Fall 2025 Productions Open October 31st!
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Follow your passion for acting and lay the foundation for a career in the performing arts.
The two-year, full-time Theatre Diploma program provides students with professional training and education in five key areas: voice and speech, movement, acting, theatre history, and production. Furthermore, you will work closely with students in the Stagecraft and Event Technology program to produce four major theatre productions and learn behind-the-scenes skills such as publicity and promotion. Graduates of the program are prepared to launch a career on the stage, continue on to a bachelor's degree, and/or to begin working in the performing arts sector.
Online Information Sessions
Attending an information session is highly recommended for anyone interested in the Theatre Diploma program. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the program and the application process directly from Theatre faculty.
Program highlights
- Gain real world experience on stage and behind the scenes in the four theatrical productions presented every year.
- Work with highly accomplished visiting directors, designers, and coaches.
- Learn from faculty who are experienced theatre, film, and television professionals.
- Perform in modern theatres including the 350-seat Laura C. Muir Theatre and the Studio Theatre.
- Earn credits that can be applied to a bachelor's degree.
In year one, you’ll take classes in speech, movement, acting, production, and theatre history. You’ll also gain valuable experience working in the box office, being a production assistant, and setting up the opening night reception as well as doing publicity and promotion for the four major plays put on by second-year students.
In year two, you’ll get on-stage acting experience working with professional directors, set designers, and lighting specialists from the arts community as well as with students in the Stagecraft and Event Technology program. You’ll act in one major production each semester, applying the theory you learned in year one.
Valuable skills
Successful actors are self-aware, confident, and skilled in communication, empathy, observation, leadership, and teamwork. These skills will not only prepare you for roles on stage; they are also integral to building a successful career both inside and outside the arts.
Career pathways
The diploma program doesn't just prepare students for an acting career. It is also the first step in the many different career pathways in the arts including directing, producing, arts administration, and drama education. Through workshops and hands-on experience, students will gain career skills that are immediately applicable in roles such as ticket sales and audience support.
Many graduates continue with their education and complete a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree is required for anyone who is interested in becoming an elementary or secondary school teacher. Credits earned at Douglas College are transferable to the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Victoria as well as many other Canadian universities.
How to apply
View information about how to apply and audition information.
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