Program Overview

Your Degree in Acting

The University of British Columbia offers a comprehensive program in Acting, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field.

Skills You'll Develop

While studying Acting, you'll take courses that are fully integrated with Theatre at UBC productions, and act in shows that are directed and coached by guest artists, graduate students, and faculty who are working professionals and leaders in their disciplines. You'll develop important skills with a particular emphasis on text-based actor-training and the ability to work across various historical and modern modes of performance.

These skills may include:

• Creatively approaching story-telling using various acting styles, such as Commedia dell’arte, screen acting, or Shakespeare
• Using a self-disciplined approach to analyzing and rehearsing scenes
• Confident vocal and physical presence on stage and screen
• Integrating improvisation, scene study, movement, and voice in performances
• Collaborating with directors, crew, and other actors to create characters, illuminate ideas and tell stories
• Strategically approaching your career development through intensive practice of performance and auditioning skills

Career Possibilities

Career opportunities vary across a range of fields including film, television, theatre, radio, community organizations, tourism, event management, public relations, arts administration, education, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Some career options may require further education or training.

Career options may include:

• Acting teacher
• Actor
• Announcer
• Artistic director
• Camera operator
• Casting director
• Community arts coordinator
• Critic
• Drama therapist
• Events coordinator
• Extra wrangler
• Festival organizer
• Film location manager
• Intimacy coordinator
• Lighting designer
• Lighting technician
• Makeup or costume supervisor
• Media relations officer
• Movement coach
• Performer
• Playwright
• Production assistant
• Radio station manager
• Script supervisor
• Set designer
• Stage manager
• Stunt coordinator
• Stunt person
• Talent agent
• Technical director
• Television director or producer
• Theatre company manager
• Voice coach
• Voice-over actor

Make the Most of Your Program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.

You can make the most of your program by:

• Checking out additional student groups that organize events related to film and theatre
• Attending UBC Theatre and Film productions and networking with students, faculty, and community members
• Finding scholarship opportunities for Acting students
• Submitting research papers, book reviews, and reports that engage and debate issues within film, media, and cultural studies
• Connecting with students, faculty, and community members through performance art of all kinds
• Reaching out to UBC graduates for informational interviews to learn about their experiences and seek out advice
• Finding grants from professional associations, corporations, non-profits, and government organizations
• Searching for job opportunities in BC across a variety of fields in the arts
• Looking for volunteer and job opportunities at theatre venues and companies, and festivals around the Lower Mainland
• Browsing industry resources and local audition opportunities
• Getting notified about projects and auditions in your area
• Finding local galleries, exhibitions, festivals and other events
• Setting up your account and connecting with professional production opportunities

Build Your Network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

You can also build your network by joining professional associations, such as:

• Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television
• Actors’ Fund of Canada
• Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists
• Arts BC
• Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
• BC Alliance for Arts and Culture
• BC Live Performance Network
• British Columbia Arts Council
• Critics Choice Association
• Canada Council for the Arts
• Canada Media Fund
• Canadian Actors’ Equity Association
• Canadian Film Centre
• Canadian Film Institute
• Canadian Media Producers Association
• Canadian Public Relations Society
• Casting Networks
• Cineworks
• Community Arts Council of Vancouver
• Creative BC
• Cultural Human Resources Council
• Directors Guild of Canada
• Film and Media Studies Association of Canada
• First Peoples’ Cultural Council
• Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver
• Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance
• International Association of Women in Radio and Television
• Motion Picture Association, Canada
• Motion Picture Production Industry Association of BC
• National Film Board of Canada
• National Screen Institute
• Professional Association of Canadian Theatres
• Queer Arts Festival
• REEL Canada
• Telefilm Canada
• Union of BC Performers
• Vancouver International Film Festival
• WorkInCulture
• Writers Guild of Canada

Connect with Alumni

Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Acting graduates on LinkedIn.

As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.