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.
At a Glance
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?
Related programs:
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 2161 — Theatre Production
This course allows students to develop competence in basic stagecraft, chiefly set construction, light and sound; in stage management, production management, technical direction, lighting and sound design; and in basic drafting and technical drawing.
DRAM 2991 — Playwriting and Dramaturgy
This course will allow students to delve into the nuts and bolts of dramatic structure in order to understand what makes for a "good" play, why we tell certain stories, and how playwrights craft their work. Learning opportunities will include play analysis, creative writing, and direct engagement with professional Canadian playwrights.
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 4991 — Comedy of Menace
Have you ever laughed out of sheer existential unease? Welcome to Comedy of Menace. We'll trace this unique sub-genre of theatre from its origins with the works of Harold Pinter in the 1950s and 1960s, to its appearance and influence in contemporary drama and storytelling.
Find a full list of drama studies courses in our Academic Calendar — Drama Studies.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Sarah Fanning
Director, Drama Studies
» Director of Drama Dr. Sarah Fanning spearheads new screen studies and popular culture minor
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
Testimonials
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.
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
Admission Requirements
Academic Awards
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.