What to expect from a career in Theatre Performance
When the curtain drops, actors transform themselves and lead audiences through tales of history, love, pain and happiness – tales that come alive because of the people who perform them. Theatre performance programs at Ontario colleges not only provide the acting training needed to enter the entertainment industry, but also a broad knowledge of all aspects of putting on a theatre production.
If you enjoy being in the spotlight and want to live your dream of becoming a theatre actor and performer, here’s what you need to know.
Theatre Performance Courses
Ontario college theatre performance programs are comprised of intense rehearsal hours, during which students are taught and coached by industry professionals. A core component of these programs is a full theatre production put on by students at the end of or at multiple times during their schooling.
Courses will focus on a variety of professional techniques, including (but not limited to):
- Voice and speech
- Theatre and stage acting
- Movement and dance
- Technical production methods
- Playwriting
Most programs also include courses in on-camera acting, where students learn basic skills for film and television acting, how to create demo reels and how to be comfortable with recorded auditions.
Note: Theatre arts programs can be quite competitive. Pre-arts and general arts and science programs may help you get into a program, or if you’re unsure of what type of arts career you want, these programs can show you your options to help you decide.
General Theatre Performance Program Requirements
Theatre performance programs typically require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, which includes a grade 12 English credit. Auditions and other non-academic requirements are an integral part of the admissions process.
Theatre Performance Jobs and Salaries
Graduates of theatre performance programs at Ontario colleges will have the strong performance techniques, entertainment business knowledge and self-promotion skills needed to find a career on stage or behind the scenes.
Aside from obvious opportunities as performers, producers and playwrights in theatre companies, graduates may also find jobs in television, film, radio, education and more.
Salaries in the theatre industry are hard to predict due to the wide range of jobs and other factors that affect pay. (For example, large theatre companies usually offer higher salaries than small production companies). The average starting salary for program graduates is between $24,000 and $30,000 per year.
Ontario Colleges Offering Theatre Performance Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of theatre performance programs at Ontario colleges.
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