Acting for the Theatre (BFA)

Train to become a versatile actor with a rich diversity of skills, ready to take on a wide range of roles and theatrical styles.

Begin by acquiring core acting skills such as text interpretation (scene and monologue work), movement, voice and presence, characterization, and ensemble work. At the same time, grow into a well-rounded theatre artist by studying dramaturgy/script analysis, collaborative methods, theatre history and theory, and scenographic design fundamentals.

As you move through the program, explore more advanced techniques and specialty skills, such as stage combat, theatrical Biomechanics, Viewpoints, singing, dialects, audition and camera, among others. Progress from acting styles rooted in psychological realism to range-expanding techniques based in psychophysical and non-realistic approaches. Apply your growing skillset by performing in productions of plays by great contemporary playwrights and iconic writers from the past. You’ll also have opportunities to create and perform original work.

Throughout your degree, gain exposure to the professional theatre scene in Montreal and beyond. You may do a supervised internship with an organization such as the Segal Centre, the Centaur Theatre, Geordie Theatre, and Bread and Puppet Theater. You may also have the chance to participate in an international exchange program or field schools; recent opportunities have included programs in Chinese opera in Beijing, and post-dramatic theatre in Germany.

By the end of the program, you’ll emerge with a clear sense of your own theatrical identity. You’ll know what kind of work you want to do and what kind of stories you’re inspired to tell, and you’ll have the confidence, abilities, and artistic daring to step into a professional career.

A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.

Program option

• Specialization in Acting for the Theatre (60 credits)

Acting for the Theatre students begin by taking core theatre courses with all theatre students. As you progress and your skill base grows, you will take classes in specialty performance areas and advanced techniques.

You may also choose from courses that cover all practical aspects of theatre, including stage management, production, and dramaturgy.

As a Concordia Acting for the Theatre graduate, you’ll be joining an extensive, proud network of our alumni, many of whom have gone on to work with exciting theatre companies in Canada and around the world, and in film, television, and web series.

The program provides an excellent basis for advanced studies at the graduate level. Many of our students have been accepted (and, in several cases, received scholarships) into Master’s programs in acting at such notable institutions as New York University, University of Southern California, University of Washington, Naropa University, University of Iowa, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, among others.

The program encourages the development of autonomous thinkers and theatre-makers, with the ability to create their own work, and many students go on to form their own theatre companies. Many of Montreal’s English language theatre companies are helmed by Concordia alumni. Our graduates possess an excellent foundation for any career – in theatre or beyond – in which presence, confidence, communication, and collaboration are integral. For example: