The University of Alberta sharpens its Department of Drama's leading edge with the introduction of the only PhD program in English Canada to specialize in Performance Studies. Now accepting applications until March 31, 2012, for a first intake of September 2012, this new senior degree program offers students advanced-level scholarship and study, embracing an activist method of research that breaks down the traditional division between interpreting and creating theatre.

Tristan (Tian) Mi, a fourth-year student in the Department of Drama’s BFA Acting program and a lifelong performer, died suddenly and unexpectedly on January 19. As an Acting student in his final year of study, Tristan was part of a cohort of 12 students performing in U of A Studio Theatre’s Season 2011/12 productions.

Greg MacArthur, the playwright-in-residence at the University of Alberta’s Department of Drama, has been named as one of six finalists for Canada’s largest award in theatre, the $100,000 Siminovitch Prize.