Advisors

The Department of Communication Arts has both a faculty member and a full time staff member who advises Theatre and Performance students.

Assistant Professor Jay Havens is the Undergraduate Advisor for Theatre and Performance and whose role is:

  • to counsel, assist, and advise undergraduate students in their progress through their Arts programs;

Professor Vershawn Young is the Associate Chair for Theatre and Performance, and whose role is:

  • to provide leadership to the department regarding student affairs and regarding program/curriculum maintenance and development; and
  • to represent the department on the Undergraduate Affairs Group (a Faculty of Arts committee) and to participate in leadership of the Faculty through the Undergraduate Affairs Group’s consideration of Faculty-wide curriculum and policy issues.

Katie Honek is your undergraduate advisor who will assist you with any questions about the Theatre and Performance program, or any other inquiries you may have.

Immolation archival Photo

Cast of IMMOLATION (2024). Created by the Ensemble. Directed by Pam Patel. Text Development & Assistant Direction by Sepehr Reybod. Set design by Trevor Schwellnus. Costume design by A.W. Nadine Grant. Lighting design by Siobhan Sleath. Sound design by Gill Brook. March 2024. Photo credit: William Innes.

Declaring a major or minor in Theatre and Performance

In order to join the Theatre and Performance program, you must complete a plan modification form and submit it to Katie Honek for consideration.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get into performance courses?

THPERF 102: Introduction to Performance is required for all Theatre and Performance majors and minors.

Admission to production courses, section 001, which focus exclusively on acting skills, is either by audition or by permission of the instructor.

Auditions for department productions are normally held in the first week of the term in which the production is scheduled. Audition requirements are posted on our Audition page and on the call board outside the Theatre of the Arts (ML 135) a few weeks before the beginning of the term.

Please pre-enrol in production participation courses during course selection as usual. Quest will bounce you out of the course during the formal enrolment period. If your audition is successful, our department administrator will give you a permission number that allows you to enrol on Quest.

It is always best to have a back up plan in case your audition is not successful.

Many other Theatre and Performance courses involve performance research and offer opportunities to perform for an audience. There are no special admission requirements for these courses.

Can I get performance experience without taking acting courses?

Many Theatre and Performance courses involve performance research and offer opportunities to perform. There are no special admission requirements for these courses.

In addition to courses, student projects frequently need volunteer performers. Check the call board outside the Theatre of the Arts (ML 135) regularly for opportunities.

I am not a Theatre and Performance major or minor. Can I still take THPERF courses?

Most Theatre and Performance courses are open to students from other programs. For the admission requirements of individual courses, please consult the list of THPERF Courses.

I am not a Theatre and Performance major or minor. Can I still participate in productions?

THPERF 206: Production Participation, Section 001 is open to all UWaterloo students. Admission is by audition or permission of the instructor. Auditions are normally held in the first week of the term in which a course is offered. Audition requirements are posted on our Audition Page and on the call board outside the Theatre of the Arts (ML 135) a few weeks before the beginning of the term.

Can I specialize in performance, technical theatre, design, or dramaturgy?
Content to be defined

I want to go abroad on an exchange. How will this affect my progress in the Theatre and Performance program ?

Many Theatre and Performance students successfully complete exchange programs. Since some Theatre and Performance courses are only offered in alternate years, consult with the Theatre and Performance undergraduate advisor to be sure that you will be able to fulfill your degree requirements.

Can I combine Theatre and Performance with Co-op?

The Theatre and Performance program does not have a Co-op option. However, Theatre and Performance students can enrol in co-op if they combine the Honours Theatre and Performance plan with Arts and Business.

What can I do with my Theatre and Performance degree?

Theatre and Performance students have gone on to work as theatre artists, to study in graduate programs, and to launch careers in sectors as wide-ranging as the commercial technology industry, the not-for-profit cultural sector, and the education system.

You will leave the program with an impressive set of interdisciplinary skills, including creativity, and the ability to think critically, conduct research, work independently, collaborate productively, and deliver concrete outcomes on tight budgets and deadlines.

To help you think about how you would like to apply your skills, the department hosts workshops on topics related to professional development. Watch our Events listings for details.