THEATRE

Website: www.ufv.ca/theatre

You may want to take Theatre at UCFV for one or several of the following reasons:

• to acquire a Bachelor of Arts degree with a theatre extended minor or minor, an Associate of Arts degree, and/or a Theatre diploma
• to develop pre-professional skills to be further developed in career-oriented theatre schools
• to pick up university transfer credits for other degree programs and/or diplomas
• to improve your abilities as a community theatre participant
• to prepare for a lifelong enjoyment of the performing arts.

The season of theatre mounted in the department’s theatre on the Chilliwack campus is a vital component of the program. Emphasis is placed on producing Canadian plays and classics (mainly Shakespeare).

In addition to the diploma program, the Associate of Arts, the Bachelor of Arts: Theatre extended minor/minor option, and the season of theatre, the Theatre department also sponsors public lectures, trips to professional and university productions, and visits by touring theatre groups. External study tours are organized to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and are open to all students and community members.

This section specifies the extended minor and minor discipline requirements only. Please refer to the Bachelor of Arts section, for additional BA requirements.

Theatre extended minor requirements

Lower-level requirements: 27 credits

• Eighteen credits 100/200-level Theatre
• Theatre 199 or Theatre 299

Six credits from:

• Art History 101, 102, 211
• English 130, 230
• Film 110, 120
• Visual Arts 111–184.

Upper-level requirements: 16 credits

• Twelve credits 300/400-level Theatre

Four credits from:

• English 310, 312, 361, 368
• Art History 313, 314, 315.

Theatre minor requirements

Lower-level requirements: 21 credits

• Theatre 101
• Theatre 111
• Theatre 112
• Theatre 121
• Theatre 123
• Theatre 199 or 299
• Theatre 201 or 202.

Upper-level requirements: 16 credits

• Twelve credits 300/400-level Theatre

Four credits from:

• English 310, 312, 361, 368
• Art History 313, 314, 315.

Associate of Arts degree: Theatre

Admission for the program is for the September semester. Students wishing to start in January may do so by taking any course for which they have the stated prerequisites and then applying for the following September.

Audition

In April you will be informed of an interview and audition that is required. You must attend or make special arrangements with the program head to be eligible for admission to the program.

Entrance requirements

See the Associate of Arts degree section for details on entrance requirements and application procedures.

Program requirements

See the Associate of Arts degree section for details on entrance requirements and application procedures.

Theatre diploma

UCFV offers a two-year, 60 credit program (including practical skill development courses and university transfer courses) leading to a diploma in theatre. The program prepares students for a life-long enjoyment of the theatre. Graduates are qualified to seek entry into professional training schools, transfer to university degree programs, or pursue involvement in community theatre. Exceptional students may be qualified to seek professional work upon graduation.

Transfer

The majority of courses in the Theatre program are transferable to university. Consult the B.C. Provincial Transfer Guide for details. Students who plan to continue their education at another post-secondary institution should make themselves fully aware of its requirements, particularly when choosing electives. Consult the program head, this calendar, the B.C. Provincial Transfer Guide, and a UCFV Student Services advisor for advice.

Entrance requirements

B.C. Secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older before classes begin. Students with university-level credit must have a grade point average of 2.0 on all credits attempted.

Note: While the Composition Placement Test (CPT) is not necessary to apply to this program, it is a prerequisite for ENGL 105, one of the required program courses. Students are advised to arrange for the CPT well before they plan to register for ENGL 105.

How to apply

1. Submit the application fee along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form from our website, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca. See the Admission chart for a complete list of application dates and general information.

Additional documents required for a complete application:

• proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent
• transcripts (or interim transcripts) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements.

2. Students who have attended a post-secondary institution must submit an official transcript (sealed envelope) for each institution attended, whether or not they have completed courses there. If transcripts are being sent directly from the institution(s) attended, please indicate they are on order. To retain your original application date, order early so transcripts arrive within two weeks of the date your application is mailed or submitted.

3. In April you will be informed of an interview and audition that is required. You must attend or make special arrangements with the program head to be eligible for admission to the program.

4. Upon admission to the program you will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required when you register (see Fees and Other Costs section. ).

This money will be applied to the tuition fees and is not refundable. Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes.

If you meet all of the entrance requirements, but the program is full, you will be given an opportunity to register in the general studies program. Should a space become available at a later date, you will be contacted.

5. In cases where interim transcripts are submitted, an admission decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements. Proof of completion of entrance requirements are due the end of the first week in August.

Fees and other costs

The fees for a full-time student (five courses or 15 credits) would be about $800 per semester. Books and additional supplies would cost $75 to $100 per course. See the Fees and Other Costs section for more information. Additional costs may include theatre tours, workshop fees, art supplies, and suitable acting-class clothing.

Workload and classroom expectations

Full-time students will carry a workload of five courses per semester, either five university-transfer or four UT and one practicum. Each UT course meets for three or four hours each week and requires approximately twice that time out of class, in study and preparation time. The practicums require from 60 to 200 total hours spread over approximately 10 weeks. Students must have flexibility in their scheduling to accommodate the varied time demands of the practicums. Rehearsals take place in the evenings and on weekends.

There is a definite need to learn to balance time and workload in order to succeed in the program.

Dates and locations

The normal academic year is from September to the end of April. Admission for the program is for the September semester. Students wishing to start in January may do so by taking any course for which they have the stated prerequisites and then applying for the following September. However, they should be aware that because of timetabling and sequencing of courses they can expect to spend 2.5 years to complete the program.

It is possible to earn credits by participating in the external study tours. Contact the program head.

The Theatre department is based on the Chilliwack campus. Most courses and practicums are offered in Chilliwack; however, some courses each year are offered in Abbotsford.

Part-time students

Part-time students may enrol in any available theatre course at any time convenient to them, provided they meet the stated prerequisites. Part-time students wanting to complete the Theatre program should consult with the program head as early as possible in order to ensure they are taking the right courses in the right sequence.

Standing required for continuance

Students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA).

Academic warning

Students whose grades fall below a 2.0 CGPA will be placed on Academic Warning for the next semester. A student on Academic Warning may not register in a course overload. Students who achieve a semester grade point average of 2.0 will continue on Academic Warning until the CGPA equals or exceeds 2.0

Required to withdraw

Students who do not achieve a minimum semester grade point average of 2.0 while on Academic Warning will be withdrawn from the Theatre program. A student who has been required to withdraw may continue to take courses as a General Studies student.

Readmission to the program

To be readmitted to the Theatre diploma, you must complete nine university-level credits (can be duplicate courses), with a minimum 2.0 CGPA. Once these criteria are met, you may apply for readmission at the Admissions and Records office. When readmitted, you will remain on Academic Warning until your overall CGPA is 2.0.

Graduation

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all program requirements are met. This should be done by regular consultation with the Theatre department head.

Diploma candidates who qualify to receive a UCFV Theatre diploma must be approved by the UCFV Arts division and the University College Board.

Students must apply for graduation by completing a Request to Graduate form available at the Admissions and Records office. We recommend this be done in the first month of the graduating semester. The final deadline for submissions is April 1, with all program requirements completed by May 31 for students wishing to attend the June convocation ceremony.

Program requirements

A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required in order to receive a diploma.

Students are required to attend an interview with the program head either prior to registration or during the first week of the first semester. Additional interviews will be scheduled to monitor individual student progress.

Students are required to audition for Theatre 111. Auditions are held in May and June. Acting roles in the practicum sections are obtained through audition.

Theatre students are strongly encouraged to take a high school and/or college-level language course.

Students are not required but are encouraged to take a selected reasoning course. These courses are Philosophy 100, Mathematics 104, 105, or 110.

Program outline

First Year

Semester I courses and credits

Semester II courses and credits

Second Year

Semester III courses and credits

Semester IV courses and credits

Electives

Must be university transferable. Students are strongly encouraged, but not required, to take a selected reasoning course chosen from Philosophy 100, Mathematics 104, 105, or 110.

Note 1: Social Science elective

• Anthropology
• Criminology*
• Economics
• Geography (except those listed under the Science elective category under Note 2)
• Latin American Studies
• Media & Communication Studies
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Social, Cultural and Media Studies

*Please contact the Liberal Arts advisor for details regarding acceptable Criminology electives.

Note 2: Science elective

• Biology (100-level or higher)
• Chemistry (100-level or higher)
• Computing Science
• Geography 101, 102, 201, 202, 251
• Kinesiology and Physical Education 163 or 190
• Physics (100-level or higher)

Note 3: Other electives:

• Art History
• English
• Film
• Fine Arts
• History
• Languages
• Mathematics
• Philosophy
• Religious Studies

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the Course Descriptions section.

Auditions for Theatre 111

Students must audition before permission to register will be granted. Theatre diploma students have first priority for available spaces. Auditions will be held in May and June. Contact the department for an audition time.

Practica

Two practica are required during the two-year program, one in each year. Students are allowed to take more than two practica, however, these additional practica must not interfere with course work. A maximum of six practicum credits will be counted towards the diploma.

All theatre courses require some production team work (usually 10 hours). Involvement in a practicum removes the production team requirement for the course in that semester except for Theatre 121 and 123 (30 hour requirement). Actors in the productions are encouraged and sometimes required to work on backstage aspects of the department shows.

Practica count for some credit towards Theatre 101, 201 and 202.

Theatre Wardrobe Technician certificate

(Note: to be offered subject to funding approval.)

UCFV offers a one year, full-time Theatre Wardrobe Technician certificate program for those seeking a costume or wardrobe position in the theatre, film, or television industry. Emphasis is placed on developing the skills necessary to successfully construct, build, alter, and break down costumes. Organization and wardrobe management skills are also covered.

The curriculum also accommodates the practical application of these skills to the costumes for all the productions mounted as part of the UCFV season of theatre. Field trips to film and television sites are an integral part of the program.

Entrance requirements

1. Fashion Design or Theatre diploma from a recognized institution.
2. Strong sewing skills and a knowledge of patterns as evidenced by a portfolio.
3. Two letters of reference.
4. Résumé.

Equivalent qualifications

Industry experience and/or prior learning, the outcome of which can be demonstrated to be the equivalent of the qualifications otherwise required.

A portfolio assessment as outlined in the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition section will be necessary.

Applicants will be required to attend a personal interview with faculty to assess capabilities and check credentials. Applicants will be assessed upon the following:

• Interest in costuming: as shown by enthusiasm, awareness and understanding of the field of costuming: 
  15 points
• Oral communications skills, demonstrated by responses to one or more of the following: clearly stated questions and answers, responsive listening, alertness, enthusiasm, courtesy, objectivity, sense of humour: 
  15 points
• Sample of: sewing skills, pattern drafting skills, theatre craft skills, general craft skills: 
  40 points
• References, program credits, photographs: as proof of theatre and/or wardrobe experience (paid or as a volunteer): 
  20 points
• Response to relevant questions: about history of the theatre, knowledge of film and television productions, historical costume and art history:
  10 points

(Applicants must score 60 out of 100 points.)

Note: Applicants applying for transfer credits from another institution or advanced standing will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact  the program head to make an appointment.

How to apply

1. Submit the application fee along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form from our website, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca. See the Admission chart in the Admissions & Registration section for a complete list of application dates and general information.

Additional documents required for a complete application:

• transcripts and Theatre or Fashion Design diploma/certificate or equivalent.

2. In April you will be informed of the date of an orientation session which you should make every effort to attend as the personal interview appointments are set up at this time. If it is absolutely impossible for you to attend, please contact the program head to book an appointment. During your appointment, which is approximately 20 minutes long, you are asked to present your portfolio, letters of reference an up-to-date résumé.

3. Upon admission to the program you will be provided with registration information (see Fees and Other Costs in the Introduction & General Information section ). Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes.

Fees and additional costs

Fees stated are in effect for 2000/01 and are subject to change for 2001/02.

The fee for a full-time student (five courses or 16 credits) will be about $800 per semester. Books and additional supplies will cost approximately $100 per course.

The construction courses will require a reasonable supply fee and there will be costs for some fabrics and notions. Field trips will be mandatory.

Workload and classroom expectations

Twelve contact hours plus an average of 12 hours practicum per week over a 15-week semester. Deadlines are strictly adhered to as success in the industry relies heavily on the meeting of deadlines and delivery dates.

Regular attendance is mandatory. Penalties for late arrivals and absenteeism without reason might include a reduction of the final grade.

Students should not fall behind in their assignments. Fifteen weeks per semester does not allow time to catch up, also, courses are so closely linked that a class missed in one area could set you back in the other courses.

Location

Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses.

Program outline

Semester I courses and credits

Semester II courses and credits

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the Course Descriptions section.

Work Study

The Theatre department participates in UCFV’s work study program. Consult the student Financial Aid department.

Faculty
Bruce Kirkley, BA (Hons) (UBC), MA (Toronto), PhD (Toronto), Theatre History, Acting, Voice, Department Head
Astrid Beugeling, Fine Arts diploma (UCFV), BFA (UVic), Technical Theatre and Design
Ian Fenwick, BA (Brock), BA (Hons) (Queen’s), MFA (UBC), Acting, Directing, Play-making

Staff
Astrid Beugeling, Fine Arts diploma (UCFV), BFA (UVic), Resident Designer and Technical Manager
Jody Cameron, Production Manager
Dan Easy, Joinery (UCFV), Set Construction
Rick Mawson, Theatre diploma (UCFV), BA (UCFV), Department Assistant and Publicity Manager
Heather Robertson, Theatre diploma (UCFV), BA (SFU)
Jim Wenting, Technician Diploma (National Theatre School)

Part-time staff:
Muriel Morris, BA (Hons), MEd (UBC), Educational Coordinator

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