Theatre Studies University of British Columbia

Overview

The Theatre Studies programme at the University of British Columbia offers a comprehensive exploration of theatrical performance through diverse analytical methodologies. Students engage with the art form by examining its literary, historical, and sociological contexts while developing a deep understanding of performance as a global social function.

Why Theatre Studies at University of British Columbia?

Students benefit from an interdisciplinary environment that integrates theatre with fields such as cinema studies and art history. The university provides exceptional facilities, including the 400-seat Frederic Wood Theatre and the Dorothy Somerset Theatre, a flexible black box studio. The department has a fifty-year history of producing innovative artists and scholars, fostering a vibrant community through regular social events, screenings, and live productions.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 49548 per year
• National fee: CAD 6079 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum begins with foundational studies in acting and technical production before moving into advanced dramaturgy and history. Modules may include:

• Theatre
• Stage Acting
• Technical Production
• Drama: Forms and Ideas
• Play-Interpretation and Production-Analysis
• History of Theatre
• Theory of Drama Performance
• History and Theory of Directing
• Dramaturgy

Careers with Theatre Studies

Graduates are prepared for a broad spectrum of professional roles within the global arts and culture sector. Many alumni pursue careers as directors, playwrights, dramaturges, or producers. The programme also provides a strong foundation for roles in arts administration, front-of-house management, and curation. Additionally, students often transition into education as high school drama teachers or progress into academic roles as university professors and researchers. The transferable skills in critical thinking and communication also support freelance theatre practice and cultural management.