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To view the Spring 2026 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2026/spring.html.
Theatre and Performance Minor
The theatre and performance minor is a six-term, part-time program designed to welcome students from across SFU to develop creative and collaborative skills grounded in theatre and performance and applicable to a wide range of career trajectories. In addition to performance-making, acting, and writing, students will explore community-engaged practice; site-specific and land-based creation; and innovative methods in creative research. The 30-unit minor also qualifies as a second teachable subject for those interested in the Faculty of Education’s PDP (K-12 teacher certification) program.
Admission Requirements
Students may apply to the theatre and performance minor after completing CA 151 and 152, achieving a minimum 2.5 CGPA in contemporary arts, and a 2.0 overall CGPA. Contact the School for the Contemporary Arts office for details on procedures and deadlines or visit our website.
Although the university operates on a trimester system, most CA courses are planned in a two-term (fall and spring) sequence. Students are advised to enter in the fall term (September) and should contact the school in the preceding January for program entry and requirements information.
A minimum 2.5 SCA GPA and 2.0 CGPA is required to remain in good standing in the program.
Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing
Transfer credit awarded for courses completed at other recognized post-secondary institutions does not automatically entitle students to advanced standing in the program.
About the School's Course Offerings
Students are encouraged to take advantage of interdisciplinary offerings within the school. Since many programs follow a structured sequence of courses, students should plan carefully to maximize their study benefits. Not all courses are offered every term; some are available on a rotational basis (e.g., every third or fourth term). Advisors are available to assist in planning study programs.
Students are reminded that the school is an interdisciplinary contemporary arts department and are strongly encouraged to explore courses across various disciplines.
Special Topics Courses
The subject matter (and prerequisites) of special or selected topics courses vary by term.
Prior Approval Prerequisite
Where a prerequisite includes ‘prior approval’, students must obtain approval before enrolling in the course. Contact the school for further information.
Program Requirements
Students may apply to the theatre and performance minor after completing CA 151 and CA 152, achieving a minimum 2.5 CGPA in contemporary arts, and a 2.0 overall CGPA.
Students must complete a minimum of 30 units in the theatre and performance curriculum.
Students complete the 30 units as specified below.
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 15 theater and performance units, including all of
The first of four performance studio courses in the Live Acts cluster. A practical introduction to the foundations of live performance making from a variety of perspectives. With a rotating topic each term, students develop the foundational skills for creating original, contemporary live art. Prerequisite: By audition.
The second of four performance studio courses in the Live Acts cluster. A continued exploration of the foundations of live performance making from a variety of perspectives. With rotating topics each term, students develop the foundational skills for creating original, contemporary live art. Prerequisite: CA 151.
The third of four performance studio courses in the Live Acts cluster. A continued exploration of the foundations of live performance making from a variety of perspectives. With rotating topics each term, students develop the foundational skills for creating original, contemporary live art. Prerequisite: One of CA 123, 131, 146, 152, 161, 171.
The fourth of four performance studio courses in the Live Acts cluster. A continued exploration of the foundations of live performance making from a variety of perspectives. With rotating topics, students develop the foundational skills for creating original, contemporary live art. Prerequisite: One of CA 123, 131, 146, 161, 171, 251.
The first of two courses in the Context cluster. With a grounding in performance studies, this course explores histories and theories of the avant-garde, live art, and theatre. With a rotating topic each term, students develop the foundational skills for analyzing, researching, and writing about contemporary performance. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 15 theater and performance units including all of
The first of two courses dedicated to the development of a new work of performance led by a faculty member or visiting artist. Introduces themes and concepts, develops process and materials for a presentation in the subsequent term. Integrates the techniques acquired in context and studio courses. May repeat once for credit. Prerequisite: CA 252 and declared status in the theatre and performance major or honours, or by prior approval.
The second of two courses in the Context cluster. Work will include reading, writing and experiments in live performance creation. With a grounding in performance studies, this course offers a variety of frameworks and approaches to the histories and theories of the avant-garde. live art, and theatre. With a new topic each term, students develop skills for analyzing, researching, and writing about contemporary performance. Prerequisite: CA 257W. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
| Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
| W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each) |
|
| Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more) | |
| B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth |
Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division: Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc |
|
6 |
Additional Breadth |
Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements). Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
|