Do you love being on stage? Or maybe you thrive behind the scenes, making the magic happen. Grenfell’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre is the only program of its kind in Newfoundland and Labrador, offering the chance to train intensively in a supportive, creative community.

You’ll dive into a season of shows every year, working with classmates, faculty, and guest artists in productions that challenge and inspire. Small classes mean big opportunities from rehearsal to curtain call – whether you’re performing, designing or stage managing.

And it’s not just about the stage. Our program combines practical training with academic depth. Alongside hands-on production and performance, you’ll study theatre history and dramatic literature, building critical insight into the art form you practice. So whether you pursue your theatrical dreams or decide to use your degree as a platform for another career, you will be well prepared.

Acting stream

In the spotlight

In the Acting stream, you’ll train to become a versatile performer for stage, screen, and new media. Start with the building blocks — voice, movement, text, and character work — then branch into advanced skills like stage combat, audition prep, acting for the camera, and devising your own work.

We don’t just train actors, we train actor-plus artists: performers who also know how to direct, write, produce, and collaborate. You’ll tackle everything from Shakespeare to experimental performance, learning how theatre can challenge audiences and spark change.

And you’ll be on your feet constantly — cast in productions, workshops, and devised projects. Small classes mean plenty of one-on-one attention as you grow your craft and your confidence.

“For me, the best part of Grenfell is the community. The theatre program really feels like a family. You go through everything with the same group of people, so you form deep friendships and lasting bonds. I’ve heard that in other programs it can be harder to make friends because you’re not always in the same classes, but here we all share the same journey.” Violet, BFA Theatre student

 

Technical Theatre Production stream

Backstage

 

Prefer to make the magic happen backstage? In the Technical Theatre Production stream, you’ll learn how to bring a performance to life. Explore lighting, sound, costumes, props, set construction, scenic painting, drafting, and stage management — while also developing an eye for design and production concepts. 

You won’t just study technique, you’ll use it. From rehearsal to curtain call, you’ll be hands-on in real productions, building a portfolio that shows off your skills. With small classes and big projects, you’ll graduate with the experience and discipline needed to step straight into theatre, film, live events, or further study.

Why choose Theatre at Grenfell?

• Newfoundland and Labrador’s only BFA Theatre program on a beautiful, safe and vibrant campus
• Conservatory-style training and liberal arts education
• Small classes, close mentorship, and a tight-knit community
• A season of productions every year — plenty of stage time
• Collaboration across acting and technical theatre
• Opportunities for employment while you’re still a student
• Training that’s inclusive and identity-affirming
• An international intensive in the UK, seeing plays and musicals, with workshops, theatre backstage tours in London and Stratford-upon-Avon
• We connect students with employment – virtually all our students are working in the industry prior to graduation, setting them up for excellent employment opportunities post-graduation

You can get two degrees – or join us from CNA

• Do two degrees in five years: Some of our students opt to stay for one additional year to complete a Bachelor of Arts (English) alongside their BFA (Theatre). This is a great option, especially for those considering a career in high school teaching.
• If you plan to do the BA in English but still have a passion for theatre, you can take a Minor in Theatre and get hands-on acting or technical experience.
• We have a partnership with the College of the North Atlantic's (CNA) so that students taking the CAN Digital Filmmaking diploma program can transition to the BFA Theatre. When you’ve completed the diploma, join in our 3^rd year to gain a double qualification.

“Doing a BA in English alongside Theatre is really useful — it broadens your education and opens more doors. I’m thinking about doing a Master’s at some point, probably in Theatre, maybe in English, and having both degrees sets me up well.” Matt, BFA Theatre & BA English student 

Photo credit: V. Marston