Program Overview
Introduction to the Theatre Studies Program
The Theatre Studies program at the University of British Columbia introduces students to a range of methods for analyzing theatre and performance. This program focuses on close textual analysis, examining form, style, and narrative, as well as historical and sociological contexts, theoretical frameworks, and debates around major art movements.
Skills Developed
Through the Theatre Studies program, students develop a variety of skills, including:
- Critically thinking about and exploring plays and performance works considering history, theory, techniques, and styles
- Analyzing and interpreting play forms, aesthetics, receptions, and policies reflecting cultural, social, and political perspectives
- Understanding of the function and value of art in society
- Persuasive, argumentative, and well-structured writing
- Compelling written communication that identifies similarities and differences across a variety of genres, practices, and traditions
- Applying theatre and performance theory to understand and communicate how performance impacts our perceptions of the world
- Conducting qualitative and quantitative research, collecting data, interpreting statistics, synthesizing facts, and presenting arguments
- Media literacy
- Public speaking and presentation skills
- Ability to work collaboratively
- Giving and receiving constructive criticism
- Intercultural fluency
- Using effective planning, time management, problem-solving, and leadership skills to produce or analyze theatre and performance projects
Career Possibilities
Career opportunities for Theatre Studies graduates vary widely across a range of fields, including theatre, film, television, radio, arts and cultural organizations, tourism, event management, marketing, and public relations, education, and others. Some potential career paths include:
- Administrator
- Archivist
- Artistic director
- Arts administrator
- Casting director
- Communications manager
- Content writer
- Cultural critic
- Curator
- Director
- Drama teacher
- Drama therapist
- Dramaturge
- Events coordinator
- Festival coordinator
- Fundraiser
- Grant writer
- School teacher
- Historian
- Intimacy coordinator
- Journalist
- Playwright
- Policy analyst
- Professor
- Producer
- Production assistant
- Publicist
- Stage manager
- Theatre critic
- Theatre director
- Tour manager
Making the Most of the Program
To maximize their experience, students can engage with various opportunities, such as:
- UBC theatre and film clubs
- Departmental performances and events
- Departmental research opportunities
- Funding and awards
- Theatre Studies co-op success stories
- Arts funding opportunities
- BC Alliance for Arts and Culture job board
- Vancouver theatres
- National Film Board of Canada
- Visual Resources Centre
- Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
Building Your Network
Students can build their professional network through:
- Clubs
- Classes
- Informational interviews
- Professional associations, such as:
- American Society for Theatre Research
- Arts BC
- Association for Asian Performance
- Association for Theatre in Higher Education
- Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
- BC Alliance for Arts and Culture
- British Columbia Arts Council
- Canada Council for the Arts
- Canadian Association for Theatre Research
- Canadian Media Producers Association
- Canadian Public Relations Society
- Community Arts Council of Vancouver
- Creative BC
- Directors Guild of Canada
- Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance
- GEMS Vancouver
- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 118
- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 891
- International Federation for Theatre Research
- Performance Studies International
- Playwrights Theatre Centre
- Professional Association of Canadian Theatres
- WorkInCulture
- Writers Guild of Canada
Connecting with Alumni
Students can learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Theatre Studies graduates on professional networking platforms. This can help identify interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences to explore further.