Program Length
- 2 Years
Credential
- Diploma
Options
- Transfer Program
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
Train for a career in theatre and the performing arts
If you want a career in acting or any other entertainment industry job, VIU's Theatre Diploma has something for you. VIU is one of the only theatre programs in BC where you study in a working theatre. The Malaspina Theatre, a working venue and cultural hub, is one of your classrooms.
The Theatre department presents a season of plays and concerts and hosts professional touring theatre and dance companies, so you get to work alongside theatre professionals. And you can use the theatre for your own creative pursuits.
Why study theatre at VIU?
Many theatre programs require you to choose performing arts or theatre tech. At VIU, you can do both in one diploma. And you get a solid foundation in theatre history and theory.
In this program you have a busy schedule with multiple projects in different stages of production happening all at the same time. This prepares you for the work environment you can expect in the entertainment industry.
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Gain skills for a wide range of careers
Theatre production is the ultimate teamwork experience.
You'll finish this program with next-level teamwork, problem-solving and collaboration skills. These are skills that will help you thrive in any career.
Hands-on learning
Mainstage productions
Take part onstage and backstage in two large productions.
Studio shows and more
Experience all aspects of production working on small shows, video projects and a podcast.
Work experience
In second year you can apply for a resident tech or other work positions on and off campus.
What can I do with a Theatre Diploma?
The entertainment industry is one of the largest employers in Canada. Every venue of any kind needs people with the skills to run lights, sound and projections. And the skills you gain in this program gives you a solid foundation for a performing arts career.
With theatre training you can find work as:
- actor
- assistant stage managers
- lighting technician
- sound technician
- box office managers
- front-of-house manager
- lighting board operator
- scene painter
- props person
- costumer
- technical director
- theatre managers
You can find work in many places including:
- cruise ships
- festivals
- arts projects
- theatre
- conference center
- ballet
- opera
- film production
- rock concerts
- live events like Ted Talks
About the Theatre Diploma
The VIU theatre diploma gives you a practical introduction to the world of performing arts. You’ll work through a project from the script stage to the thrill of opening night, touching on all elements that go into a successful production. And you explore theatre theory and history.
What you'll learn in the VIU Theatre program
You will study dramatic works from early modern European origins to more recent Canadian productions. And you learn:
- how to translate plays from the written script to the stage
- basics of acting techniques including voice, movement and characterization
- the elements of set design
- theatre technology
- stagecraft
- sound design
- lighting design
- special effects
- costume design
- theatrical make-up
- safe practices around the stage
- stage management
- carpentry
- running crew
- front-of-house management
- production management
- technical direction
- publicity
Courses and Concentrations
Theatre Diploma Option
Program Outline
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| THEA 105 - (Fundamentals of Acting I) | 3 |
| THEA 106 - (Fundamentals of Acting II) | 3 |
| THEA 111 - (Intro to Theatre I) | 3 |
| THEA 112 - (Theatre History I) | 3 |
| THEA 150 - (Theatre Stagecraft I) | 3 |
| THEA 151 - (Theatre Stagecraft II) | 3 |
| Degree English Requirements | 6 |
| Two Electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Year 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| THEA 211 - (Theatre History I) | 3 |
| THEA 212 - (Theatre History III) | 3 |
| THEA 250 - (Intermediate Stagecraft I) and/or THEA 205 - (Intermediate Work in Acting I) | 3 or 6 |
| THEA 251 - (Intermediate Stagecraft II) and/or THEA 206 - (Intermediate Work in Acting II) | 3 or 6 |
| Two non-theatre electives | 6 |
| Electives (to make up a total of 30 credits) | 6 to 12 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
Technical Theatre Diploma Option
Program Outline
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| THEA 105 - (Fundamentals of Acting I) | 3 |
| THEA 106 - (Fundamentals of Acting II) | 3 |
| THEA 111 - (Intro to Theatre I) | 3 |
| THEA 112 - (Theatre History I) | 3 |
| THEA 150 - (Theatre Stagecraft I) | 3 |
| THEA 151 - (Theatre Stagecraft II) | 3 |
| Degree English Requirement | 6 |
| Two Electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Year 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| THEA 250 - (Intermediate Stagecraft I) | 3 |
| THEA 251 - (Intermediate Stagecraft II) | 3 |
| THEA 275 - (Theatre Safety) | 3 |
| One non-theatre elective | 3 |
| 12 | |
| Other Year 2 Theatre Course Options (18 credits required) | |
| Select six of the following courses: | |
| THEA 205 - (Intermediate Work in Acting I) THEA 211 - (Theatre History I) THEA 212 - (Theatre History III) THEA 290 - (Theatre Production I) THEA 291 - (Theatre Production II) THEA 292 - (Theatre Production III) THEA 293 - (Theatre Practicum I) THEA 294 - (Theatre Practicum II) THEA 295 - (Theatre Practicum III) | 18 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
Admission Information
- General admission requirements apply.
- Interview with the Theatre department.
- English 12 with minimum grade of “C” or equivalent.
Recommendations for Admission
Most students in the Theatre program have had some exposure to live theatre. An interview will be conducted for all students who wish to take the Theatre Diploma program. There are no auditions or portfolios required, but a keen interest in producing and participating in live theatrical events is expected.
Notes on Admission
- Students intending to transfer to another university should consult a VIU Advisor.
- Students must have a strong desire to work in theatre, since they have to work extremely long hours. The ability to work as a member of a team is also very important.
- Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $169.73 per credit) | 5,091.90 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 530.00 |
| Total | 6,480.74 |
* The above table is based on ten 3-credit courses taken over two semesters.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $815.77 per credit) | 24,473.10 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 530.00 |
| Total | 25,861.94 |
* The above table is based on ten 3-credit courses taken over two semesters.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Theatre Diploma Program has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Donna Kist Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Donna.Kist@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Leon Potter Email: Leon.Potter@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Annette Woolf Email: Annette.Woolf@viu.ca
Comments:
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Visit the department site
To learn more about studying theatre at VIU, including details about the Malaspina Theatre, visit the department site.