THEA 101
3 credits
Experiencing Theatre and Performance
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Learn to critically observe, analyze, and discuss live performance while attending performances representing a diverse range of cultures and artistic styles at venues across the Lower Mainland. Examples of Indigenous performance and theatre will be included whenever possible.
Note: Students will be required to pay a materials fee to cover the cost of tickets and transportation to live performances.
THEA 105
3 credits
Reading and Writing About Drama
Prerequisite(s): (C+ or better in English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, English 12, or English Literature 12) or (CPT score of 48 or better) or (evidence of any test score or course grade listed under the Degree/diploma-level English language proficiency standards in the UFV academic calendar at www.ufv.ca/calendar/current/General/EnglishProficiency.htm).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines diverse examples of dramatic literature as both literary genre and blueprint for performance, including examples of Indigenous drama or performance texts. Emphasis is on developing a vocabulary for discussing drama, analyzing formal and literary elements of drama, and writing about drama for academic and popular contexts.
Note: Students with credit for ENGL 130 cannot take this course for further credit.
THEA 111
3 credits
Performance Skills for Work and Life
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students learn to present themselves and material clearly and persuasively through the use of acting techniques. Skills of verbal and non-verbal communication are emphasized and students will learn theatre techniques to overcome stage fright to be present and confident. Students practice sustained attention, active listening, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Note: This course may involve field trips outside of class time to see plays.
THEA 112
3 credits
Acting Fundamentals
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Explores fundamental techniques actors use to create dramatic characters and effective performances, while focusing on character development, scene analysis, and the integration of voice and movement, across monologues, scenes, and original ensemble performances.
Note: This course may involve field trips outside of class time to see plays.
THEA 121
3 credits
Technical Theatre I
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Introduces fundamentals of technical theatre arts, including terminology; contemporary production models; inclusive, sustainable, alternative, and safe work practices; and teamwork. Students will complete experiential, skills-based projects related to costumes (including hair and makeup), lighting, sound, and projections.
Note: Students are required to attend at least one live professional performance outside of class time.
Note: This class may require field trips.
THEA 123
3 credits
Technical Theatre II
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Introduces fundamentals of technical theatre arts, including terminology; contemporary production models; inclusive, sustainable, alternative, and safe work practices; and teamwork. Students will complete experiential, skills-based projects related to props, set construction, and scenic art.
Note: Students are required to attend one live professional performance outside of class time.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required.
THEA 125
3 credits
Digital Skills for Theatre and Performance
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
An introduction to the concepts, digital technical skills, and techniques used in digital performance, live performance, and theatre. Topics include computer-assisted drafting, design modelling, lighting, pre-visualization, and control. Students will operate industry-standard software and learn to create their own basic designs for live and digital performance.
THEA 199
3 credits
Introduction to Technical Production
Prerequisite(s): Department permission. Note: As of January 2026, prerequisites will change to THEA 121 or THEA 123.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces students to what happens backstage in the theatre. Hands-on workshops provide students with the opportunity to learn about lighting, sound, scenic construction, costumes (including hair and makeup), props, and projections. Students participate in a small-scale production and are introduced to professional roles in the theatre, how theatre production is organized, and basic theatre safety. Each production represents a unique project in which students will be assigned specific production roles.
THEA 203
3 credits
Performance History I: Antiquity to 1900
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines how theatre and performance traditions developed in a global context, including Indigenous performance traditions, from antiquity to 1900. Plays and performance texts are analyzed in their cultural, historical, and literary contexts. Students apply script analysis, praxis-based learning activities, and research methodologies.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required.
Note: This course is offered as THEA 203 and ENGL 233. Students may take only one of these for credit.
THEA 204
3 credits
Performance History II: 1900-Present
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines how theatre and performance traditions developed in a global context between 1900 and the present. Focus includes modernism, postmodernism, and post-colonial influences, and Indigenous performance history in Canada. Plays and performance texts are analyzed in their cultural, historical, and literary contexts. Students apply script analysis, praxis-based learning activities, and research methodologies.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required.
Note: This course is offered as THEA 204 and ENGL 234. Students may take only one of these for credit.
THEA 205
3 credits
Performance Studies
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
An introduction to the interdisciplinary field of performance studies, situating performance as both an object of study and a lens through which to view the world. Students engage in historical contextualization and performance analysis, while critically and creatively exploring the boundaries of what is/what can be termed performance.
Note: This course may involve field trips outside of class time to see plays.
THEA 209
3 credits
Popular Theatre
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Topics covered will vary and may include theatre for young audiences, musical theatre, or theatre in education. Students will explore the contextual and theoretical frameworks for understanding the topic, across socio-political, cultural, and ethical considerations, including Indigenous approaches and perspectives on course themes.
Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics and may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation differs.
THEA 210
3 credits
Movement for Living
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students will engage in a kinesthetic process that enhances healthy alignment, movement precision and range, and mind-body connection. A wide range of movement techniques are paired with breathwork and relaxation exercises to support non-verbal communication, mindful movement, and creative expression.
THEA 211
3 credits
Intermediate Acting: Scene Study
Prerequisite(s): THEA 112.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Students work with contemporary and classical scripts, learning how to apply social and psychological relationships in creating characters, develop strong tactics in pursuit of character goals, and respond with immediacy and presence to actors in performance.
Note: This course may involve field trips outside of class time to see plays.
THEA 215
3 credits
Intermediate Acting: Voice and Body
Prerequisite(s): THEA 112.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
An exploration of the techniques and physicality of voice work. Through independent and group practices, students explore a responsive and expressive voice, develop somatic awareness of their unique, individual relationships to the mechanics of voicing, and practice supporting uninhibited vocal expression for performance.
THEA 220
3 credits
Stage Management
Prerequisite(s): One of THEA 121, THEA 123, 9 lower-level credits of THEA, or 30 university-level credits. Note: As of January 2026, prerequisites will change to one of THEA 121, THEA 123, or 9 lower-level credits of THEA.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introducing the skills and knowledge required for effective stage management in collaborative arts projects, with a focus on live production events. Students develop organizational and communication skills necessary to support creative teams and manage the production process, through practical exercises. Emphasis is placed on the roles and responsibilities of stage managers, production managers, and assistant stage managers.
THEA 250
3 credits
Storytelling
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Introduces students to storytelling by exploring the relationship between community, (auto)biography, and performance. Students will be introduced to storytelling processes and techniques along with roles and protocols within different forms of storytelling. The socio-cultural context of storytelling is emphasized along with Stó:lō stories and Indigenous oral histories.
Note: This course may include field trips outside of class time.
Note: This course is offered as THEA 250 and ENGL 253. Students may take only one of these for credit.
THEA 290
1 credit
Acting Practicum
Prerequisite(s): Department permission; audition required.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
This practicum allows students to develop acting experience by performing in a production as part of the UFV Theatre season.
Note: Students may take this course for credit up to three times.
THEA 291
3 credits
Acting in a Complex Role
Prerequisite(s): Department permission; audition required.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students audition for, rehearse, and perform a complex role in a faculty-directed production as part of the UFV Theatre season.
Note: Students may take this course for credit up to three times.
THEA 295
1 credit
Backstage Practicum
Prerequisite(s): Department permission.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Develop experience in live theatre production through backstage participation in the UFV Theatre season. Technical theatre roles may include board operators (lights, sound, projections), assistant stage manager, backstage crew, design assistants (set, costumes, sound, lights, projections), or department assistants (set, paint, props, wardrobe).
Note: Students may take this course for credit up to three times.
THEA 299
3 credits
Theatre Production Practicum
Prerequisite(s): (THEA 121 or THEA 123) and department permission.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Learn about the theatre production process and develop teamwork, communication, and technical skills through participation in a UFV Theatre production. Students learn about professional expectations and careers in theatre and how to document their work. Production roles can include lighting, sound, or projection operator; dresser; running/stage crew; set or props crew; or assistant stage manager.
THEA 303
3 credits
Gender and Performance
Prerequisite(s): One of THEA 203, THEA 204, THEA 205, THEA 206, or 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Considers gender as constructed, embodied, and performative. Across diverse historical, theoretical, and artistic perspectives of gender that include BIPOC perspectives, performance analysis is used to examine how gender is performed and enacted across various contexts from the highly theatrical to everyday life. Students develop creative and critical analysis through applied learning activities and a performance studies research project.
THEA 304
3 credits
Applied Theatre
Prerequisite(s): One of THEA 203, THEA 204, THEA 205, THEA 206, or 45 university-level credits. Note: As of January 2026, prerequisites will change to 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Applied theatre is theatre for, by, and with community. Students will explore applied theatre and performance methods used by educators and practitioners in a variety of fields outside of professional theatre contexts. This course addresses the ethics of working with non-professional collaborators and the use of theatre and performance to promote equity and social justice. Students develop creative and critical skills through an applied project.
THEA 307
3 credits
Intercultural Theatre and Performance
Prerequisite(s): One of THEA 203, THEA 204, THEA 205, THEA 206 (discontinued), or 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
An exploration of contemporary intercultural performance and the diversity of global theatre traditions. Students engage with the social, political, and aesthetic implications of intercultural theatre through theoretical frameworks and applied performance analysis. The importance and challenges of intercultural performance in Canada is highlighted and includes a focus on Indigenous and Métis theatre.
THEA 311
3 credits
Digital Performance and Storytelling
Prerequisite(s): One of THEA 211, THEA 215, (THEA 112 and THEA 250), or 15 university-level credits. Note: As of January 2026, prerequisites will change to 15 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Students explore the relationships between the performative body, space, interactivity, and digital technologies in contemporary theatre and performance practices. Topics include virtual and mediated bodies, time and durational performance, and the impact of digital technologies on relationships between performers and spectators. Students use digital performance techniques to create immersive environments and perform stories in various digital mediums.
THEA 312
3 credits
Advanced Approaches to Acting
Prerequisite(s): One of THEA 211, THEA 215, or (THEA112 and THEA 250).
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Apply advanced acting techniques to character development, emotional authenticity, and physical presence. Students will take on advanced challenges through scene work, monologue preparation, and exploration of distinct acting methodologies. The course includes a thematic unit decided upon by the instructor (e.g. Grotowski, post-dramatic performance, Commedia dell’Arte).
Note: This course may involve field trips outside of class time to see plays.
THEA 316
3 credits
Special Topics in Performance Practice
Prerequisite(s): One of THEA 211, THEA 215, or (THEA 112 and THEA 250).
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Explore a topic or specific area of performance practice not typically available within current course offerings. Students integrate theory and practice, applying their learning in experiential ways.
Note: This course may involve field trips outside of class time to see plays in the Lower Mainland.
Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics. This course may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation differs.
THEA 360
3 credits
Special Topics in Performance Studies
Prerequisite(s): One of THEA 203/ENG233, THEA 204/ENG 234, THEA 205, THEA 206 (discontinued), or 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Explore diverse topics or specific areas of performance studies not typically offered. Topics vary with the instructor. Students integrate theoretical knowledge and creative practice, developing their creative, critical, and analytical skills.
Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics, and may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation differs.
THEA 370
3 credits
Scenography
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits from FILM, MACS, MEDA, THEA, or VA.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Focuses on the fundamentals of production design and scenography for live performance and recorded media. Students will learn the theory and principles of scenography and how to apply these in practical designs and various production processes, across conventional and unconventional approaches.
THEA 399
4 credits
Intermediate Practicum in Theatre
Prerequisite(s): THEA 299 and department permission.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Students undertake an intermediate production role, making a positive contribution to a creative team and developing professionalism, initiative, and self-direction. Students will reflect critically on their own development, their role on the team, and the collaborative experience. Roles may include acting in a substantial role, stage management, head of props, assistant designer, or dramaturge.
Students may take this course for credit twice and must undertake a different production role if they repeat the course.
THEA 404
6 credits
Directing
Prerequisite(s): (One of THEA 121, THEA 123, or THEA 125) and (one of THEA 211, THEA 215, or [THEA 112 and THEA 250]) and (one of THEA 203, THEA 204, or THEA 205).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students generate a directorial concept, assessing dramaturgical structures, and conceptualizing text for performance. In the fall, students investigate the relationship between directing methods and contemporary performance theories and participate in workshops to expand their understanding of directing practices. In the winter, students direct a short performance piece as part of a public-facing director’s showcase. Throughout the course, students enhance their communication and project management skills, apply their knowledge of directing practice, and develop their artistic voice.
Note: This course is offered as THEA 404A and THEA 404B. Students must take both in the same academic year to receive credit.
Note: Mandatory showcase of performances takes place after the last day of classes in late April.
Note: This course requires rehearsal outside of scheduled class time and may require watching a live performance.
Note: Students with credit for THEA 351, THEA 450, or THEA 451 cannot take this course for further credit.
THEA 405
6 credits
Devising
Prerequisite(s): One of THEA 211, THEA 215, (THEA 112 and THEA 250), or 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces a variety of devising methods to creating an original performance that does not rely on a pre-existing script. In the fall, students explore improvisational techniques and collaborative ensemble creation focused on personal, social, and political narratives. In the winter, students work as an ensemble to develop a performance piece as part of a public-facing showcase. Throughout the course, students enhance their communication and project management skills, apply their knowledge of devising practice, and develop their artistic voice.
Note: This course is offered as THEA 405A and THEA 405B. Students must take both in the same academic year to receive credit.
Note: Mandatory showcase of performances takes place after the last day of classes in late April.
Note: This course requires rehearsal outside of scheduled class time and may require watching a live performance.
Note: Students with credit for THEA 352, THEA 353, or THEA 452 cannot take this course for further credit.
THEA 490
3 credits
Directed Studies in Theatre
Prerequisite(s): 33 university-level credits and department permission.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Pursue in-depth independent study of a particular issue, problem, or topic in theatre not otherwise offered. Students develop detailed individual course proposals in consultation with a faculty member, indicating the readings or other study to be undertaken and how the course will be assessed.
Note: Students may take this course for credit twice under different topics.
THEA 499
4 credits
Advanced Practicum in Theatre
Prerequisite(s): THEA 399 and department permission.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Students will undertake an advanced production role, taking on a leadership role within a creative team and demonstrating professionalism, initiative, and self-direction. Students will reflect critically on their own development, their leadership qualities, and the collaborative experience. Roles may include acting in a substantial role, stage management, designer, or assistant director. Students
may take this course for credit twice and must undertake a different production role if they repeat the course.
