BFA Theatre Design

Dream It —> Design It

The BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) Theatre Design degree is both comprehensive and diverse. This four-year conservatory training program is rigorous, intensive and provides in-depth study of the three areas of theatre design: costume, lighting and set design. With the emphasis on practical experience in addition to theoretical and traditional coursework, students are assigned to productions in their first year and throughout the program.

As one of the six BFA Theatre Design students accepted each year, you will:

• Take hands-on studio courses in topics such as drawing, painting, drafting and CAD/3D CAD
• Collaborate with other design students from every level of the undergraduate and graduate programs
• Practice the Director-Designer dialogue
• Learn freelance business techniques
• Get simulated industry experience designing fully realized productions

Artistic Requirements – Portfolio

• Entrance to this program is competitive, with a maximum of 6 spots in each incoming class
• Portfolios are reviewed March-April to start the program in September
• Artistic assessments are based on a review of your design portfolio and additional supporting materials as well as an interview
• You must demonstrate your creative skills as well as your commitment to undertake the program
• You must have a successful portfolio review AND meet the academic requirements to be offered a spot in the program
• See our tips for building your portfolio

Academic Requirements

Download the BFA Theatre Design Info Sheet for full admission requirements.

High School Students (Canadian)
Applicants must present a minimum average of 70% on five appropriate Grade 12 high school subjects at the 30-level (or equivalent), with no individual mark below 50%. English Language Arts 30-1 is required. The other four subjects can be chosen from the humanities/social sciences, fine arts, and math/sciences.

Transfer Students (Canadian)
If you have studied at a recognized university or college you must present a minimum AGPA of 2.3.

If you do not present either the high school requirements or the required matriculation average, you may be considered for admission if you have successfully completed 24 credits of coursework transferable to the Faculty of Arts.

International Students
Information for international students is available through the UofA's International site: www.studyincanada.ualberta.ca

Become a Complete Designer

Our BFA Theatre Design program targets entire production design skills – sets, lights and costume – making it a rare university degree in Canada. The program stresses collaboration and process, and graduates of the program are creative, imaginative and skilled designers.

Class and production work covers drama, musical theatre, opera, ballet, dance, circus, television, film, music videos, touring concerts, event design and industrial tradeshows.

You’ll have multiple opportunities to showcase your work, including the annual Portfolio Show and the U of A’s exhibit at the Prague Quadrennial, the world’s largest event dedicated to performance design.

Courses and Planning Your Schedule

Download the BFA Theatre Design Course List to see degree requirements, course descriptions and standard schedules.

Contacts:
Joanna Manchur
Fine Arts Recruitment Coordinator
Email: joanna.manchur@ualberta.ca
Phone: 780.248.5497

Lee Livingstone
BFA Theatre Design Program Coordinator
Email: lee.livingstone@ualberta.ca
Phone: 780.492.8726

How To Apply

Application to the BFA Theatre Design program is a 2-step process: Apply to Drama to schedule a portfolio review by April 1 (early applications encouraged) and apply to the U of A by May 1. 

Download the BFA Theatre Design Info Sheet for more details and FAQs.

Other Important Dates and Information

Attend the U of A Open House – Saturday, October 20, 2012. Learn about the Drama department and all our programs through demos and Q&A sessions.

Once you apply, you’ll get a U of A student ID number, a U of A email address, and you’ll be able to access Bear Tracks. Start using these immediately – they are the official channels of communication between the U of A and you, and important information will be sent to you this way.

The earlier you apply to the U of A the earlier you can apply for Housing, as well as Scholarships and Financial Assistance.

After a successful portfolio review, and meeting the academic requirements, you will:

Register for Courses – after receiving your welcome letter with course information from the Theatre Design Coordinator in the summer.

Pay your Confirmation Deposit in August.

In September, attend U of A Orientation and get ready for the first day of classes.

On the first Friday of the school year, attend Drama Orientation and the annual Loading Dock Party!

Links

Why Choose Drama at the U of A? 

Drama Alumni 

Office of the Registrar and Student Awards – Visit their homepage, a good resource for all prospective students!