Bachelor Of Fine Arts In Theatre And Performance at Simon Fraser University (SFU) - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-05-29

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 advised to plan their studies carefully, as many courses are offered on a rotational basis. Entry into first-year theatre courses requires an audition and interview, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the program.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Performance offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the educational 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 learning experience.
Access to studio courses that emphasize hands-on learning and experimentation in performance making.
Engagement with contemporary practices and methodologies at the intersection of performance and social practice.

These experiences are designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in the arts, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in various performance contexts.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Performance can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in Canada. Some potential job roles include:

Theatre Director: Responsible for overseeing the artistic vision of a production, guiding actors, and making key creative decisions.
Performance Artist: Engages in live art performances that challenge traditional boundaries and explore contemporary themes.
Production Manager: Manages the logistics of theatre productions, ensuring that all elements come together smoothly for successful performances.
Arts Educator: Teaches theatre and performance techniques in schools or community programs, inspiring the next generation of artists.
Event Coordinator: Plans and executes live events, utilizing performance skills to create engaging experiences for audiences.

These roles highlight the versatility of a degree in Theatre and Performance, showcasing the diverse pathways available to graduates in the vibrant Canadian arts landscape.

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 2026-05-29

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Performance 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

International students, including those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, must adhere to specific requirements:

Submit a transcript that includes interim marks for senior year. Admission is calculated 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).

Prerequisite Courses

While specific prerequisite courses for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Performance program are not explicitly mentioned, it is essential to check the faculty or program-specific requirements for any additional courses that may be necessary.

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

Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at SFU. All applicants, regardless of country of origin or citizenship status, will be required to have demonstrated 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 undergraduate studies, 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 in which the principal language of instruction is English
- 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 in which the principal language of instruction is not English
- 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)

Alternatively, you may complete a Language Proficiency Exam. Note that Language Proficiency Exams taken more than two years (24 months) prior to application will not be considered.

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 of 88 with no part less than 20 (for tests taken prior to January 21, 2026: 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
- LanguageCert Academic
  - Minimum score: Overall score of 70, with no part less than 65
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.