Drama Studies


Drama Studies provides an education in drama and theatre, introducing students to many areas of the discipline including acting, production, directing, design, dramatic theory and literature.

Overview

Drama Studies provides an education in drama and theatre, introducing students to many areas of the discipline including acting, production, directing, design, dramatic theory and literature.

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.

At a Glance

Degree options
Bachelor of Arts (BA), major
Minor

Curriculum

At Mount 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 Drama Studies program is designed to provide an education in drama rather than professional training for the theatre.

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.

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.

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?

Drama Studies class in the Motyer-Fancy Theatre


Related programs:

Careers

Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your Mount Allison degree will stand out.

Mount Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.

With experiential learning and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and real-world experience.

Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.

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

» Tricia Black on her career in the entertainment industry

Testimonials

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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.


Ashlyn
Skater
'24
Drama, minor in Screen Studies and Popular Culture
Brantford, ON
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The number of productions put on at Mount Allison throughout the year is mind-blowing; there is always something to keep you busy. Whether you are interested in being behind the scenes or on the stage, Mount A has something for everyone.


Erik
Garf
'18
Drama, minor in Sociology
Canning, NS

Extras

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 Mount 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!

Mount 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 Mount 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 Mount Allison graduates to campus to give workshops, contribute to classes, and counsel students.

/current-students/drama-and-screen-studies-program

Bachelor of Arts

Admission Requirements

Our admissions decisions are based on your academic record, leadership skills, a high level of commitment, and the potential for person growth. The drop menu below will help you find information on what pre-requisites are recommended for a Bachelor of Arts.

Academic Awards

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Mount A is #2 in student awards


Maclean’s ranks Mount Allison second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 Mount Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.

Next Steps

Be part of Canada's best undergraduate university