THEA 101
3 credits
Introduction to Theatre and Performance Studies
Prerequisite(s): None.
THEA 101 introduces students to researching and analyzing theatre and performance. Students will observe, discuss, and write critically about live performance. Students are required to attend performances representing a diverse range of cultures and performance traditions at venues across the Lower Mainland.
Note: Students will be required to pay a $250 materials fee to cover the cost of tickets and transportation to live performances.
THEA 111
3 credits
Acting Skills for Work and Life
Prerequisite(s): None.
An introduction to acting techniques relevant to various disciplines and to the workplace. Students will improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills; enhance their presentation, public speaking, and vocalization abilities; and practice sustained attention, active listening, personal reflection, collaboration, and problem solving.
Note: This course may involve field trips to see plays.
THEA 112
3 credits
Essentials of Acting
Prerequisite(s): None.
An introduction to the fundamental techniques actors use to create dramatic characters and effective performances. This course is intended for students planning to enroll in a Theatre program or in 200-level acting courses.
Note: This course may involve field trips to see plays.
THEA 121
3 credits
Stagecraft I
Prerequisite(s): None.
This course introduces the fundamentals of stagecraft, including safe work practices, teamwork, and theatre organization. Students will work backstage on department productions by participating in two production modules. Students will be required to attend work sessions/rehearsals outside of class time.
THEA 123
3 credits
Stagecraft II
Prerequisite(s): THEA 121.
This course introduces the fundamentals of stagecraft, including communication, conflict resolution, and basic project management. Students will work backstage on department productions by participating in two production modules. Students will be required to attend work sessions/rehearsals outside of class time.
THEA 199
3 credits
Technical Theatre Practicum
Prerequisite(s): Enrolment only by department permission.
This course introduces students to the practice and techniques of technical theatre through backstage participation in a UFV Theatre production.
This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different productions. Each production represents a unique project in which students will be assigned specific production roles. The course may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation and the production roles differ.
THEA 203
3 credits
Performance History I: Antiquity to 1600
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
This course examines how theatre and performance traditions developed in diverse geographic and cultural contexts, from antiquity to 1600.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required. Please refer to department website for field trip scheduling information.
Note: This course is offered as THEA 203 and ENGL 233. Students may take only one of these for credit.
Note: Students with credit for THEA 202 cannot take this course for further credit.
THEA 204
3 credits
Performance History II: 1600-1900
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
Examines how theatre and performance traditions developed in diverse geographic and cultural contexts, from 1600-1900. Examples from Indigenous cultures of Turtle Island will be included.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required. Please refer to department website for field trip scheduling information.
Note: This course is offered as THEA 204 and ENGL 234. Students may take only one of these for credit.
THEA 205
3 credits
Foundations of Performance Studies
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
Introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of performance studies, situating performance as both an object of study and a lens through which to view the world.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required. Please refer to department website for field trip scheduling information.
THEA 206
3 credits
Dramaturgy
Prerequisite(s): THEA 101 or any first-year ENGL course numbered 104 or higher.
A thorough introduction to dramaturgy, the study of drama in literary and historical contexts. Emphasis is on analysis of dramatic structures and dramaturgy as an applied, practical skill.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required. Please refer to department website for field trip scheduling information.
THEA 210
3 credits
Movement for Living
Prerequisite(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
Acting II: Character and Scene Study
Prerequisite(s): THEA 112.
Students will 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 to see plays.
THEA 215
3 credits
Voice and Body I
Prerequisite(s): THEA 112.
An introduction to the techniques that performers use to develop a responsive and expressive vocal instrument. Students learn how the body generates sound, and the physical training and mental awareness needed to free the voice to become an effective instrument for performance.
THEA 220
3 credits
Stage Management for Live Events
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 121, THEA 123, nine lower-level credits in Theatre, or 30 university-level credits.
This course teaches the concepts and skills needed to manage collaborative arts projects, with particular emphasis on the management of live production events. Students will learn the organizational and communication skills required to support creative teams and manage creative activity throughout the production process, from pre-production planning, through rehearsal and performance, to post-production. Students will develop practical knowledge and skill through participation in production labs.
THEA 250
3 credits
Introduction to Storytelling in Indigenous, Theatrical, and Global Communities
Prerequisite(s): None.
This course introduces students to storytelling by exploring the relationship between community, (auto)biography, and performance. Students will learn protocols, creative processes, and storytelling techniques. The course includes an introduction to Sto:lo stories. Students will create and perform their own stories.
Note: THEA 250 may include a fieldtrip.
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.
This practicum allows students to develop acting experience by performing in a production as part of the UFV Theatre season.
Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different productions. The course may be repeated for credit up to three times, provided the letter designation differs.
THEA 291
3 credits
Acting in a Complex Role
Prerequisite(s): Department permission, audition required.
Students audition for, rehearse, and perform a complex role in a faculty-directed production as part of the UFV theatre season.
THEA 295
1 credit
Backstage Practicum
Prerequisite(s): Department permission.
This practicum allows students to develop experience in live theatre production through backstage participation in the UFV Theatre season.
Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different productions. The course may be repeated for credit up to three times provided the letter designation and the production roles differ.
THEA 299
3 credits
Theatre Production Practicum
Prerequisite(s): THEA 123 and department permission.
This practicum allows students to develop their skills in the practice and techniques of theatre through backstage participation in a UFV Theatre production. Roles might include: lighting, sound, or projection operator; dresser; stage/running crew; set or props crew.
Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different productions. Students may only take the course once for credit.
THEA 301
4 credits
Theatrical Modernisms
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 203, THEA 204, THEA 205, THEA 206, any 200-level course in ENGL, or 45 university-level credits.
Examines how concepts of modernism and post-modernism have affected contemporary performance practices in a range of cultures, including Indigenous and non-western modernisms.
Note: This course is offered as THEA 301 and ENGL 365. Students may take only one of these for credit.
THEA 302
4 credits
Canadian Performance Histories
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 203, THEA 204, THEA 205, THEA 206, or 45 university-level credits.
This course examines the diverse histories of performance and theatrical practices in the lands now known as Canada. It also considers how performance historiography has developed since 1867.
THEA 303
4 credits
Gender and Performance
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 203, THEA 204, THEA 205, THEA 206, or 45 university-level credits.
Considers gender as constructed and displayed in performance, exploring theories of gender and their application to the analysis of performance practices. Historical, theoretical, and artistic perspectives from the fine arts, humanities, and social sciences are included.
THEA 304
4 credits
Applied Theatre & Performance Methods
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 203, THEA 204, THEA 205, THEA 206, or 45 university-level credits.
This course explores applied theatre and performance methods used by educators and practitioners in a variety of fields outside of traditional, professional theatre contexts, such as training of teachers, lawyers, and healthcare-workers; addressing political and social issues.
THEA 305
4 credits
Theatre for Young Audiences
Prerequisite(s): One of THEA 203, THEA 204, THEA 205, THEA 206, or 45 university-level credits.
Investigates the purpose, philosophy, and methods for creating theatrical performances for or with young audiences, ranging from very young children to older adolescents. Explores the history of theatre for young audiences, significant scripts, devising and adapting stories, and the professional theatre.
THEA 306
4 credits
History of Musical Theatre
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 203, THEA 204, THEA 205, THEA 206, or 45 university-level credits.
Examines the development of musical theatre from the 18th century to the present. Content may include analyses of individual musicals that have transformed the genre, an exploration of the place of musical theatre in popular culture, and an overview of Canadian musical theatre.
Note: Attendance at musical theatre performances may be required.
Note: This course is offered as THEA 306 and MUSC 306. Students may take only one of these for credit.
THEA 307
4 credits
Intercultural Theatre and Performance
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 203, THEA 204, THEA 205, THEA 206, or 45 university-level credits.
A critical study of contemporary intercultural performance practices, considering the interactions between European and non-European forms. Students will explore the challenges and importance of intercultural theatre and performance in Canada.
THEA 311
4 credits
Digital Performance
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 211, THEA 215, (THEA 112 and THEA 250), or 15 university-level credits from a combination of FILM, MACS, MEDA, or VA courses.
Digital Performance explores the relationships between the performative body, space, interactivity, and digital technologies in contemporary performance practice. Students will explore the notion of the virtual and mediated body as the foundation of digital performance practice.
THEA 312
4 credits
Acting III: Advanced Scene Study and Auditioning
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 211, THEA 215, or (THEA 112 and THEA 250).
Students will learn to create complex characterizations, apply auditioning and career-building skills, and undertake the challenges of an extended or demanding role.
Note: This course may involve field trips to see plays.
Note: Students with credit for THEA 212 cannot take this course for further credit.
THEA 314
4 credits
Postmodern Approaches to Physical Performance
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 211, THEA 215, or (THEA 112 and THEA 250).
Students will explore and apply postmodern approaches to physical acting, psychophysical action, and composition, and examine their implications for actors.
THEA 315
4 credits
Voice and Body II
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 211, THEA 215, or (THEA 112 and THEA 250).
A focus on developing the voice and body for performing rich, multilayered spoken language, working primarily with historical texts. Students will learn how to develop authentic contemporary responses to historical texts, and engage these responses effectively in performance.
THEA 316
4 credits
Special Topics in Acting and Performance
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 211, THEA 215, or (THEA 112 and THEA 250).
This course provides students with an opportunity to explore a topic or specific area of acting or performance and will vary with the instructor.
Note: This course may involve field trips to see plays in the Lower Mainland.
Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics.
THEA 351
4 credits
Directing I
Prerequisite(s): (One of THEA 203 or THEA 204) and (one of THEA 211, THEA 215, or [THEA 112 and THEA 250]).
An introduction to the fundamentals of directing, focusing on script analysis, identifying dramaturgical structures, and conceptualizing scripts for performance. Students will participate in performance workshops to expand their understandings of directing practice, which will involve out-of-class rehearsal.
Note: Field trips to attend performances may be required.
Note: Students with credit for THEA 450 cannot take this course for additional credit.
THEA 352
4 credits
Devised Theatre I
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 211, THEA 215, (THEA 112 and THEA 250), or 45 university-level credits.
An introduction to a variety of devising methods for creating unscripted performances. Students will apply improvisational and devising techniques and explore their personal, social, and political experiences in creating individual performances.
Note: Field trips to attend performances may be required.
THEA 360
4 credits
Special Topics in Performance Studies
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: THEA 203/ENGL 233, THEA 204/ENGL 234, THEA 205, THEA
206, or 45 university-level credits.
Provides students with an opportunity to explore a topic or specific area of performance studies and will vary with the instructor.
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
4 credits
Design for the Theatre
Prerequisite(s): THEA 101, THEA 121, and THEA 123; or instructor’s permission
An introduction to the fundamentals of design for live theatre production. Students will learn the theory and principles of stage design and how to apply these in practical designs for the theatre.
THEA 399
4 credits
Intermediate Practicum in Theatre
Prerequisite(s): .THEA 199 and 299. Admission only by department permission.
This course provides students with opportunities to develop theatre skills and knowledge by undertaking intermediate responsibilities and research for a UFV Theatre production, such as: acting in a substantial role; stage managing; assistant designing for costume, set, or lighting; designing for sound, projections, props, or makeup. Each production represents a unique project in which students will be assigned specific production roles; however, students may only take this course for credit once.
THEA 401
4 credits
Performance Theory
Prerequisite(s): One of: THEA 301, THEA 302, THEA 303, THEA 304, THEA 305, THEA 306, THEA 307, THEA 360, or 60 university-level credits.
This course introduces students to critical theory, performance theory, and their application to theatre, dramatic literature, and
performance. Students will become familiar with a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to theatre and performance
studies.
Note: Field trips to attend performances may be required.
THEA 451
4 credits
Directing II
Prerequisite(s): THEA 121, THEA 123, and THEA 351 (formerly THEA 450).
Students investigate the relationship between directing methods and contemporary performance theories. By directing a short performance piece, students will enhance their communication and project-management skills and apply their knowledge of directing practices.
Note: Students may be required to attend field trips and will need to rehearse outside of class.
THEA 452
4 credits
Devised Theatre II
Prerequisite(s): THEA 121, THEA 123, and THEA 352.
An advanced exploration of devising methods. Students will apply improvisational and devising techniques to create, design, and refine devised performances. This course emphasizes collaborative and ensemble creation. Field trips to attend performances may be required.
Note: Students with credit for THEA 353 cannot take this course for further credit.
THEA 490
4 credits
Directed Studies in Theatre
Prerequisite(s): 33 credits of Theatre and a written contract between the student and supervising faculty member, signed by student, supervising faculty and department head.
This course offers students the opportunity to 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 more than once provided it is under different topics.
THEA 499
4 credits
Advanced Practicum in Theatre
Prerequisite(s): THEA 399. Admission only by department permission.
This course provides students with opportunities to develop theatre skills and knowledge by undertaking advanced responsibilities and research for a UFV Theatre production, such as: acting in a major role; stage managing; designing for costume, set, or lighting; serving as an assistant director or dramaturge. Each production represents a unique project in which students will be assigned specific production roles; however, students may only take this course for credit once.
