Acting Program

Diploma in Acting

The acting diploma is a two-year experiential commencement into the art and industry of acting with an optional post-diploma certificate in advanced acting. It is a professional, conservatory-training program designed for those wishing to pursue a professional career as an actor or obtain employment in related ministry or marketplace fields. It is a high course-load, high impact program that transforms the student through a rigorous process of self-examination and hard work. Students are grounded in the tenets of Stanislavski-based acting methodologies, script analysis, and physical training of the voice and body, while encouraged to explore the intersection of their faith and art. Admission into the Diploma is by audition, and continuation into the second-year of study is by invitation only. Acting is part of Ambrose Arts, an academic department whose arts programs (Music, Theatre), arts minors (Music, Theatre, Dance, Worship Arts), and various fine arts electives (Art History, Aesthetics, Studio Art) operate within the Faculty of Arts and Science at Ambrose University.

Diploma in Acting Program Requirements (63 credits)

UNI 101 The Ambrose Experience (non-credit)

Year One – Acting Basics (30 credits)
Production Experience: Collective Creation

Semester One – 15 credits
TH 101 Introduction to Theatre
TH 120a Collective Creation I
TH 201 Acting I: Meisner
TH 203 Movement I
TH 247 Voice I

Semester Two – 15 credits
TH 120b Collective Creation II
TH 154 Script Analysis
TH 202 Acting II: Meisner
TH 204 Movement II
TH 248 Voice II

Year Two – Advanced Acting, Performance Emphasis, Theatre Vocation Training (33 Credits)
Production Experience: Contemporary and Classical Plays, Monologue Work, Showcases

Semester One – 16.5 credits
TH 185 Theatre as Vocation I (1.5 credits)
TH 222 Rehearsal and Performance: Classical Play
TH 301 Acting III: Method
TH 303 Movement III
TH 344 Stage Combat I
TH 347 Voice III

Semester Two – 16.5 credits
TH 223 Rehearsal and Performance: Contemporary Play
TH 285 Theatre as Vocation II (1.5 credits)
TH 302 Acting IV: Method
TH 304 Movement IV
TH 345 Stage Combat II
TH 348 Voice IV

General Requirements for Completion

Completion of The Ambrose Experience (UNI 101) (This course is required for all programs, and must be completed within the first two semesters of enrolment. Students who do not complete UNI 101 may not be permitted to continue in their program.)
Completion of all requirements
A Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.0

Post-Diploma Certificate in Advanced Acting

The Post-Diploma Certificate in Advanced Acting serves as a professional year, enabling graduates of the two-year Diploma in Acting or students from other equivalent acting or theatre programs to engage in advanced study in the subject of theatre and refine their skills in the practice of acting. Students will take advanced versions of both the Collective Creation and Rehearsal and Performance courses, allowing them to take on challenging acting roles and exercise leadership as they collaborate with students in the Diploma. Other courses will include a combination of Performing Shakespeare, Special Topics in Theatre, and a work-integrated learning field placement course.

Post-Diploma Certificate in Advanced Acting Program Requirements (18 credits)

Production Courses (12 credits):

TH 220a Collective Creation

TH 221a Collective Creation

TH 322 Rehearsal and Performance: Classical Play

TH 323 Rehearsal and Performance: Contemporary Play

Research-Based Course (3 credits):

TH 211 Performing Shakespeare or TH 399 Special Topics in Theatre

Work-Integrated Learning Course (3 credits):

TH 484 Field Placement in Theatre