“I always have support”

Violet (Acting stream, 4th year)

The professors and guest directors are incredible — they’re here to nurture you, to challenge you, and to help you succeed. I know I’ll always have their support, even after I graduate. I’ve also loved connecting with people at all levels — classmates who are just starting out, upper-year students who mentor us, and industry professionals who come in to work with us. Those relationships have been one of the most rewarding parts of my time here.”

“One of the best things about being in this program is that it’s opened real doors for me. I know a lot of people — and their parents — worry about how you’ll ever make a living in theatre, but this experience has shown me there’s a path. Casting directors come here looking specifically for us, and through guest directors I’ve made connections in places like Toronto. I didn’t know what a career in theatre would look like when I started, but now I do — and I’m already getting professional work.

 

Violet performing in A Winter’s Tale

 

“The amount you learn here is incredible” 

George (Technical Theatre Production, 3rd year)

“Being here has exceeded every expectation I had. I was nervous coming here but they meet you where you’re at, whatever your skill level, and the amount you learn here is incredible. I was terrified of stage management when I started, and now I’m stage managing twenty people in ‘Caucasian Chalk Circle’! What I love about it is the organization — you get to see every moving part of a production from start to finish, from auditions to calling the final cue.

Last year I worked as a carpenter, which I never thought I’d enjoy, and this year I’m the student assistant in the carpentry shop. I’ve also been a sound board operator, helping with sound design and running cues through shows. Every role has taught me something new about how theatre works.
 

“It’s what I want to do with my life”

Marty (Acting stream, 2nd year)

“I never really knew what I wanted to do after high school, but I joined my school’s drama club and we did a few plays — and I just fell in love with theatre. When it came time to look for a school, I knew I didn’t want to do English or anything else. I saw that theatre was an option and thought, yeah, that’s it — I’m good at that, and it’s what I want to do with my life.

I didn’t really know what to expect when I first showed up, but once I got into the classes and the rhythm of it all, it was more than I ever could have imagined. Honestly, it’s been life-altering — so much fun, and I’m still loving every minute of it.”

 

“I can hold my own”

 

Matt (BFA Theatre and BA English joint degree, 5th year)

“I really enjoyed how the program opened me up as an artist and performer, and how many opportunities came from being in it. I often got cast in comic roles, which taught me a lot about timing and even gave me chances to improvise, but I also did dramatic parts. Even if you’re steered one way, you’re still learning skills that help you in the other direction — both comedy and drama feed into each other.”

“This program really taught me how to embrace myself and get bolder with every performance. I started out very socially anxious, and I still am, but now I can hold my own in a way I couldn’t before. Theatre really does help with anxiety — it pushes you to grow in ways that stay with you.”

Matt in a performance of The Seagull