Production of Boy, by Leo Butler

The study of Drama at Brandon University is unique in that it is a fully practical, hands-on, workshop based program. All courses are taught by professional actors, directors and writers who keep in constant touch with the ‘real’ world of professional theatre. Class sizes are kept small to allow the maximum attention to each student. Whether you are looking to develop confidence and speaking skills or seeking pre-professional conservatory style training, Brandon University’s Drama Program has something for you.

The Program co-ordinator is James Forsythe whose major research interests are all actor centred involving both rehearsal and training methodologies. His article entitled “The Spiritual Nature of Actor Training” was published by the Association of Canadian Theatre Research. His current project is with sessional instructor Floyd Favel which will attempt to construct a training vocabulary for First Nations actors based on the myths, sign language, iconography, music and movement styles of the indigenous peoples of this region. All the instructors continue to contribute to their disciplines in the professional and community theatres on a regular basis.

Each year in early March Brandon University Theatre showcases the talents of the Drama students to the public in a major production in the J.R.C. Evans Theatre. Recent productions have included ‘ Clouds’ by Aristophanes, ‘The Marriage of Bette and Boo” by Christopher Durang, and Oscar Wilde’s ‘ The Importance of Being Earnest’.

The study of Drama can give you an advantage in a wide variety of careers including Politics, Law, Teaching, Journalism, Broadcasting, Public Relations, Advertising, Business, and of course the burgeoning areas of Theatre and Film.

Programs of Study at BU

A Minor in Drama of either 15 or 18 credit hours focusing on Developmental Drama, Improvisation and Performance can be attained in a minimum of two years.

Drama students may also be interested in our new BA in Creative Arts degree. For full details see our Creative Arts brochure or contact the Dean of Arts Office at 727-9780 or email murray@brandonu.ca

Please consult the Course Calendar for more information.