Theatre Institute

General Information

The Theatre Institute is a one-year certificate program which is unique in the university system. It is designed for theatre students who have previous theatre training but desire the opportunity to practise their skills in production; for students with training in related performance arts who want exposure to traditional theatre practice; or for students with experience but little formal training. The program can accommodate directors as well as stage managers and production specialists.

The Theatre Institute is open to students who have graduated with a theatre diploma from Capilano University or an equivalent program at another institution, or students who have equivalent performance experience but no formal certification.

Students are given the opportunity to work on Theatre department productions and in its facilities. Each year the department mounts productions in the 376-seat Capilano University Performing Arts Theatre and also in its well equipped, flexible studio theatre. Directors include experienced faculty, renowned guest artists, and directing students in the program. Each student will receive guidance through semi-private instruction or seminars, and practical experience in productions.

Completion of the Theatre Institute program signifies an intensive year of directing, or production experience. Outcomes will vary depending on the student's ability at entry but all students can expect an intensive exposure to the craft and the opportunity to develop personal skill.

Information for Prospective Students

Auditions and/or interviews are held in late April and early May. Late applicants will be considered if space permits. Contact the School of Visual and Performing Arts (604.984.4911) before April to request an information package and to book an audition and/or interview.

Admission Requirements

Directing Concentration
Admission Requirements
  • Two years in related post-secondary education training or equivalent.

  • English Language Requirement, TOEFL/ELA/IELTS/CAEL/PTE for students whose primary language is not English: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): paper=560, computer=220, internet=83, or English Language Assessment (ELA)=145, or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)=6.5 overall, and no one score less than 6, or Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)=70, or Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)=56 or Capilano University ESLF 080 with a minimum B+ grade.

  • Production Stream requires interview and portfolio review.

Production (Technical) Concentration
Admission Requirements
  • Two years in related post-secondary education training or equivalent.

  • English Language Requirement, TOEFL/ELA/IELTS/CAEL/PTE for students whose primary language is not English: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): paper=560, computer=220, internet=83, or English Language Assessment (ELA)=145, or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)=6.5 overall, and no one score less than 6, or Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)=70, or Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)=56 or Capilano University ESLF 080 with a minimum B+ grade.

  • Interview and portfolio

How to Apply

Apply for Admission/Readmission online or by downloading and completing an application form. Completed applications must be accompanied by the appropriate application fee, official transcripts and other pertinent documents, and should be submitted to:

Registrar's Office Capilano University, Birch building, room 230 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver, B.C. V7J 3H5 Phone: 604.984.4900 Fax: 604.984.1798

Fees and Expenses

Please see the Fees and Fee Payment section of the Capilano website. Financial aid is available to eligible students for eligible programs. For more information, please see Financial Aid and Awards.

Theatre Institute - Directing Certificate
First TermCourse CreditsRequired Credits
Credits12.00
Required:12.00
INST 370Theatre Institute I - Directing12.00
Second TermCourse CreditsRequired Credits
Credits12.00
Total Program Credits24.00
Required:12.00
INST 371Theatre Institute II - Directing12.00
Theatre Institute - Production Certificate
Intakes:CampusTermsFull/Part Time
 North VancouverFallFull-Time
First TermCourse CreditsRequired Credits
Credits12.00
Required:12.00
TECT 374Theatre Institute I - Production12.00
Second TermCourse CreditsRequired Credits
Credits12.00
Total Program Credits24.00
Required:12.00
TECT 375Theatre Institute II - Production12.00
Please Note

Students may have to take additional courses if there are educational deficiencies in the area of speciality.

See also:




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