Theatre

In this program you’ll learn about all aspects of theatre. UVic theatre students are involved on stage and behind the scenes in the Phoenix Theatre mainstage season.

Potential careers

What can you do with a theatre degree? Here are a few jobs and fields that relate to the program:

actor
voice actor or announcer
production coordination
director
playwright
set designer
costume designer
stage manager
communications coordinator
teacher or instructor
arts administration
student services
producer
corporate trainer
entrepreneur

Some of these roles may require post-graduate studies or training.

Find a career that fits you

Explore your career options at an appointment with a career educator.
Attend career development workshops as you search for work.
Take part in the Career Clarity program to generate career ideas and plan your next steps.

Experience & connections

Opportunities in the theatre program

With the Co-op Program you can alternate study with paid work.

Opportunities outside your program

With a work study position you can develop skills during your study term.
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while you build skills.

Networks you can connect to

Here are a few professional associations related to theatre:

Hands-on learning opportunities

These courses in the theatre program offer extensive hands-on learning.

Co-op

Co-op work terms
Alternate academic study with paid work terms to gain workplace experience

Creative or design project

Creative performance or exhibit

THEA 305 - Advanced Production and Management
THEA 405 - Specialized Studies in Production and Management
Production assignments in support of department productions

THEA 329 - Theatre Performance
THEA 429 - Theatre Performance
Perform in department productions (audition required)

Creative or physical project

THEA 105 - Introduction to Stagecraft and Technical Practice
Introductory production course in set and costume construction and lighting

THEA 205 - Introduction to Production and Management Areas of the Theatre
Complete a practical assignment for a mainstage production

THEA 348 - Lighting for the Theatre I
THEA 349 - Lighting for the Theatre II
Study and apply elements of design in a studio environment

Course-based

THEA 338 - The Broadway Producer
Create investment documents for a simulated Broadway production

THEA 347 - Theatre History IV
Do a research project related to theatre history using primary source materials

Field experience

THEA 235A - Theatre for Community Building
THEA 235B - Drama in Education
THEA 335A - Theatre in Education
THEA 335B - Socially Engaged Theatre
THEA 435 - Advanced Practices in Applied Theatre
Engage with community groups and combine theory and practical work

Work experience

Work experience terms
Take part in a modified co-op program requiring one or two work experiences

These courses are not always offered as described.

What you'll learn

Every student at UVic builds skills all employers look for. At UVic Co-op & Career we call these "competencies". This is what you’ll learn in the theatre program.

Theatre practice

perform in the theatre
understand stagecraft and technical practice
understand the history and language of the theatre
understand the art of acting and the actor’s creative process
understand the principles of play reading, textual analysis and sound research
appreciate the unique capability of theatre to synthesize different art forms
understand theatre within cultural, social and political contexts
value the contributions of actor, designer, director, playwright and production personnel
value aesthetic, artistic and creative approaches unique to the theatre
be aware of the diversity and global dispersion of contemporary varieties of English

Acting

apply characterization to different genres, styles and periods
speak on stage in different genres, styles and periods
use basic movement vocabulary for the stage
understand the technique of improvisation in stage movement

Applied theatre

use theatre for social change and community building
apply theatre to teaching
apply theatre for cultural, recreational and community planning
take theatre to non-traditional venues such as museums or healing and health agencies
explore improvisation and collective creation

Design

understand the history, theory and practice of theatrical design
apply design techniques and principles and use a graphic vocabulary
conceptualize visually
apply the theory and practice of lighting design
use computer-assisted design in lighting
create three-dimensional design communication and model-making for scenic design
create costumes taking into account material and construction principles
examine all aspects of a design focusing on the actor in the space

Directing

understand the social, political and artistic histories of world cultures
direct stage productions in three forms: thrust, proscenium and studio

Production and management

oversee scenic construction, wardrobe, lighting, sound and stage management
manage theatrical properties
manage audience services, marketing and communications

Theatre history

explore the forms, conventions and styles of theatre in different eras
compare theatrical traditions from one era with those of another
use advanced library research methods

What's next?

To explore more visit the theatre site. For degree planning contact your adviser for help.