We offer a solid undergraduate education in drama and theatre, with faculty, staff and facilities that rival many graduate programs. At any one time almost 200 students are pursuing a drama degree; despite that, most drama students get to know each other and consider the U of L drama department a real community, cherishing the friendly and congenial atmosphere that exists among faculty, staff, and students. At the U of L opportunities abound, and the support provided by fellow students, faculty and staff enable each student to take the personal and creative risks necessary to advance in the art and craft of theatre.

Request for Drama Technical Support

Facilities

University Theatre, a fully equipped 450 seat proscenium theatre; David Spinks Theatre, a 225 seat multi-configurable black box; Drama Studio, a 195 seat performance lab; Drama Education Studio; numerous rehearsal rooms; Scene shop; Properties Shop; Costume Shop; Costume Lab; Lighting Lab; Recording Studio. (These are primary "teaching spaces" as well as performance/production venues. Learning at the U of L is hands-on, in working theatre spaces.)

Productions

Mainstage: (Three to four productions per year). During four years of study, students see and work on a wide range of historical periods, genres, and theatrical approaches.

TheatreXtra: (Three to four productions per year.) Students in TheatreXtra are responsible for all aspects of producing a play, from writing grant proposals and implementing their concepts right through to opening night and beyond.

Degree Options

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dramatic Arts)

The BFA (Dramatic Arts) is a four-year degree that provides vibrant and varied practical opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the world of theatre and drama. In the BFA (Dramatic Arts), students specialize in one of three streams: Performance, Technical/Design, or Theatre Studies.

In all BFA (Dramatic Arts) streams, students complete a core program of courses in theatre theory and history, performance, and technical theatre/design.
 

Performance: Students focus on core performance courses in acting, voice, and movement, with the opportunity to enhance their program with drama electives such as theatre for young audiences, improvisation, performance creation, dance, directing, and playwriting. In addition, students pursuing this stream earn portfolio course credit by participating in Department productions.

Technical/Design: Students are introduced to all areas of production and design including scenery, properties, costumes, makeup, lighting, sound and stage management through a combination of academic and production assignments. Students develop practical hands-on skills in a minimum of two technical areas, for example sets & lighting, through production assignments. Qualifying senior-level students may have the opportunity for major technical or design assignments on the Department mainstage productions.

Theatre Studies: Students pursue a program that contains broad coverage of drama topics, while allowing the flexibility to focus on an area of individual interest, such as performance creation, writing, or theatre theory. In addition, students pursuing this stream earn portfolio course credit by participating in Department productions.

Bachelor of Art (Dramatic Arts)

Students interested in a more general degree program may choose the BA with a major in Dramatic Arts. In the BA, students can choose courses from both the performance and technical/design streams and combine those with other areas of interest in a four-year degree.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Multidisciplinary)

This four-year program is designed for students whose interests in the fine arts include not only drama but also art and music. Students complete courses in all three fine arts disciplines which, in conjunction with electives, complement their educational pursuits in any number of fine arts related fields.

Five-Year Combined Degrees

Bachelor of Art (Dramatic Arts)/Bachelor of Education

The five-year, combined degrees BFA/BEd and BA/BEd provide aspiring teachers the ability to complete programs in both the dramatic arts and education faculties. Although both combined degree programs enable graduates to teach at all levels, the BFA/BEd is popular with those who wish to teach drama at the secondary level, while the BA/BEd is popular with prospective elementary school teachers.

Bachelor of Art (Dramatic Arts)/Bachelor of Management

Another five-year combined degree program, the BA/BMgt allows BA (Dramatic Arts) students to also complete a management degree. This combined program allows students to concentrate on a complete dramatic arts program while acquiring practical managerial skills such as marketing or finance.

Professional Connections

The U of L Department of Theatre and Dramatic Arts is always striving to ensure our students are exposed to professional theatre, and professionals in the theatre industry. Many of our Faculty and Staff are active in both the theatre and film industries. A required course for all BFA majors is Drama 3100: Theatre in Performance, where students regularly travel to Calgary to see professional productions.

Dynamic and Engaged Students

The U of L Department of Theatre and Dramatic Arts has several student organizations that program and sponsor activities including social events, student productions and intensive workshops with guest facilitators.

If you have questions or comments about the Faculty of Fine Arts website, please contact us.

Program Questions: finearts.admissions@uleth.ca

General Questions: finearts@uleth.ca .