Overview
Drama Studies shows us new perspectives, challenges us, and touches us — as our lives and the issues we face are reflected back in new and surprising ways.
The program is designed to provide an education in drama rather than professional training for the theatre.
At a Glance
Curriculum
Why study drama at Â鶹ÊÓƵ Allison?
At Â鶹ÊÓƵ Allison, students involved in Drama Studies are challenged to work creatively, exploring new means of communication and expression — all within a cooperative, collaborative environment.
The multi-functional Motyer-Fancy Theatre typically hosts up to ten shows each year, performed and crewed by students, with direction and design by a mixture of theatre professionals and senior students.
Our extensive theatre season means all students (both drama and non-drama) have ample opportunity to experience a wide range of skills: artistic, practical, academic, social, managerial, critical, and experimental.
Drama Studies is available as:
- BA major (60 credits)
- Minor in any degree (24 credits)
Theatre Arts is available as an undergraduate certificate (15 credits).
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
Program highlights
Motyer-Fancy Theatre
The Motyer-Fancy Theatre is a flexible black box theatre that acts as our Drama students’ lab.
Producing up to 10 plays a year, it provides a venue where you can learn about and practice all aspects of theatre, including:
- acting
- writing
- directing
- set, lighting, and sound design
- stage management
Drama students are also provided with rehearsal and set design spaces and a costume shop.
Participation in the theatre is open to all Â鶹ÊÓƵ Allison students, regardless of their chosen program of study.
Students can also work in the Motyer-Fancy Theatre in:
- web and communications
- front of house
- costumes
- stage management
- props management
- lighting
- general technical support
Get involved!
Â鶹ÊÓƵ Allison and the Town of Sackville is home to a thriving dramatic community:
- The Garnet and Gold Musical Theatre Society, founded in 1932, presents a large-scale musical each year
- Tintamarre, a bilingual theatre troupe
- Presents: The Improv, deliver weekly unscripted theatre
- Sackville’s Festival by the Marsh, known for its Shakespearian productions
The Crake Motyer-Fancy Theatre Workshops program complements and supports both the Drama Studies program and theatre season, and have included workshops in musical theatre, stage combat, theatre in action, screen writing, and much more.
J.E.A. Crake Fellowship in Drama brings to Â鶹ÊÓƵ Allison, from September to April, a theatre specialist who will direct a production, participate in drama courses, supervise student projects and contribute to the Drama program and the Motyer-Fancy Theatre in other ways appropriate to their expertise and experience.
Drama Graduate-in-Residence brings Â鶹ÊÓƵ Allison graduates to campus to give workshops, contribute to classes, and counsel students.
Students begin their studies with an introduction to drama, followed by courses in:
- acting
- production
- directing
- design
- dramatic theory
- dramatic literature
In the final year of a major in Drama Studies, you'll complete your degree with one or two independent projects in areas of special interest.
This will allow you to work with a mentor from the faculty or staff to design and execute a major theatrical project in writing, design, directing, management, or acting.
Participation in the theatre is open to all Â鶹ÊÓƵ Allison students, regardless of their chosen program of study.
DRAM 1701 — Introduction to Drama Studies
This course introduces conventions, forms, and devices of drama as they emerge under, and respond to, specific theatrical and cultural conditions.
DRAM 2151 — Introduction to Acting
This course introduces the theory and practice of acting, and develops competence in script analysis and performance with a view to creating a dramatic role on stage. Dramatic improvisations and character and scene studies complement the exploration of the themes, structures, rhythms and subtext embedded in dramatic texts in order to prepare students for performance.
DRAM 2111 — Playwriting and Dramaturgy
This course explores the nuts and bolts of dramatic structure to understand what makes for a 'good' play, why we tell certain stories, and how playwrights craft their work. Learning opportunities include play analysis, creative writing, and direct engagement with professional Canadian playwrights. The course balances dual priorities of playwriting (creative activity, analysis, reading, discussion) and dramaturgy (understanding of play structure and how to give and receive critical feedback).
DRAM 3141 — Theatre Production
This course provides a multidisciplinary introduction to what makes theatre happen behind the scenes. It covers the foundations of stage and production management, set construction, sound and lighting setup and operation, and other roles in theatre production. The course focuses on communication frameworks and strategies as they are applied in the Motyer-Fancy Theatre, and scalable to different environments.
DRAM 3151 — Principles of Directing
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of directing, diverse models of the director's role in the theatrical process, script analysis for directorial purposes, study of staging techniques, and techniques for working with actors.
DRAM 3841 — Modern Canadian Drama
This course explores developments in Canadian theatre from the mid-1960s by looking at representative playwrights, plays, theatres, and movements.
DRAM 4021 — Comedy of Menace
This course examines the sub-genre of Comedy of Menace in its original historical context via the works of Harold Pinter and selected contemporaries, its evolution from Theatre of the Absurd, and its appearance and influence in twenty-first century drama and storytelling.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Sarah Fanning
Director, Drama Studies
» Director of Drama Dr. Sarah Fanning spearheads new screen studies and popular culture minor
What can I do with a drama degree?
Through our extensive theatre season, students have lots of opportunities to experience a wide range of skills valued by employers and graduate programs.
Recognized by Maclean's as Canada's top undergraduate university, Â鶹ÊÓƵ Allison's strong academic reputation helps graduates stand out as they pursue diverse career paths.
Our graduates have gone on to careers in acting, directing, theatre management, stage management, design, and playwriting, both in Canada and abroad.
Popular career paths for Drama Studies graduates include:
- set/costume designer
- director
- theatre manager
- stage manager
- actor
- sound/lighting designer
- drama therapist
- advertising executive/copywriter
- agent
- arts administration
- human resources specialist
Alumni Spotlight
Tricia Black ('09)
Bachelor of Arts, minors in Drama, History, and Music
Award-winning actor, writer, and comedian
What is it like to study at Â鶹ÊÓƵ Allison?
Through drama studies and English courses at MtA, I have made lifelong friends and collaborators while strengthening fundamental skills that will support me wherever I go such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. I feel miles more confident in my abilities as a storyteller that when I started my degree.
The Drama Studies program prepares you to think and care deeply about how you perceive your environment. As a teacher, I feel prepared to create meaningful connections with my students and to continue questioning my practice.
/current-students/drama-and-screen-studies-program
What are my admission requirements?
What other programs are related to drama studies?
Screen Studies and Popular Culture
Screen Studies and Popular Culture is the study of film, television, and popular culture from critical and technical perspectives.
English
English focuses on literary study, helping you develop skills in interpretation, research, analysis, critical thinking, and persuasive writing.
Music
The Music program helps you develop into a well-rounded musician with experience in performance, theory, music history, and music education, as well as a sound basis in the liberal arts.