech training. Prerequisite: Corequisite: FPA 250 and 129.

FPA 255 - Theatre Laboratory II (3)

Continued performance research in voice and speech training, as well as research in movement. Prerequisite: Corequisite: FPA 251.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Vancouver
Vancouver
FPA 257W - Context of Theatre I (3)

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.

and two of

FPA 170 - Introduction to Production Technology (3)

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
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
FPA 171 - Introduction to Stage and Production Management (3)

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
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
FPA 270 - Production Ensemble I (6)

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
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
FPA 271 - Production Ensemble II (6)

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
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 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

FPA 350 - Acting III (3)

Continues and expands work undertaken in FPA 250 and 251, with an increased emphasis on work with established texts. Prerequisite: FPA 251 and 255. Corequisite: FPA 354.

FPA 351 - Acting IV (3)

Continues and expands on the work undertaken in Acting III. Prerequisite: FPA 350. Corequisite: FPA 355.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Ker Wells
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
FPA 354 - Theatre Laboratory III (2)

Continued performance research in voice and speech training. Prerequisite: Corequisite: FPA 350.

FPA 355 - Theatre Laboratory IV (2)

Continued performance research in voice and speech training. Prerequisite: Co-requisite: FPA 351.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Vancouver
FPA 357W - Context of Theatre II (3)

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.

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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.