Drama

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Add program to comparison list

What you will learn in this program

Drama scholars ask questions such as: Which elements are unique to the musical? How do dramaturges enhance a production? Did William Shakespeare write all the plays that bear his name?

Drama and theatre provide the means not only to reconstruct the world as it is, but also to model human possibilities. In this program you'll enhance your understanding of drama by participating in productions, interacting with professionals, and acquiring practical and theoretical foundations that will help you build a solid career. During the course of your studies you'll gain creative thinking skills, research and analytical capabilities, written and verbal communication skills, as well as rigorous practical and theoretical training in drama.

Career opportunities

​As a Drama graduate, you'll be prepared for career opportunities in areas such as entertainment, the civil service, and the non-profit sector. An Arts degree can also be used as a stepping-stone to graduate studies or another professional degree such as law, medicine, veterinary medicine, or education.

Courses you'll take:

History of the Theatre: Origins to the Mid-Eighteenth Century, Introduction to Scenography, Playwriting; Directing, Design and Dramaturgy

Learn more about your courses:

First year Degree Guide - Fine Arts
Program Description (Course Calendar)
List of Courses in the Program​

Learn how to apply

Admission requirements and information

Submitted by Anonymous on August 30, 2018 - 20:51 in

If you are currently in grade 12 or have recently completed high school, you must present five required grade 12 courses for your program as outlined below. Admissions averages will be calculated using either the early or standard admission processes.

Faculty

Faculty of Arts (Fine Arts)

Application Dates

October 1st 2018 to March 1st 2019

Curriculum (Education System)

Alberta curriculum

Minimum Competitive Average

Low 70s

Required Courses

  • English Language Arts 30-1
  • Four approved courses

Required Courses Notes

  1. A maximum of two approved Fine Arts courses are permitted. Either two Fine Arts options, or one Fine Arts option and one 3- or 5-credit option may be used.
  2. Bachelor of Music (BMus) and BA/BFA Dance programs require auditions.
  3. Admission to the BMus, BA (Music) or Minor in music programs require evidence of RCM Level 8 or the departmental music theory diagnostic exam.
  4. BFA Visual Studies requires a portfolio.
  5. Approved courses or options may include locally-developed courses specific to Art, Dance, Drama or Music.
  6. Two subjects in the same field may not be presented to satisfy requirements unless with permission of the admissions office.
  7. Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) courses are accepted.

Approved Courses/Options

Approved Courses

  • Indigenous Studies 30
  • Any 5-credit second language or language and culture course at the 30-level [1,2]
  • Any approved grade 12 IB diploma or AP academic subject
  • Biology 30
  • Chemistry 30
  • CTS Computer Science Advanced (5-credits)
  • English 30-1
  • Fine Arts (Art 30, Art 31, Choral Music 30, General Music 30, Instrumental Music 30, Drama 30, Dance 35)
  • Mathematics 30-1, 30-2, and 31 [1,3]
  • Physical Education 30
  • Physics 30
  • Science 30
  • Social Studies 30-1

Approved Options

  • Other five-credit 30-level courses excluding Special Projects 30 and English 30-2.
  • Three-credit courses: Two three-credit 20- or 30-level courses can be combined to fulfil ONE requirement. Courses at the 20- and 30-level CANNOT be combined to satisfy a course requirement.
  • One-credit courses: five advanced credits in Career and Technology Studies (CTS) can be used to fulfil one approved option requirement.

Approved Courses/Options Notes

  1. Two courses in the same subject area may not be presented to satisfy entrance requirements unless the courses are Mathematics 30-1, Mathematics 30-2 or Mathematics 31
  2. Only one grade 12 level course in a language stream may be used to satisfy admission requirements.: (a) one of Alberta French 30, 31A, 31B, 31C, 30-3Y, 30-9Y (or equivalent subjects); Alberta French Language Arts 30-1, 30-2 (or equivalent subjects), (b) one of Alberta Chinese Language Arts 30 (3Y, 6Y, 9Y, 12Y) (or equivalent subjects); Alberta Chinese Language and Culture 30 (3Y, 6Y) (or equivalent subjects).
  3. A minimum grade of 70% in Mathematics 30-1 is the prerequisite for first-year math courses.
  4. One-credit courses: five advanced credits in Career and Technology Studies (CTS) can be used to fulfil ONE requirement. Intermediate and Advanced Credits cannot be combined to satisfy a course requirement.

Standard Admission

If you are currently completing high school, you will automatically be considered for admission using the standard admission by calculating your admission average using final grade 11 grades and at least one grade 12 approved course (if both grade 11 and 12 grades are provided, the grade 12 grade will be used) from the required courses for your program choice. Admitted students must complete all 30-level (or equivalent) required courses outlined above, maintain the admission average required for admission in the application year and obtain the Alberta Grade 12 diploma (or equivalent).

Learn more about standard admission

Early Admission

You may be offered early admission (based on your available grade 11 or 12 results) for English, Social Studies and two approved courses or options. Admitted students must complete all 30-level (or equivalent) required courses outlined above, maintain the admission average required for admission in the application year and obtain the Alberta Grade 12 diploma (or equivalent)..

Learn more about early admission

Required Documents

Alberta: There is no need to send your transcripts. The University of Calgary will obtain transcripts on your behalf from the Ministry of Education. Other Canadian Provinces and Territories: Official transcripts are documents which are sent directly to the University of Calgary's admissions office from your school or the Department of Education maintaining such records. It's your responsibility to request transcripts from any non-Alberta institutions to be sent directly to the university's admissions office.

More about required documents

ELP

English is the official language of instruction at the University of Calgary. All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency to be considered for admission.

See English Language Proficiency requirements

Diverse Qualifications

If you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have achieved excellence outside of academics, or have overcome significant hardships, you may seek admission under the Diverse Qualifications Admission Process.

More information about Diverse Qualifications

Important dates and deadlines

Dec. 15

  • Deadline to apply for Prestige Awards

Jan. 15

  • Transcript deadline for Prestige Awards

Feb. 01

Deadline to apply for Spring Energy Engineering admission

Feb. 15

Initial transcript deadline for Spring Energy Engineering

Mar. 01

  • Deadline to apply for fall admissions and final date to make changes to your application
  • High school awards online application deadline
How to apply

Mar. 15

  • Deadline for students residing outside of Canada or the US to submit transcripts and documents
  • Initial transcripts and supporting documents required for admission decision for all high school and transfer applicants

Mar. 01

  • Deadline to apply for summer Community-Based Education and Fall admissions and final date to make changes to your application
  • High school awards online application deadline
  • Supplemental document deadline for Bachelor of Health Science and Bachelor of Social Work.

Mar. 15

  • Deadline for students residing outside of Canada or the US to submit transcripts and documents
  • Deadline for initial transcripts and supporting documents required for an admission decision for all high school and transfer students for fall and summer

Mar. 15

  • Deadline for submission of diverse qualifications documentation
Learn more

May. 01

  • Deadline to apply for residence guarantee
View residence

Jun. 01

  • Final transcript deadline for applicants presenting post-secondary level courses for spring, summer and fall

Jul. 01

  • Winter Nursing application is open
Learn more about Open Studies

Aug. 01

  • Final transcript deadline for applicants presenting only high school level courses

Sep. 01

  • Deadline to apply for nursing Winter 2019 

Sep. 15

  • Final transcript deadline for winter Nursing applicants

Oct. 05

  • Open House is on campus

 

Learn more about Open House

Oct. 01

  • Undergraduate application is open
How to apply

Program Highlights

Hands-on opportunities

Study abroad opportunities - Cultural and academic experiences at destinations around the world.

Program enhancements

Arts and Science Honours Academy (ASHA) - A six-course interdisciplinary program with a second language aspect and travel components.

Work experience

Internship experience - Gain valuable full-time paid work experience through a 12-16 month placement.

The study of drama is older than almost every field of study and yet it continually adapts to the new technologies, ideas and practices. UCalgary is the place to be. It is old enough to be wise and young enough to be nimble. In my section, we are working on a brand new unit that blends the best of traditional scholarship with the best of artistic practice. It is an exciting time to be here and students should join us for the adventure.

​Patrick Finn, PhD — Associate Professor

Did you know? You can earn two degrees in five years. Learn more about combined degree program options.

Interested in learning more?

Here are a few suggestions:

Request information

Request a viewbook, try our AskUCalgary database, or connect with your personal recruiter.

Learn more

Attend events

Check our calendar to find out when we'll be in your area, or register for one of our upcoming online events.

Learn more

Book a campus tour

Guided by a current student, you'll explore our classrooms, residences, athletic facilities, and more.

Learn more

Your cost

Find out what your undergraduate tuition and general fees will cost.

Learn more

Drama has a variety of course options and extracurricular activities. Teaching is excellent; every professor contributes something different and they’re always interested in guiding you outside of class time or offering extra exercises. Many professors have connections outside the university and are willing to provide students with extra opportunities, tools and networking. The results: looking at a call board after auditioning and seeing my name beside one of the characters!

Fatima Z., drama student

Join our community in fall 2019

 Check out our student experience page to find out more about what life is like on campus or consider visiting campus for a tour led by one of our current students.

Learn about the student experience

Learn more about your future campus! Book a campus tour or request more information. 

Faculty Information

Faculty of Arts (Fine Arts)
Social Sciences Building, Room 102
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4
403.220.3580

Learn how to apply