Theatre Diploma at Vancouver Island University

Programme overview

If you want a career in acting or any other entertainment industry job, get ready to take center stage in VIU's Theatre Diploma. VIU is one of the only theatre programs in BC where you train inside a working theatre. The Malaspina Theatre, a working venue and cultural hub, is one of your classrooms.

Faculty: Art, Design and Performing Arts | Duration: 2 years | Study mode: full-time | Intake: The Theatre Diploma Program has one intake each Fall. | Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Courses include Acting I: Foundations, Acting II: Building a Character, Intro to Theatre I, Theatre History I, Theatre Stagecraft I, Theatre Stagecraft II, Theatre History III, Intermediate Stagecraft I.

Career pathways

The entertainment industry is one of the largest employers in Canada. Every venue of any kind needs people with the skills to run lights, sound and projections. Roles include Theatre career options; actor; assistant stage managers; lighting technician; sound technician; box office managers; front-of-house manager; lighting board operator.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

General admission requirements apply.; Interview with the Theatre department.; English 12 with minimum grade of “C” or equivalent.; Recommendations for Admission; Most students in the Theatre program have had some exposure to live theatre. An interview will be conducted for all students who wish to take the Theatre Diploma program. There are no auditions or portfolios required, but a keen interest in producing and participating in live theatrical events is expected.; Notes on Admission; Students intending to transfer to another university should consult a VIU Advisor.; Students must have a strong desire to work in theatre, since they have to work extremely long hours. The ability to work as a member of a team is also very important.; Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Most programmes start in September; January intake is offered for some bachelor's degrees and other programmes; many programmes offer alternative start dates throughout the year.

Applications for most academic programs open October 1 in the year before the program start date (applications for programs beginning September 2027 open October 1, 2026); deadlines vary by program.

Application fee: domestic undergraduate $46.98, domestic graduate $121.86, international all programs $156.06 (non-refundable); no application fee for Adult Basic Education.

Apply through the official page: https://www.viu.ca/apply

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