BA, BFA offered by the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Gain practical, hands-on experience in production and design with York’s Theatre (Production & Design) program. You’ll gain top tier skills in wardrobe, carpentry, lighting, sound, costume, set design, and stage management. Through labs and workshops, you’ll work with scenic carpentry, props, scenic art, lighting, sound, and video for live performance, guided by industry professionals in state‑of‑the‑art facilities. Train in Canada’s largest theatre, film, and television hub, building essential connections while graduating ready to bring productions to life on any stage or screen. The program combines design, construction, and management to foster versatile, employable theatre professionals.
Career Options in Theatre (Production & Design)
Here are just some of the career options related to this major. As all degrees offer transferable skills, some jobs are more closely linked to this field, than others. Check Canada’s Job Bank for regional requirements.
- Audio Technician
- Assistant Designer
- Arts Administrator
- Arts Manager
- Casting Assistant
- Cinematographer
- Costume Designer
- Costume Supervisor
- Construction Supervisor
- Content Creator
- Costume Cutter
- Design Assistant
- Design Coordinator
- Department Head
- Distributor
- Dramaturg
- Dressers
- Electrician
- Events Coordinator
- Exhibit Designer
- Film Production Designer
- Lighting Designer
- Lighting Technician
- Marketing and Publicity Specialist
- Master Carpenter
- Master Painter
- Scenic Carpenter
- Scenic Designer
- Scenic Painter
- Sound Designer
- Sound Engineer
- Stage Manager
- Stage Technician
- Studio Manager
- Technical Director
- Technical Director Of Lighting
- Theater Architect
- Theater Critic
- Theater Producer
- Wardrobe Supervisor
- Web Content Producer
Some career choices may require further education, such as graduate studies or professional courses and exams. For detailed career descriptions and specific requirements, please check Canada’s Job Bank.
Entry-Level Positions in Theatre (Production & Design)
An undergraduate degree is typically sufficient for these positions, though some locations may require additional qualifications. For region-specific information, please check Canada’s Job Bank.
- Assistant Designer
- Assistant Stage Manager
- Arts Administrator
- Casting Assistant
- Costume Assistant
- Costume Cutter Assistant
- Design Assistant
- Dressers Assistant
- Electrician Assistant
- Event Coordinator
- Marketing And Publicity Assistant
- Master Carpenter Assistant
- Scenic Assistant
- Scenic Carpenter Assistant
- Scenic Painter Assistant
- Sound Assistant
- Stage Technician
- Stage Manager Assistant
- Studio Assistant
- Wardrobe Assistant
For career descriptions, visit Canada’s Job Bank. Some occupations may also be found on Career Cruising; for login information, navigate to the Career Centre’s homepage in Experience York.
Skills Developed through a Degree in Theatre (Production & Design)
Core Skills
- Performance Development: Training in acting techniques, voice, and movement to create compelling stage performances.
- Design and Production: Gaining hands-on experience in set, lighting, sound, and costume design for live theatre.
- Playwriting and Script Development: Learning to write and refine original works for performance.
- Directing and Staging: Acquiring skills in conceptualizing and leading theatrical productions.
- Technical Theatre Operations: Mastering stage management, rigging, and backstage technical systems.
- Collaborative Creation: Developing the ability to work in ensembles to devise innovative and interdisciplinary performances.
Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills
- Creative Communication: Expressing ideas effectively through acting, directing, or design to connect with audiences and collaborators.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Working cohesively with peers and mentors in diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
- Research for Performance: Conducting historical, cultural, and thematic research to inform creative choices.
- Organizational Planning: Managing rehearsals, production timelines, and resources effectively.
- Feedback and Adaptation: Incorporating constructive criticism to refine creative work and achieve artistic goals.
- Audience Engagement: Learning strategies to captivate and connect with live audiences through performance.
Management and Teamwork Skills
- Project Management: Overseeing all aspects of theatrical productions, from planning to execution.
- Leadership Development: Guiding creative teams as a director, stage manager, or production leader.
- Conflict Resolution: Addressing creative differences and fostering collaboration in team settings.
- Time Management: Balancing rehearsals, creative tasks, and deadlines efficiently.
- Production Coordination: Collaborating with technical and creative teams to deliver cohesive performances.
- Adaptability: Navigating the dynamic and unpredictable nature of live theatre with flexibility and resilience.
Professional Associations
Professional associations offer valuable insights into qualifications, industry trends, and career opportunities. They provide networking events, workshops, mentorship programs, and internships, as well as job boards and career development resources. Additionally, some associations offer professional licensing and regulatory oversight.
- Canadian Actors' Equity Association (CAEA): Represents professional actors, stage managers, and directors in live performance across Canada.
- Playwrights Guild of Canada (PGC): Advocates for Canadian playwrights, offering resources and professional development.
- Associated Designers of Canada (ADC): Represents Canada’s professional theatre, film, and television designers.
- Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT): Supports the Canadian theatre community through advocacy, networking, and resources.
- International Theatre Institute (ITI): A global network fostering collaboration among theatre artists worldwide.
- Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA): Supports performers in live theatre, film, and television across Canada.