Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre at Simon Fraser University (SFU) - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-12-03

Program overview

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Program overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a major in Theatre and Performance at Simon Fraser University offers a unique exploration of various genres and forms, such as devised theatre, live art, and social practice. This program stands out by moving away from traditional theatre training, embracing contemporary performance processes, unconventional narrative styles, and experimental forms. It delves into the fundamentals of performance—time, space, body, text, and movement—addressing pressing political issues and fostering social interventions. The curriculum is designed to encourage students to engage in live productions and develop their own performance projects, while also incorporating interdisciplinary elements from outside the theatre and performance disciplines.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Performance is structured to provide a comprehensive education in contemporary performance. The program is designed to be completed in four years, allowing students to immerse themselves in both practical and theoretical aspects of theatre. Key features of the program structure include:

Studio courses complemented by theatre and performance studies.
Public-facing production courses that enhance real-world experience.
Interdisciplinary components through courses from other disciplines.
Encouragement for students to participate in live productions and develop personal performance projects.

Students are required to complete a total of 120 units, which includes a mix of core and elective courses. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and collaboration, preparing students for various roles in the theatre industry.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Performance offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the learning journey of students. These include:

Participation in live productions, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world settings.
Opportunities to develop personal performance projects, fostering creativity and individual expression.
Interdisciplinary collaboration with students from other artistic disciplines, enriching the educational experience.
Access to studio courses that focus on contemporary performance practices and methodologies.
Engagement in public-facing performances, providing exposure to audiences and practical experience in performance delivery.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Performance can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada. Some potential job options include:

Theatre Director: Responsible for overseeing the artistic vision of a production, guiding actors, and making creative decisions.
Performance Artist: Engages in live art performances that may incorporate various media and styles, often addressing social or political themes.
Production Manager: Manages the logistics of theatre productions, including scheduling, budgeting, and coordinating between departments.
Playwright: Writes scripts for theatre productions, creating original works or adapting existing stories for the stage.
Arts Educator: Teaches theatre and performance skills in schools or community programs, fostering the next generation of artists.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make significant contributions to the arts and culture sector in Canada.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Simon Fraser University (SFU) official website

Last updated on 2025-12-03

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre program, the following academic requirements must be met:

All applicants must meet the university's general admission requirements.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
International students, including those from Vietnam, must submit the following:

Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học (Upper Secondary School Graduation Certificate).
Submit a transcript that includes interim marks for the senior year. Admission is calculated based on senior level academic subjects.

For Vietnamese students, a minimum of 6/10 in Senior Mathematics is required for admission (based on a 50% pass scale).

It is important to note that there are no additional faculty or program-specific course prerequisites for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. However, applicants (excluding those applying to Art, Performance & Cinema Studies) are required to submit a supplemental application, which may include an audition, interview, or portfolio.

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the application process or requirements, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at Simon Fraser University (SFU). All applicants, regardless of country of origin or citizenship status, must demonstrate competence in the English language prior to admission. Competence is required in all four of the following skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

As an applicant to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre program, you must demonstrate English language competence through one of the options below:

Completion of the last three (3) years of full-time secondary school education in English in Canada
Minimum requirement: 70% in a senior level English
Completion of the last three (3) years of full-time secondary school education in English, in a country where English is the principal language of instruction
Minimum requirement: 70% in a senior level English
Completion of the last four (4) years of full-time secondary school education in English at a recognized international school in a country where English is not the principal language of instruction
Minimum requirement: 70% in a senior level English
Completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program including English A (HL/SL) or English Literature and Performance (SL)
Minimum requirement: Grade of a 3
Completion of a three unit English (ENGL) course or a certified W (writing intensive) course for which SFU grants transfer credit
Minimum requirement: Grade of a C- (C minus)
GCSE O-Level English (or GCSE English Language B)
Minimum requirement: Grade of a 4 (or C)

Additionally, you may complete a Language Proficiency Exam. The accepted exams include:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS - Academic)
Minimum score: Overall 6.5 with no part less than 6.0
Cambridge English Qualifications
Any one of:
- B2 First
- C1 Advanced
- C2 Proficiency
Minimum score: Overall score 176 with no part less than 169
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet based test (TOEFL iBT)
Minimum score: Overall score 88 with no part less than 20
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
Minimum score: Overall score of 70, with no part less than 60
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Minimum score: Overall score of 65, and a minimum score of 60 in the Communicative Skills
Duolingo English Test (DET)
Minimum score: Overall score of 125

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-12-15

Program overview