Theatre Arts Major, Bachelor of Arts

Program Overview

Thompson Rivers University's Theatre Arts program is a four-year curriculum that develops students' skills in acting, directing, technical theatre, and design. Through hands-on experience in major productions and instruction from industry professionals, graduates are equipped for a range of careers in theatre and related fields. The program fosters creativity, collaboration, and discipline, and students learn a wide range of techniques, including voice, movement, and stage combat.

Program Outline

The program aims to develop students' skills in acting, directing, technical theatre, and design. Students will learn from accomplished industry professionals and gain hands-on experience through participation in major productions staged by the department.

Objectives:

The program's objectives include:

• Developing students' skills in acting, directing, technical theatre, and design.
• Providing students with a strong foundation in theatre history, theory, and criticism.
• Equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in theatre or related fields.
• Fostering students' creativity, collaboration, and discipline.

Description:

The program offers a full range of university-level theatre arts courses, covering a variety of genres and styles. Students will have the opportunity to hone their skills in production, design, and acting through comedies, tragedies, serious scripts, and fun monologues. The program also includes courses in theatre history, theory, and criticism.

Teaching:

• Students learn from accomplished industry professionals.
• The program emphasizes hands-on training.
• Students gain experience through participation in major productions.

Careers:

Graduates of the Theatre Arts Major, Bachelor of Arts program are prepared for a variety of careers in theatre and related fields, including:

• Actor
• Announcer
• Art Director
• Production Assistant
• Director
• Stage Manager
• Technical Director
• Set Designer
• Costume Designer
• Lighting Technician
• Sound Designer
• Scenic Artist
• Special Effects Technician
• Rigger
• Casting Director
• Editor
• Playwright
• Production Carpenter/Woodworker
• Interviewer
• TV/Radio Reporter, Host or Personality
• Extra
• Voice Over Artist
• Comedian
• Stunt person
• Audio-Visual Technician
Graduates can also pursue careers in education, teaching theatre at elementary, high school, and college levels.

Other:

• The program has been offered for over 25 years.
• Students can acquire credit through participation and performance in major productions.
• The program is a training ground for students to thrive in the many facets of modern theatre and live performance.
• The program is a supportive community where students can engage with other creative artists and passionate performers.
• Students will learn how to present character portrayals from contemporary and historical theatre.
• Students will explore a wide range of acting techniques.
• Students will train in voice, movement, improvisation, stage combat (including sword-fighting), dance, and acting for live audiences.
• Students will become both an actor and creator who can contribute to an artistic production on several levels.
• The program is open to international applicants.