Program Overview
The Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) is a cross-disciplinary degree offered by Douglas College and Capilano University. It prepares students for careers in the performing arts industry, including as artists, managers, administrators, and entrepreneurs. The program emphasizes collaboration, self-generation, and career planning, and includes courses in contemporary cultural practices, production planning, and interdisciplinary performance. Graduates may pursue careers in various fields within the performing arts, such as acting, choreography, music, and stage management.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) is a cross-disciplinary degree that emphasizes collaboration and self-generation, preparing students for careers as professional performing artists, arts managers, administrators, or cultural entrepreneurs. It is offered jointly by Douglas College and Capilano University.
Objectives:
The program aims to address the gap in performing arts education by equipping students with the skills and knowledge to create their own opportunities and launch self-directed careers.
Program Description:
The BPA program consists of three semesters and requires 33 credits. It includes courses in contemporary cultural practices, Canadian cultural policy, advanced production planning, interdisciplinary creation and collaboration, contemporary performance practices, strategic career planning, and interdisciplinary performance and production.
Outline:
Semester I
- BPAC 4000: Contemporary Cultural Practices (3 credits)
- BPAC 4001: Canadian Cultural Policy and the Performing Arts (3 credits)
- BPAC 4002: Advanced Production Planning I (3 credits)
- BPAC 4003: Studies in Interdisciplinary Creation and Collaboration (6 credits)
Semester II
- BPAC 4004: Contemporary Performance Practices (3 credits)
- BPAC 4005: Advanced Production Planning II (1.5 credits)
- BPAC 4006: Strategic Career Planning (1.5 credits)
- BPAC 4007: Interdisciplinary Performance and Production (12 credits)
Semester III
- BPAC 4007: Interdisciplinary Performance and Production (continued from Semester II)
Careers:
Potential career pathways for graduates of the BPA program include actor/performer, audio and lighting technician, choreographer, communications coordinator, costume or set designer, music composer/transcriber, musical performer/musician, playwright/screenwriter, recording studio operator, stagehand, and voice artist/announcer.
