Drama Department

The department of Drama offers a program balanced between practical theatre and academic study of dramatic literature and theatre history. Our aim is to permit undergraduates to explore the subject as a liberal arts discipline and prepare them for graduate, professional, and conservatory schools.

The department offers Major and Honours programs designed to expose students to all facets of theatre practice and study as well as provide them with the flexibility to orient their program towards a particular field of study: Dramatic Literature and Theatre History, Performance (acting, directing, and playwriting), and Production (technical, stage management, and design).

By the end of their final year students will have had ample opportunity to work on the department 's season of productions in the Studio Theatre and Centennial Theatre (including at least three productions in the Studio, one mainstage production in Centennial during the second semester, the New Plays Festival and the student produced Theatre Activ). A number of students will also have had the opportunity to become Theatre Assistants for Centennial Theatre, receive an honorarium, and be responsible for the proper running of the facilities ' operations.

Interested in Bishop’s Drama?  Our Department is happy to answer your questions.  Student representatives Samantha Adams and David Fuerst Ackles and Department Chairperson Rebecca Harries will tell you what you’d like to know about life and learning at Bishop’s University Drama.

Program strengths

• A 6 production season in 2 performance spaces
• Committed Faculty with significant professional experience
• Visiting artist program
• 2 Student Festivals each year (New Plays and Theatre Activ)
• Countless opportunities for involvement, backstage and onstage.

Popular courses

• Concentration in performance with 3 levels of Acting followed by 3 full productions
• 2 levels of Playwrighting and Directing
• Senior seminar courses ie: Topics in Shakespeare, Contemporary Theatre Practice, and more !

Kristy Benz

Kristy Benz began her Bishop’s career studying Liberal Arts and English, but after participating in the student drama festivals decided to enroll in the Drama program as well. Her roles in recent department productions include Constance in The Three Musketeers and the Princess of Spain, for which she had the opportunity to learn stage combat, Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest, and Jennie in Sticks and Stones. Kristy has also recently directed for the first time, as well as coordinated one of the student festivals. She plans to complete her three majors in the 2013-14 academic year.