The Student Experience

Why study Drama at the U of S?

Drama introduces students to a range of academic and performance-based skills that will allow you to focus and stream your interests, develop skills, and gain knowledge in a range of theatre related courses. Theory and practice are considered complementary in this programme, and while you take seminar, lecture and studio-based courses, you will find yourself considering performance implications in discussion and theoretical issues in performance. Your studies will ultimately centre on plays, practice and issues from the Antiquity to the Modern Age, reflecting the skills and research strengths of our faculty and staff. As these cover areas of analysis, performance, technical production and creative writing, you will find that you will engage with every aspect of the theatrical process. In addition, most of our classes actively encourage group work, creativity and self-confidence.

Some students come straight from high school or other programs and colleges, while others have had a gap of some years and are returning to education after a longer period. While the bulk of our students come from the area and province, we also attract students from other places in Canada and abroad. This means that student interaction is varied and lively, drawing on diverse experiences and perspectives.

How will I learn in Drama?

Your work is assessed by various means including essays, critiques, journals or group presentations, which train you in the academic disciplines of analysis, researching, writing, logical thought, articulation of complex concepts, succinct expression, and confident verbal presentation. There is also scope to produce your own creative writing, whether through course work or student plays for performance. Your practical work is assessed mainly through performance, ensemble and solo work, class projects, and Mainstage experience.

What sort of career could I have?

A drama degree, as well as helping to develop and build confidence, equips you with a wide range of transferable skills, with particular focus on presentation techniques (how to speak, project, stand and organise material) and team work, which are valuable in a wide range of careers.

After graduating, you can continue your academic interests in postgraduate study. Check out the Graduate Program Handbook tab on the menu to the left, and you'll encounter everything you'll need to know about about our Graduate Program possibilities.

If that's not your focus, other graduates go on to use their practical experience in acting, directing, design, stage management and technical positions within theatre companies and in film and television. Others find that the skills they've learned prepare them for a wide range of careers such as teaching, the media, public relations, publishing, project management, and advertising.