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Theatre (Theatre Studies) (BA)

Explore the theory and practice of theatre, from historical traditions to contemporary innovations.

Program Type
Bachelor
Faculty
Unit
Location
Program Start
September
Program Options
Combined degree
Honours
Major
Minor

Why choose this program?

Theatre Studies at Dal explores the entire breadth of theatre. From playwriting to performance analysis, directing to dramaturgy, Theatre Studies offers you the opportunity to examine theatre's rich history, literature, and performance traditions.

This academically-oriented program of study will sharpen your critical thinking and strengthen your analysis skills.

Admission requirements

Minimum admission requirements

To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:

  1. Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
  2. Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
  3. Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).

Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Program-specific admission requirements

Bachelor of Arts requirements:

  • Minimum overall average: 70%

  • Academic English 12

  • Four additional academic subjects

Financial information

A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you. 

Program options

Honours students in Theatre Studies will be awarded the Honours Qualifying Project by fulfilling the function of a dramaturge or assistant director on one of the Fountain School stage productions.


The following Theatre Studies program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Fountain School of Performing Arts. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  

  • Bachelor of Arts in Theatre (Theatre Studies)

  • Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Combined Honours

  • Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with Double Major

  • Minor in Theatre

What you will learn

Drawing on multiple schools of thought and theatre traditions, you will become well versed in literary interpretation as well as every facet and role within the rich world of theatre.

Sample courses may include:

  • Writing About Performance

  • Writing About Stage and Screen

  • Introduction to Theatre Organization and Stagecraft

  • Ancient and Medieval Theatre

  • Early Modern Theatre

  • Dramaturgy: The Art of Developing Plays

  • Directing for the Stage

  • Modern Theatre

  • Costume in Performance

  • Canadian Theatre Since 1968: Interrogating Identities

  • Theatre and Music Entrepreneurship 

  • Production Techniques

As a Theatre Studies student, you will polish your communication skills through engaged class discussions, creative research presentations, and imaginative writing projects.

Careers

Theatre Studies graduates have gone on to teach, direct, and write about theatre. This program provides diverse possibilities and many transferrable skills that can be applied within theatre, film, television, and beyond.

Graduates of the Theatre Studies program may decide to pursue a variety of professional and education degrees, and will gain a strong foundation for graduate degrees in Theatre and Drama.