Pursue Undergraduate Program in
Theatre
Join the next generation of storytellers acting, producing, directing and designing cultural works to shape our ever-changing society. After a foundational first year, branch into Performance Creation, Production & Design, or Acting to hone your skills and techniques. Realize your creations on stage with a fully mounted season of performances including Playground and the Devised Theater Festival.
The AMPD Advantage
- 2,000 square feet of carpentry studio for set construction.
- Diverse course offerings as one of Canada's largest and most comprehensive Theatre & Performance departments.
- A long and impressive track record of training theatre professionals.
- Over 50 years of leadership in Canadian theatre.
Program Structure
Students in the Theatre (BA; BFA) program share a common first year, taking courses across various fields of theatre and performance. After the first year, students can branch into one of four specializations based on their interests and goals: (1) Acting Conservatory (BFA); (2) Production and Design (BFA); (3) Performance Creation (BFA); and (4) Performance Creation (BFA).
Admission to some degree specializations is by audition or interview at the end of first year. Regardless of streams, students work together as actors, production and creative teams.
Students planning to pursue graduate studies or teaching degrees are strongly encouraged to take the Theatre BA program.
Theatre - Acting Conservatory, BFA Honours
With intensive studies in acting, movement and voice, the Acting Conservatory specialization in the Theatre (BFA) takes students deep into scene study, script analysis, and character development. Upper-year Conservatory members are cast in mainstage shows, featuring classic and contemporary masterpieces addressing today's cultural and political debates.
Theatre - Production and Design, BFA Honours
The Production and Design specialization in the Theatre (BFA) program features hands-on technical skills with creative aspects of theatre, such as set design, costume construction and stage management. The Production and Design specialization engages students in all elements of theatrical design and stage production. Studies in technical direction management complement sound, lighting, scenery, costume design, and construction courses.
Theatre - Performance Creation, BFA Honours
The Performance Creation specialization in the Theatre (BFA) program emphasizes studio coursework, such as Stagecraft, Devised Theatre, Scene Study, Playwriting, and Directing. In keeping with the broad scope of Performance Creation work, this specialization prepares students to move fluidly across artistic disciplines and assume a range of roles in collaborative performance settings. This specialization is ideal for students who want to produce sophisticated, meaningful performance work that engages with more significant social justice and sustainability issues.
Performance Creation, BFA Honours
The Performance Creation specialization in the Theatre (BFA) program focuses on drama and performance theory studies, criticism and history, and theatre education. Students may opt to take a broad range of courses or choose to specialize in one or more of the following areas of study: (a) Playwriting, learning to write for the stage; (b) Directing, supporting productions; and/or (c) Devised Theatre, focusing on the collaborative creation of original works, incorporating all elements of playmaking, design, and management.
Program Details
Offered By
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Degrees Offered
BA, BFA
Fall Entry
Yes (first and upper year)
Winter Entry
No
Summer Entry
Yes (first and upper year)
Ways to Study
Full-Time, Part-Time
Sample Schedule (First-year)
- Introduction to Acting
- Introduction to Stagecraft
- Introduction to Theatre and Performance Studies
Possible Career Paths
- performer
- artistic director
- technical director
- stage designer
- playwright
- producer
- casting director
- production manager
- scenic artist
- dramaturg
- costume designer
- voice coach
- stage manager
Viewbooks
Undergraduate
View Viewbook (PDF)
Transfer & Mature
View Viewbook (PDF)
Indigenous
View Viewbook (PDF)
International
View Viewbook (PDF)
Admission Requirements
I am a high-school student I have completed at least one year of full-time study at college or university I have been away from high-school for at least two years I have never studied in a formal academic high-school environment Returning / Reactivating student (previously York) Visiting StudentsSchool of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 70.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 70.
Baccalauréat Français
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
- A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the Baccalauréat Général. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, the Baccalauréat Général with a minimum overall score of 14 is required.To gain admission to this program, the Baccalauréat Général with a minimum overall score of 14 is required.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Bachillerato
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
- Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
- Some programs require a higher GPA.
CAPE
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
- A minimum overall average of 3 out of 7 is required. Higher grades required for certain programs.
- CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
- Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 70.
Chinese High School
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the final year of Senior 3/Grade 12 level of study with a minimum overall average of 85% on all academic courses.To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the final year of Senior 3/Grade 12 level of study with a minimum overall average of 85% on all academic courses.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Turkish High School
- Some programs require higher. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 4.0 or 70%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, minimum 4.5 or 80% average is required in the final year of senior studies.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 4.5 or 80% average in the final year of senior studies.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
GCE
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
- GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum average of B is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of B.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Hong Kong
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the Twelfth Year of senior studies with a minimum overall average of 4.5/5.0 required.
To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the Twelfth Year of senior studies with a minimum overall average of 4.5/5.0 required.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
International Baccalaureate
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
- IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level
- Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum IB diploma point scores of 30 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum IB diploma point scores of 30.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Indian High School
- Some programs require a higher average. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 55%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
- All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
- Indian School Certificate (ISC)
- Intermediate Examination Certificate
- Pre-University Examination Certificate
To gain admission to this program, minimum 70% average in XII is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 70% average in XII.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 70.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 70.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 70.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 70.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 70.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 70.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 70.
OUAC code YJ
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
To be considered a mature student, you must:
be at least 20 years old by the end of the calendar year of admission to the University;
have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years; and
have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited college or university.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 70.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 70.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 70.
Tawjihyah
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
United States High School
- Grade 12 graduation with a minimum overall average of "B" on Grade 11 and Grade 12 academic courses is required to be considered for most programs. Some programs require a higher average. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- SAT or ACT scores are not required for students studying in a recognized accredited US curriculum outside the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam.
- SATs/ACTs are considered in combination with high school grades.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
For Fall (September) 2021 and Winter (January) 2022 entry, York University will deem the SAT/ACT as optional for students studying in a recognized accredited US curriculum high school in the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam. However, students who have completed a standardized test are encouraged to submit their test scores as it may support your application for competitive programs. SAT/ACT scores must be sent electronically from the College Board directly to York. Please browse the section below for pre-requisites and detailed admission requirements.
Note: An SAT/ACT test will be required from students who are not enrolled in a recognized accredited US curriculum high school in the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam or have not studied in a formal academic high-school environment.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
- AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum A- (3.7) GPA on Grade 11 and 12 academic courses is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum A- (3.7) GPA on Grade 11 and 12 academic courses.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO) - minimum 6 academic courses
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, minimum WAEC and/or NECO average of B2 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 4.5 or 80% average in the final year of senior studies.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 70.
You are required to provide official evidence of academic achievement in secondary education. This can be demonstrated through:
- Final grades under the Ontario curriculum (obtained through correspondence, night school or through TVO)
- Credentials through other curricula, such as results from Advanced Placement (AP) or Advanced-level courses in the General Certificate of Education (GCE). (Students may register to sit for the AP and GCE examinations as private candidates.)
In the absence of final grades in courses:
- You must submit the results of standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) with a minimum combined total of 1170 on the Critical Reading and Math components or a composite American College Testing (ACT) score of 24.
- Your application will be reviewed by an admissions sub-committee. If admitted, you will not be eligible for entrance scholarships. You will be considered for continuing student scholarships at the end of your first year of study, if you satisfy those criteria.
You may also be required to provide proof of language proficiency. You will be considered for entrance scholarships on the basis of your overall averages in the six 4U/4M (Ontario curriculum) or equivalent courses.