Getting started

• Where, when, how much, how long?

• • All classes take place at the New Westminster Campus. The Theatre Department is located in room 3200A.

    The program starts in September of each year.

    The approximate cost for this 60-credit diploma is $5,300 (not including textbooks, supplies and student fees). Costs are subject to change, so check the College Calendar for up-to-date tuition information.

    This program can be completed in two years (four semesters) with full-time study.

• How and when do I apply?

• • Enrolment in Douglas College's Theatre program is limited and competitive. Students are advised to apply as early as possible to ensure that there is enough time to prepare for the required program audition

    To enter the Theatre Program, you must:

    1. Apply to Douglas College. When your application is accepted you will receive a student number (followed by instructions on how to book an audition).

    2. When you have a student number you must book an audition with the Performing Arts Assistant at 604-527-5495. You will be sent a package of information that is required for your audition. No students are admitted to the Theatre Program without an audition.

• What are the admission requirements?

• • NOTE: We strongly recommend applicants attend an information session prior to applying.
    What are the admission requirements?
    1. General Admission Requirements
    2. English 12 with a minimum grade of "C" or approved substitution
    3. An audition is required as part of the selection process. Your audition will be evaluated and will be included in the ranking towards the preferential admission process.

• Is there an age limit for students entering the program?

• • No, but applicants must have completed secondary school graduation or equivalent.

• What financial assistance is available?

• • Douglas College has a number of scholarships, bursaries and awards available as well as other financial aid for students. See Financial Aid for details. There is also a performance-based, full tuition scholarship available to Theatre students through the Theatre Department. This scholarship is awarded at the end of the first term.

About the program

• What happens at an audition?

• • The audition has two parts: a group workshop and an individual audition. It is important that you prepare in advance. For more information, see Auditions.

• Why do I have to sing a song as part of the audition?

• • The auditors are better able to assess your vocal qualities and your showmanship when you sing a song. Remember: the song need only be 30 or 40 seconds - a verse and a chorus is plenty!

• What does university transferable mean?

• • University transferable means that you can take the credit from many of the courses you take at Douglas College and apply it towards a university degree at another institution. Our program is transferable to many universities including UBC, SFU, University of Victoria and University of Alberta. Although the entire 60 credits will not transfer directly, you will be able to start, for instance, at both SFU and UBC in the second year of the Faculty of Arts leading to a BFA degree in Theatre. (NOTE: You must audition for these programs - university transfer does not mean your acceptance is automatic).

• How many people are in the program?

• • The Theatre Department accepts 22 people into the first year of the program each September. There are a maximum of 44 students in the program at any given time.

• Can I take other courses while I am in the program?

• • Not during the first year. You will already be taking a full course load. However, during the second year you will take two elective courses (one in each term) unless you take these courses during the summer term or you have appropriate transferable credits from another post-secondary institution (or from previous study at Douglas College).

• What about part time jobs and working outside of school?

• • Because the Theatre Program is intensive it is recommended that you do not work during the term. However, many Theatre students do need to have part-time work while they are at school. It is very important to note that attendance is extremely important and absence can be grounds for removal from the program. The Theatre Department expects 100 percent commitment to the course and production needs of the program. Students with talent agents are asked to inform them that they are available for auditioning and working during the school term.

• I am very interested in acting for film and television. Is Douglas College the place for me?

• • The Theatre Department recognizes the opportunities in film and television that are available in the Lower Mainland. A critical part of the training at Douglas College is the fourth term acting course THEA 2410 that focuses on acting for the camera. Instructors for the course are respected professionals in the field with credits from producing to directing and acting in feature films, episodic television, and TV movies as well as documentaries, and radio. Students leave Douglas College ready to approach talent agents and casting directors. You will be familiar with the special needs of acting for the camera and will be well prepared to handle the business of acting in film and television.

• Other than being a professional actor, are there additional benefits to taking an acting program?

• • The value of studying acting is comparable to the value of study in any area of the liberal arts - with the additional benefits of working on the physical and emotional aspects of the actor's creative life. You will gain knowledge about yourself through the physical work on speech and movement as well as through the exploration of various people and cultures, both contemporary and historical, required for the rehearsal and production of plays. You will gain skills in communication and in working as part of an ensemble -- skills which are greatly in demand in every workplace. You will gain confidence in your own abilities and capacity to express yourself clearly. Your study of human behaviour and motivation in relation to characters and plays may provide you with an understanding of other people, including your family, friends, and co-workers. As in other liberal arts, the study of acting will give the student insight into the customs, mores, and values of a wide variety of societies and thus encourage the expansion of the student's world view. The results can include a sense of liberation, an increase in compassion, and an enhanced appreciation and understanding of the world as a whole.

• Do you do musicals?

• • No. Sometimes we do plays that have music, singing, or dance as an element of the production but we do not specifically do musicals.

• Who teaches in the program?

• • Our faculty is made up of professional theatre, film, and television artists. They have credits as actors, directors, and producers from across Canada and internationally. See Contact Us/Faculty for more info on instructors.

• Where can I get more information?

• • Attend an information session
  • See the College Calendar
  • Contact the Theatre program