Skills you’ll develop
While studying Theatre Studies, you’ll develop important skills while participating in departmental productions and taking coursework that combines theatre studies, acting, design, and production.
These skills may include:
- Theoretical analysis of stage productions, drawing upon knowledge of theatrical history, contemporary culture, dramaturgy, and methods of theatre practice
- Examining sets, costumes, lighting, and sound design while collaborating on Theatre at UBC productions
- Articulating the principles and history of the optical, distribution, and control systems in stage lighting
- Managing the stage and production elements of student projects including design, craftsmanship, technical direction, art direction, and others
- Taking direction and collaborating with directors, crew, and other actors to convey characters and stories
- Integrating improvisation, scene study, movement, and voice in performances
- Receiving constructive feedback, reflecting, and implementing new ideas in order to elevate productions
- Attending to detail expressed throughout the design, planning, organization, and implementation of 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. 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
- Artistic director
- Arts administrator
- Casting director
- Director
- Drama teacher
- Drama therapist
- Dramaturge
- Events coordinator
- Journalist
- Playwright
- Producer
- Production assistant
- Publicist
- Stage manager
- Theatre critic
- Theatre director
- Tour manager
Make the most of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand 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. - Cinephile, UBC’s Film Journal
Submit research papers, book reviews, and reports that engage debates appropriate to 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
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. - 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.
- Actsafe Safety Association
- Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists
- Arts BC
- Associated Designers of Canada
- Association of Canadian Film Craftspeople, Local 2020
- Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
- BC Alliance for Arts and Culture
- British Columbia Arts Council
- Canada Council for the Arts
- Canadian Media Producers Association
- Canadian Public Relations Society
- Community Arts Council of Vancouver
- Creative BC
- Directors Guild of Canada
- Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance
- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 118
- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 891
- International Cinematographers Guild: Local 669
- Motion Picture Association, Canada
- Motion Picture Production Industry Association of BC
- National Film Board of Canada
- National Screen Institute
- Playwrights Theatre Centre
- Professional Association of Canadian Theatres
- REEL Canada
- Telefilm Canada
- Women in Film and Television Vancouver
- WorkInCulture
- Writers Guild of Canada
Connect with alumni on LinkedIn
Find UBC Theatre Studies 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.