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 and faculty who are working professionals and leaders in their disciplines. You’ll develop important skills with a particular emphasis on classical actor-training and the ability to work in pre-modern styles as well as contemporary performance.
These skills may include:
- Creatively approaching story-telling using various acting styles, including Commedia dell’arte, Chekhov and Shakespeare
- Using a self-disciplined approach to learning lines and rehearsing
- Confident stage, screen, and vocal presence
- Integrating improvisation, scene study, movement, and voice in performances
- Screen acting, auditioning, solo creation, singing, voice-over, and stage combat
- Taking direction and collaborating with directors, crew, and other actors to convey characters and stories
- Evoking a reaction and connecting with the audience
- 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. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.
Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.
- Acting teacher
- Actor
- Announcer
- Artistic director
- Camera operator
- Casting director
- Community arts coordinator
- Critic
- Drama teacher
- Events coordinator
- Extra wrangler
- Festival organizer
- Film location manager
- Lighting designer
- Lighting technician
- Makeup/costume supervisor
- Media relations officer
- Playwright
- Production assistant
- Radio station manager
- Set designer
- Stage manager
- Stunt coordinator
- Stunt person
- Talent agent
- Technical director
- Television director/producer
- Theatre company manager
- Voice coach
- Voice-over actor
Make the most out of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand your values and interests.
- UBC Players Club
Connect with students, faculty, and community members through performance art of all kinds. - UBC student clubs
Check out additional student groups that organize events related to film and theatre. - Departmental performances and events
Attend UBC Theatre and Film productions and network with students, faculty, and community members. - Funding and awards
Find scholarship opportunities for Acting students. - Create Your ePortfolio
From projects and papers to travels and volunteer work, Arts ePortfolios help you collect, curate, and share your learning. - Cinephile, UBC’s Film Journal
Submit research papers, book reviews, and reports that engage and debate issues within film, media, and cultural studies. - Theatre and Film alumni
Reach out to UBC graduates for informational interviews to learn about their experiences and seek out advice. - Arts funding opportunities
Find grants from professional associations, corporations, non-profits, and government organizations. - BC Alliance for Arts and Culture job board
Search for job opportunities in BC across a variety of fields in the arts. - Vancouver theatres
Look for volunteer and job opportunities at theatre venues and companies, and festivals around the Lower Mainland. - Vancouver Actor’s Guide
Browse industry resources and local audition opportunities. - Actors Access
Get notified about projects and auditions in your area. - Casting Workbook
Set up your account and connect 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.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- 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 Touring Council
- British Columbia Arts Council
- Broadcast Film Critics 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
- Digi BC
- Directors Guild of Canada
- Film Studies Association of Canada
- First Peoples’ Cultural Council
- 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
- REEL Canada
- Telefilm Canada
- Union of BC Performers
- Women in Film and Television Vancouver
- WorkInCulture
- Writers Guild of Canada
Connect with alumni on LinkedIn
Find UBC Acting graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.
More information
From your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.