Your degree in Theatre Studies

Skills you’ll develop

Studying Theatre Studies at UBC introduces you to a range of methods for analyzing theatre and performance. Some focus on close textual analysis, and examine form, style, and narrative. Others consider historical and sociological contexts, as well as theoretical frameworks and debates around major art movements. Together, these approaches shape a deeper understanding of theatre and performance as both art and cultural expression.

Through the Theatre Studies program, you’ll also explore performance across a range of media and in diverse contexts. This provides transferable knowledge and skills that extend beyond analyzing theatre and performance.

These skills may include:

• 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 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 to analyze theatre and performance projects

Career possibilities

Career opportunities 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.

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.

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 theatre and film clubs
  Meet other UBC students through events and programs.
• Departmental performances and events
  Attend UBC Theatre and Film productions and network with students, faculty, and community members.
• Departmental research opportunities
  Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
• Funding and awards
  Find scholarship opportunities for Theatre Studies students.
• Theatre Studies co-op success stories
  Learn about the experiences of past and present co-op students from your program and others.
• Arts funding opportunities
  Apply for 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
  Check out volunteer and job opportunities at theatre venues and companies, and festivals around the Lower Mainland.
• National Film Board of Canada
  Browse opportunities to direct or co-produce a documentary, animation, or interactive project.
• Visual Resources Centre
  Explore the collection of films, books, periodicals and videomatica.
• Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
  Develop new skills and gain practical knowledge in a heritage field over the summer.

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.

• 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

Connect with alumni

Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Theatre Studies 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.