Program

Performing Arts (Bachelor)

Applications Suspended

Please note the Bachelor of Performing Arts program is not accepting applications at this time.  For updates, please visit the program page at Capilano University.

 

Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Department
Bachelor of Performing Arts
Credits
33.00
Length of program
Three semesters
Campus
New Westminster
Learning format
Full-time
Admission type
Limited Enrolment
Offered
Summer

Overview

Train to be a professional performing artist, arts manager, administrator or cultural entrepreneur with the Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA). The BPA is a cross-disciplinary degree that at its heart is a commitment to collaboration and self-generation – elements which are crucial to young artists’ future success. 

The BPA degree addresses a gap in performing arts education: how you will put your training to use once you graduate. There are many ways to do this, and most require the ability to create one’s own opportunities, often in collaboration with peers. With the BPA program, you'll get the unique opportunity to create original, multi-disciplinary shows while developing the entrepreneurial skills necessary to launch a self-directed performing arts career. 

In a one-of-a-kind partnership in Canada, this program is offered jointly by Douglas College and Capilano University. 

Questions regarding the program can be sent to bpa@douglascollege.ca

Admissions Requirements

The BPA program is the final (capstone) year, contributing 33 credits to the 120 credit bachelor's degree. To be eligible for admission to the BPA, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • a minimum of 87 credits of course work comprising:
    • 60 performing arts credits in an approved program, or equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 2.5
    • 6 English credits
    • 9 elective credits (non-performance courses)
    • 12 upper level credits (performing arts or elective)
  • applicant support materials to include:
    • two (2) letters of reference from non-related individuals familiar with the applicant's creative work
    • resume or CV including relevant artistic/arts management/technical experience
    • letter of intent, answering the questions:  "As you see your future, what are the ways you can imagine working as an artist?"
  • audition

Cost

Calculate your tuition and see the approximate cost of taking your program at Douglas College with the tuition & fee estimator. See costs broken down into categories including tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass and more. 

For more information, refer to the tuition fee charts. 

Program Requirements

Curriculum framework

Semester I

Course  Title Credits
BPAC 4000 Contemporary Cultural Practices 3
BPAC 4001 Canadian Cultural Policy and the Performing Arts 3
BPAC 4002 Advanced Production Planning I 3
BPAC 4003 Studies in Interdisciplinary Creation and Collaboration 6

Semester II

Course Title Credits
BPAC 4004 Contemporary Performance Practices 3
BPAC 4005 Advanced Production Planning II 1.5
BPAC 4006 Strategic Career Planning 1.5
BPAC 4007 Interdisciplinary Performance and Production 12

Semester III

Course Title Credits
BPAC 4007 Interdisciplinary Performance and Production Continued from Sem. II

Program Guidelines

Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Career Pathways

Career opportunities include:

  • Actor/Performer/Extra/Dancer 
  • Audio & Lighting Technician 
  • Choreographer 
  • Communications Coordinator 
  • Costume or Set Designer 
  • Music Composer/Transcriber 
  • Musical Performer/Musician 
  • Playwright/Screenwriter 
  • Recording Studio Operator 
  • Stagehand 
  • Voice Artist/Announcer