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. Read through the job titles below for ideas.
Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.
- 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.
- UBC film and theatre 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. - Cinephile, UBC’s Film Journal
Submit research papers, book reviews, and reports that engage and debate issues within film, media, and cultural studies. - UBC Players Club
Connect with students, faculty, and community members through performance art of all kinds. - 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. - Arts and culture in BC
Find local galleries, exhibitions, festivals and other events. - 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 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.
More information
Throughout 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.