Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama Acting Degree Program Guide

The University of Alberta's BFA in Drama Acting is not just about developing technical skills; it's about nurturing your artistic voice and preparing you for a dynamic and fulfilling career in the performing arts. Combine rigorous training with a vibrant community, and take advantage of exceptional opportunities only available at the University of Alberta.

This is a unique and intensive 3-year conservatory training program which provides students an in-depth study of acting, movement, and voice combined with a university degree. Benefit from intensive training in movement (physical theatre and stage fighting), voice (speech, text analysis, dialect, singing), and immersion in a wide range of acting styles – including acting for the camera – with a particular focus on classical/period/extended text.

Academic Requirements for BFA Drama Acting students

  • Applications to this program require additional materials including a letter of intent, a theatre resume, a headshot, and two letters of reference from teachers or directors. For full admissions details, please see here.
  • For full details about BFA Drama Acting degree requirements, please see here.

The University of Alberta Calendar will always contain the most up-to-date degree requirements for your program, and your requirements are determined by the calendar year you were admitted in.

What kinds of courses can BFA Drama Acting students take?

  • DRAMA 335 - Movement in Rehearsal and Performance
  • DRAMA 344 - Voice and Speech
  • DRAMA 355 - Acting in Rehearsal and Performance
  • DRAMA 399 - Explorations in Acting I
  • DRAMA 434 - Theatre Movement
  • DRAMA 444 - Advanced Voice and Speech
  • DRAMA 456 - Advanced Acting Technique I

What kinds of careers can you pursue with a BFA Drama Acting degree?

There are many different fields and career paths that students can pursue with a BFA Drama Acting degree. From performing arts to production management, graduates are equipped with project management, public speaking and creative thinking skills to name a few, that are assets in today’s job market. Although there is a list of career options below, it is important to understand that careers are not linear. Intentionally engaging in a variety of activities and following your curiosities will open new opportunities that you might not have expected. To learn more about how you can put your Arts degree to work, stop by the HUB Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall) for more information.

  • Actor
  • Director
  • Playwright/Screenwriter
  • Voice Actor
  • Theater Director
  • Producer
  • Film/TV Director
  • Production Manager
  • Arts Administrator
  • Educator (Professor, Secondary or Primary)
  • Arts Journalist & Critic
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Workshop Facilitator
  • Cultural Programmer
  • Event Planner
  • +More!

Interested in gaining work experience related to your career goals? If so, apply to Arts Work Experience to gain full-time, PAID, work experience before you graduate!

Important Links

Department Contact Information

  • Department Undergraduate Advisor email: dramaug@ualberta.ca