Theatre
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA, BFA
Full-Time, Part-Time
Yes
No
Yes
York's Theatre programs immerse students in all aspects of theatre, fostering the ability to specialize or to assume a wide range of roles and apply various approaches to performance. Through their creative and scholarly practice, students learn to constantly reassess the meaning of their work in the context of our ever-changing society, and to develop the critical thinking to understand and make a contribution to the world around them.
Program Structure
All Theatre students share a common first foundation year, in which they take courses across the various fields of theatre and performance. At the end of forst year students branch into one of four streams based on their interests and goals.*
Throughout the programs, students work together as actors and as members of creative and production teams in the department's many productions.
Streams
Acting Conservatory
With intensive studies in acting, movement and voice, the Acting Conservatory takes students deep into scene study, script analysis and character development. Upper year Conservatory members are cast in Theatre @ York's mainstage shows, featuring classic and contemporary masterpieces from Canada and around the world, chosen to address some of the big cultural and politacal debates facing society.
Performance Creation
This BFA degree stream places emphasis on studio coursework, such as Stagecraft, Devised Theatre, Scene Study and Directing. In keeping with the broader scope of Performance Creation work, this degree prepares students to move fluidly across artistic disciplines and to assume a range of roles in collaborative performance settings. This degree is ideal for students who want to produce sophisticated, meaningful performance work that engages with larger issues of social justice and sustainability.
Production and Design
Combining hands-on technical skills with creative aspects of theatre as storytelling, this program engages students in all elements of theatrical design and stage production. Courses in sound, lighting, scenery and costume design and construction are complimented by studies in technical direction and management.
Theatre Studies
This BA program focuses on studies in dramatic and performance theory, cristicism and history, and in theatre education. Students may choose to specialize in Playwriting and New Play Dramaturgy learning to write for the stage, or Devised Theatre focusing on collaborative creation of original works, incorporating all elements of playmaking, design and management to performance.
*Admission to some streams is by audition or interview.
Performances and Festivals
The Department of Theatre mounts an annual season of public events showcasing student work. Almost every aspect of Theatre @ York productions is imagined and realized by students under the mentorship of faculty and guest artists. Student-authored works are presented in the playGround Festival, site-specific Ashley Plays, Devised Theatre Festival and the playwrights' class, Telling Tales out of School. The Scenes by Design exhibition features work by production and design students.
Featured Facilities:
- Numerous acting/rehearsal studios
- Lighting lab and carpentry shop
- Drafting and design studios
- Scene shop
- Wardrobe production shop and fitting rooms
- Extensive costume collection
- 120-seat Joseph G. Green Studio Theatre
- 600-seat thrust stage
- 325-seat Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre
Sample Schedule (First-year)
- Introduction to Acting
- Introduction to Stagecraft
- Introduction to Theatre and Performance Studies
Possible Career Paths
Explore what you can do with your degree- performer
- artistic director
- technical director
- stage designer
- playwright
- producer
- casting director
- production manager
- scenic artist
- dramaturg
- costume designer
- voice coach
- stage manager
I am a high-school student
I have completed at least one year of full-time study at college or university
I have been away from high-school for at least two years
I have never studied in a formal academic high-school environment
Returning / Reactivating student (previously York)
Visiting Students
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
Baccalauréat Français
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the Baccalauréat Général. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, the Baccalauréat Général with a minimum overall score of 14 is required.To gain admission to this program, the Baccalauréat Général with a minimum overall score of 14 is required.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the Baccalauréat Général. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, the Baccalauréat Général with a minimum overall score of 14 is required.To gain admission to this program, the Baccalauréat Général with a minimum overall score of 14 is required.
Bachillerato
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
- Some programs require a higher GPA.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
- Some programs require a higher GPA.
CAPE
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- A minimum overall average of 3 out of 7 is required. Higher grades required for certain programs.
- CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- A minimum overall average of 3 out of 7 is required. Higher grades required for certain programs.
- CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
Chinese High School
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the final year of Senior 3/Grade 12 level of study with a minimum overall average of 85% on all academic courses.To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the final year of Senior 3/Grade 12 level of study with a minimum overall average of 85% on all academic courses.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the final year of Senior 3/Grade 12 level of study with a minimum overall average of 85% on all academic courses.To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the final year of Senior 3/Grade 12 level of study with a minimum overall average of 85% on all academic courses.
Turkish High School
- Some programs require higher. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 4.0 or 70%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To be considered for this program, minimum 4.5 or 80% average is required in the final year of senior studies.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 4.5 or 80% average in the final year of senior studies.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To be considered for this program, minimum 4.5 or 80% average is required in the final year of senior studies.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 4.5 or 80% average in the final year of senior studies.
GCE
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum average of B is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of B.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum average of B is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of B.
Hong Kong
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the Twelfth Year of senior studies with a minimum overall average of 4.5/5.0 required.To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the Twelfth Year of senior studies with a minimum overall average of 4.5/5.0 required.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the Twelfth Year of senior studies with a minimum overall average of 4.5/5.0 required.To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the Twelfth Year of senior studies with a minimum overall average of 4.5/5.0 required.
International Baccalaureat
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level
- Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum IB diploma point scores of 30 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum IB diploma point scores of 30.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level
- Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum IB diploma point scores of 30 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum IB diploma point scores of 30.
Indian High School
- Some programs require a higher average. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 55%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
- Indian School Certificate (ISC)
- Intermediate Examination Certificate
- Pre-University Examination Certificate
To be considered for this program, minimum 70 average in XII is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 70 average in XII.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
- Indian School Certificate (ISC)
- Intermediate Examination Certificate
- Pre-University Examination Certificate
To be considered for this program, minimum 70 average in XII is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 70 average in XII.
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
OUAC code YJ
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
OUAC code YJ
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
To be considered a mature student, you must:
Be at least 20 years old by the end of the calendar year of admission to the University
Have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years or have returned to upgrade after a two year absence
Have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited university or college
Have demonstrated potential for success through academic, professional or volunteer activities and other accomplishments
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
To be considered a mature student, you must:
Be at least 20 years old by the end of the calendar year of admission to the University
Have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years or have returned to upgrade after a two year absence
Have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited university or college
Have demonstrated potential for success through academic, professional or volunteer activities and other accomplishments
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
Tawjihyah
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
United States High School (including AP exams)
- SATs/ACTs are considered in combination with high school grades.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To be considered for this program, minimum A- (3.7) GPA on Grade 11 and 12 academic courses is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum A- (3.7) GPA on Grade 11 and 12 academic courses.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
- AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To be considered for this program, minimum A- (3.7) GPA on Grade 11 and 12 academic courses is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum A- (3.7) GPA on Grade 11 and 12 academic courses.
West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO)
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To be considered for this program, minimum WAEC and/or NECO average of B2 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 4.5 or 80% average in the final year of senior studies.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To be considered for this program, minimum WAEC and/or NECO average of B2 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 4.5 or 80% average in the final year of senior studies.
BASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
BFASchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75.
You are required to provide official evidence of academic achievement in secondary education. This can be demonstrated through:
- Final grades under the Ontario curriculum (obtained through correspondence, night school or through TVO)
- Credentials through other curricula, such as results from Advanced Placement (AP) or Advanced-level courses in the General Certificate of Education (GCE). (Students may register to sit for the AP and GCE examinations as private candidates.)
In the absence of final grades in courses:
- You must submit the results of standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) with a minimum combined total of 1170 on the Critical Reading and Math components or a composite American College Testing (ACT) score of 24.
- Your application will be reviewed by an admissions sub-committee. If admitted, you will not be eligible for entrance scholarships. You will be considered for continuing student scholarships at the end of your first year of study, if you satisfy those criteria.
You may also be required to provide proof of language proficiency. You will be considered for entrance scholarships on the basis of your overall averages in the six 4U/4M (Ontario curriculum) or equivalent courses.