- Program Length2 Years
- CredentialDiploma
Do you dream of a creative career in the theatre arts? Join VIU’s Theatre transfer program to prepare for a future that could take you on stage, onscreen, behind-the-scenes, and into the spotlight.
Led by expert, passionate and deeply experienced faculty, Vancouver Island University’s Theatre diploma program prepares you for a wide range of career opportunities in the performing arts. Academic study covers the theory and history behind theatre, while you also develop strong artistic, critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills in a highly innovative, collaborative and welcoming environment.
Join your classmates on stage at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre for public performances designed to develop and showcase your talents and skills. Theatre programs are for those who love the idea of working in highly creative careers, where imagination, individuality and diversity are celebrated.
The Theatre Diploma Program
The Theatre department offers a two-year Theatre Diploma and a two-year Technical Theatre Diploma. To obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre, students will have to attend a university offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. The University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, and almost all Canadian universities will accept VIU’s two-year programs as university transfer. Theatre Diploma students share a common first year. After completing the first year, students continue in either the Theatre Diploma or the Technical Theatre Diploma.
The Theatre diploma program will expose students to a range of practical elements associated with theatre production, as well as the academic study of theory and theatre history. Students will learn how to translate plays from the written script to the stage; the basics of acting techniques including voice, movement, and characterization; and the elements of set design, stagecraft, sound design, lighting design, and costume design. Students will study dramatic works from early modern European origins to more recent Canadian productions. Students will also learn safe practices around the stage. This program is open to full-time students only. Upon successful completion of program requirements, students will be awarded a Theatre Diploma.
The Technical Theatre diploma program emphasizes the technical aspects of theatre to help fill the growing need across Canada for trained theatre technicians. Hands-on experience is fundamental to the program, and students will be learning the skills of technical theatre by working behind the scenes on a wide variety of shows. Students will be able to take theoretical and practical courses that explore topics such as props, costumes, sound, stage management, carpentry, running crew, front-of-house management, production management, technical direction, publicity, theatrical make-up, scene painting, special effects, and lighting. This program is open to full-time students only. Upon successful completion of program requirements, students will be awarded a Technical Theatre Diploma.
During each academic year, the Theatre department presents a season of plays and concerts and hosts professional touring theatre and dance companies, allowing students to work alongside theatre professionals.
Theatre Diploma Option
Program Outline
|
Year 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
THEA 105 - (Fundamentals of Acting I) |
3 |
|
THEA 106 - (Fundamentals of Acting II) |
3 |
|
THEA 111 - (Intro to Theatre I) |
3 |
|
THEA 112 - (Theatre History I) |
3 |
|
THEA 150 - (Theatre Stagecraft I) |
3 |
|
THEA 151 - (Theatre Stagecraft II) |
3 |
|
6 |
|
|
Two Electives |
6 |
|
Total Credits |
30 |
|
Year 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
THEA 211 - (Theatre History I) |
3 |
|
THEA 212 - (Theatre History III) |
3 |
|
THEA 250 - (Intermediate Stagecraft I) and/or |
3 or 6 |
|
THEA 251 - (Intermediate Stagecraft II) and/or |
3 or 6 |
|
Two non-theatre electives |
6 |
|
Electives (to make up a total of 30 credits) |
6 to 12 |
|
Total Credits |
30 |
Technical Theatre Diploma Option
Program Outline
|
Year 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
THEA 105 - (Fundamentals of Acting I) |
3 |
|
THEA 106 - (Fundamentals of Acting II) |
3 |
|
THEA 111 - (Intro to Theatre I) |
3 |
|
THEA 112 - (Theatre History I) |
3 |
|
THEA 150 - (Theatre Stagecraft I) |
3 |
|
THEA 151 - (Theatre Stagecraft II) |
3 |
|
6 |
|
|
Two Electives |
6 |
|
Total Credits |
30 |
|
Year 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
THEA 250 - (Intermediate Stagecraft I) |
3 |
|
THEA 251 - (Intermediate Stagecraft II) |
3 |
|
THEA 275 - (Theatre Safety) |
3 |
| One non-theatre elective |
3 |
|
|
12 |
|
Other Year 2 Theatre Course Options (18 credits required) |
|
|
Select six of the following courses: |
|
|
THEA 205 - (Intermediate Work in Acting I) |
18 |
|
Total Credits |
30 |
- General admission requirements apply.
- Interview with the Theatre department.
- English 12 with minimum grade of “C” or equivalent.
Recommendations for Admission
Most students in the Theatre program have had some exposure to live theatre. An interview will be conducted for all students who wish to take the Theatre Diploma program. There are no auditions or portfolios required, but a keen interest in producing and participating in live theatrical events is expected.
Notes on Admission
- Students intending to transfer to another university should consult a VIU Advisor.
- Students must have a strong desire to work in theatre, since they have to work extremely long hours. The ability to work as a member of a team is also very important.
- Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
Graduates have found employment as actors, stage managers, assistant stage managers, lighting technicians, sound technicians, box office managers, front-of-house managers, lighting board operators, scene painters, props persons, costumers, technical directors, and theatre managers.
Domestic Fees | International Fees
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees for One Year* |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) |
4,992.00 |
|
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) |
199.68 |
|
Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.35 per credit) |
220.50 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) |
220.80 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year |
530.00 |
|
Total |
6,427.98 |
* The above table is based on ten 3-credit courses taken over two semesters.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees for One Year* |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (2 semesters x $11996.55 per semester) |
23,993.10 |
|
Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester) |
926.80 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) |
220.80 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year |
530.00 |
|
Total |
25,935.70 |
Tuition in the above table is based on $776.48 per credit, up to a maximum of $10,870.72 per semester for 15 credits; $776.48 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on $33.10 per credit, up to a maximum of $463.40 per semester for 15 credits; $33.10 per credit beyond 15 credits.
* The above table is based on ten 3-credit courses taken over two semesters.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
UpdatedDomestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to Jun 15, 2025
|
||
|
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Donna Kist Chair Contact
Name: Leon Potter Area Contact
Name: Annette Woolf Comments
|
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 3, 2024 |
Oct 1, 2023 to Mar 31, 2024
|
||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 3, 2024
Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Chair Contact
Name: Leon Potter Area Contact
Name: Annette Woolf International Admissions Officer Contact
Name: Yuzo Ishida Comments
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquires to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.
Aislynn Mede
“The teachers I have had here at VIU have pushed me to do the best I can, have taken interest in what is happening in my life, and have supported me in whatever I might try to do. It shows me that I am not just a number to them, but an actual person who they want to teach and help. All of the professors in the Theatre program are incredible and very supportive of their students and passionate for their art.”
Aislynn graduated with a Diploma in Theatre