Diploma in Theatre Arts

The 2 year Acting Intensive Program is the only Christian faith–based, conservatory–style theatre program in Canada. At Playhouse North, we believe that three things are needed in order to become a successful, professional actor: talent, solid technique and personal character. More importantly, we believe that regardless of where you choose to implement your training — in the church, the mission field or the theatre — creative self–expression through the theatrical arts is a spiritual practice that has the ability to deeply connect us to God and to our audiences.


APPLICATION TO PLAYHOUSE NORTH SCHOOL OF THEATRE

The application process to enrol in Playhouse North requires additional steps beyond the general admission requirements on page 6 of the catalogue. Please contact the Production Manager (info@playhousenorth.ca) or (403) 284-5100 ext. 228 for information about these
requirements. You may apply online or download the application material on our website, www.playhousenorth.ca.

Please note:
Annual cohorts are launched depending on sufficient enrolment.

Profile of a Graduating Student
A graduating student will:

  • understand and apply basic principles and skills of life-long personal spiritual formation and growth
  • have a grounded understanding of theatre by developing skills in critical analysis and the evolution of theatre from an historical perspective
  • develop career-sustaining skills in acting, movement, ballet, Alexander, singing and stage combat through an intensive training experience
  • gain practical experience through public performance
  • have the necessary business knowledge and practical tools to build and sustain a career on the stage, in film and/or television


Career Path Options
This program is designed to prepare a student for a professional acting career in theatre, television or film as well as serving in a drama ministry in a church or para–church agency.

Future Education Possibilities
With this diploma, you will be eligible to:
1. Complete a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Development, with a major in Theatre Arts at RMC. See page 36 of the academic catalogue.
2. Audition for the BMPA applied degree program at Red Deer College.
3. Audition for the mentorship program at Rosebud School of the Arts
 

First Year Curriculum:

Spiritual Formation I
The students will explore the scriptures in the Old and New Testament, investigate Christian theology and Christian ethics, and be guided in the practice of Christian spiritual formation.
Participation in the chapel will be part of this experience.

Acting Technique I
Exploration of different acting techniques and introductory work in the Meisner Technique, focusing on the elements of point of view, entrance, activity and relationship.

Ballet I
Instruction focuses on correcting posture and freeing the body for stage presence.

Voice and Speech I
An introduction to vocal practice that includes breath, connection, resonation and articulation.

Movement
Discovery of full range of body movement while freeing up physical inhibitions. Prepare the body for use as a dramatic instrument.

Vocal Production I
Study of singing technique specific to actors. Includes relaxation, preparation and introduction to song preparation.

Technical Theatre
A hands–on journey through the world of technical theatre.

History & Analysis
A general survey of theatre from Greek to present through an investigation of plays from various periods.

Acting Technique II
Building on the Meisner Technique while working on elements of Preparation and Location.

Voice & Speech II
A continuation of the principles learned in Voice and Speech I.
 

Second Year Curriculum:

Spiritual Formation II
The student will explore more deeply into biblical and theological studies, with continued formation in the praxis of faith and ministry. A major part of this learning experience will be to develop the relationship between Christian faith and the Arts.

Acting Technique III
Continuation of work on Meisner with focus on character.

Stage Combat
Skills learned in stage combat include unarmed combat and fencing.

Voice & Speech III
Concentration on the voice and heightened text as well as work in phonetics.

Professional Studies
Career sustaining skills in the area of audition and a professional career in the world of theatre and film.

Ballet II
Preparation of the body as an expressive instrument with the addition of more dramatic elements.

Vocal Production II
Continued work with preparation and interpretation as well as adding the elements of character, style, and solo performance.

Film Studies I
An introduction to the basics of film and television acting.

Dance & Style
The basic principles of Jazz as well as other dance styles.

Rehearsal & Performance I & II
Combination of training under the direction and guidance of a director resulting in a public performance.

Acting Technique IV
Work in scene study and text analysis, exploring monologues, classical text and group work.

Alexander Technique
Group and individual training in this specialized field, with special attention to problems of posture, relaxation, and preparation as it relates to the actor.

Performance Creation
An exploration of various creation techniques and mediums.

Rehearsal Lab I & II
A rehearsal aid to guide students to a deeper understanding of performance principles.