Theatre (Production and Design Stream) Honours
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 CA 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
Students complete 132 units, as specified below.
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 42 units including:
Three 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 have taken CA (or FPA) 184 cannot take CA (or FPA) 149 for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 149 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Stefan Smulovitz |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Thu, 5:30–8:20 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. Students with credit for FPA 186 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Joseph Clark |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, 6:30–8:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
E101 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
E102 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
E103 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
E104 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
E105 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
E106 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
E107 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
E108 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Wed, 6:30–7:20 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 CA (or FPA) 122, 130, 145, 150, 160, 170. Students with credit for FPA 285 may not take this course for further credit.
Plus one additional CA history course outside their major.
and all of:
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. Students with credit for FPA 150 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
||
Alexander Ferguson |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
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. Students with credit for FPA 170 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
||
D101 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
D102 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
D103 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
D104 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
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. Students with credit for FPA 171 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Kimberley Plough |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
D101 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
D102 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
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. Students with credit for FPA 257W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Fri, 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 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: CA (or FPA) 170.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
||
D101 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
Students having a basic familiarity with elements of production and design participate in an in-depth theoretical and practical exploration of stage and production management for 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: CA (or FPA) 171. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
||
D101 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
and one of:
A studio course devoted to the development of movement skills through specific styles of dance. The content of the course changes every semester including techniques in Bhangra, Afro-Caribbian, Hip Hop and Contemporary. May repeat for credit. May be of particular interest to students in other departments.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, Thu, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
||
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, Thu, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
||
Kimberly Sato |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, Wed, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
Selected dance improvisational skills will be explored in a variety of solo, duet, small group and large group forms through structured movement themes. Emphasis will be on sensory awareness, elements of movement, and composition. Recommended: dance or theatre experience. Students with credit for FPA 124 may not take this course for further credit.
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. Students with credit for FPA 129 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
||
Su-Feh Lee |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
and one of:
A hands-on studio course modeled on the progressive development of artistic practice from simple mark-making to full scale installation. Through a process of continuous transformation, an original idea is developed in a sequence of methods, materials and scales. Some research is required. A course materials fee is required. Students with credit for FPA 160 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
||
Scott Bowering |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
A continuation of the work begun in CA (or FPA) 160, with emphasis on particular problems in the visual arts worked through a series of projects, culminating in the Campus Project, a site-specific public work designed, built and installed at the end of the term. Some research is required. A course materials fee is required. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 160. Students with credit for FPA 161 may not take this course for further credit.
+ See advisor for course options.
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 51 units, including all of
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. Students with credit for FPA 357W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
Provides students with training and an historical and contemporary context for their related practicum roles as production heads and stage management and design personnel. Issues will be drawn from the School's current production season and from national and international forums in related fields. Assignments will be conducted in class and through practicum work on productions. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 270 and 271 or prior approval.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
Provides students with training and an historical and contemporary context for their related practicum roles as production heads and stage management and design personnel. Issues will be drawn from the School's current production season and from national and international forums in related fields. Assignments will be conducted in class and through practicum work on productions. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 270 and 271 or prior approval.
Explores contemporary stage lighting for theatre, dance and opera. Participants will review the principles of theatrical lighting instruments and control systems and will experiment with the components of lighting design in a variety of studio projects. This course will require a practicum in an actual performance. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 270 or prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 374 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
||
D101 |
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Thu, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
Explores the numerous complex processes and practices needed to create two and three dimensional designs for stage and performance. Students will engage in a series of creative projects, research, analysis and presentations to enable them to develop and realize their design solutions. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 270 or prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 375 may not take this course for further credit.
and nine units from below
A specific topic or set of ideas will form the basis for choreographic exploration. Students will create one or more works and participate in research and critical analysis, depending on the particular topic in a given term. Prerequisite: 40 units in CA (or FPA) courses. Students with credit for FPA 325 may not take this course for further credit.
Continues the development of playmaking research through intensive studio work consisting of the deconstruction or adaptation of a major dramatic text. Provides the basis for a public presentation in the subsequent term. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 251.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
Black Box Theatre. Students continue playmaking research through the creation of an ensemble season in a series of public presentations. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Second year standing in a studio discipline and prior approval from the instructor.
A course in public performance, with the option of focusing on other advanced studio skills. Integrates and implements the techniques acquired in the earlier studios. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Prior approval or audition.
A course in the fundamentals of directing leading either to public performance of a student directed project, or to a public performance with a professional director. Integrates and implements the techniques acquired in the earlier studios. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 150, and prior approval.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
An analytical approach to a selected body of dramatic work. Course content includes an intensive consideration of practical dramatic techniques such as story structure and dramaturgy. May be repeated for credit if course content is different. Prerequisite: 45 units and prior approval from the instructor. Students with credit for FPA 457 may not take this course for further credit.
Provides senior students with training and an historical and contemporary context for their related practicum roles as production heads and stage management and design personnel. Issues will be drawn from the School's current production season and from national and international forums in related fields. Assignments will be conducted in class and through practicum work on productions. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 370 or 371 and prior approval.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
Provides senior students with training and an historical and contemporary context for their related practicum roles as production heads and stage management and design personnel. Issues will be drawn from the School's current production season and from national and international forums in related fields. Assignments will be conducted in class and through practicum work on productions. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 370 or 371 and prior approval.
A studio course focusing on creative collaborations between artists of different disciplines. The emphasis is on the creation, analysis and critique of new compositions created in collaboration between senior students in dance, film, music, theatre and visual art. Prerequisite: One CA (or FPA) studio course at the upper level, a CGPA of 3.0 and an overall average of 3.5 in CA (or FPA) courses. Students with credit for FPA 485 may not take this course for further credit.
This course permits students to explore the relationships among the arts by undertaking creative projects involving more than one art form. Students will work under the close supervision of one or more faculty and will be required to discuss their work on a regular basis with others involved in the course. This course can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 45 CA (or FPA) units.
and an additional 32 units of upper division credit.
A maximum of 8 upper division units may come from outside CA (placement courses is based on prerequisites and/or permission of the instructor).
+ may not be completed than once for credit
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 Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements 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
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.