Theatre (Acting & Performance)

School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

Theatre (Acting & Performance)

BFA

At a Glance

Offered by

School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

Offered at

Keele Campus

Degrees offered

BFA

Ways to study

Full-Time, Part-Time

Entry

  • Fall - Yes (first and upper year)
  • Winter -
  • Summer - Yes (first and upper year)

Applied Learning Opportunities

  • Practicum
  • Project-based learning

OUAC Code

  • YWB (BFA)

Rankings

  • 3rd in Canada and top 100 globally for Performing Arts (QS 2026 rankings)

About the Program

Step into the spotlight and explore every facet of acting and performance, from stage and screen to voice and gaming!

You'll get extensive hands-on experience, performing in fully mounted productions, working side-by-side with peers, award-winning faculty and industry pros. All of this in Toronto, Canada’s biggest theatre, film, and television hub, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and surrounded by a vibrant season of shows.

Develop your craft as an actor in York University’s Theatre - Acting and Performance program, a specialized studio-based program focused on acting for stage and screen. You’ll train in performance techniques, character creation and multiple acting methods while learning how to build fully embodied, compelling performances drawn from diverse dramatic sources.

Requirements

BFA

Requirements for admission:
  • Alberta High School Diploma
  • ELA30-1 or English 30
  • And four additional academic courses numbered 30 or 31
    • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
      • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75%.

      BFA

      Requirements for admission:
    • British Columbia Secondary School Graduation Diploma
    • English 12 or English 12 First Peoples
    • And four additional Grade 12 Academic subjects
      • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
        • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75%.

        BFA

        Requirements for admission:
      • BaccalaurĂ©at GĂ©nĂ©ral
        • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
          • A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the BaccalaurĂ©at GĂ©nĂ©ral. Please click , then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
          To gain admission to this program, the Baccalauréat Général with a minimum overall score of 14 is required.To gain admission to this program, the Baccalauréat Général with a minimum overall score of 14 is required.
          The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.

          BFA

          Requirements for admission:
        • Successful completion of the final year of senior studies
          • Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
          • Some programs require a higher GPA.
          • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:

            • BFA

            Requirements for admission:
          • Diploma with a total of at least six units, including prerequisites, and grades of 1, 2 or 3 in each unit.
            • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
              • CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click , then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.

              BFA

              Requirements for admission:
            • One year of CEGEP
            • 2 semesters of English (code 603) / Français (code 601)
            • And ten additional academic courses (high-school equivalent courses not accepted)
              • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                • Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
                To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75%.

                BFA

                Requirements for admission:
              • Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate
                • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                  • To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the final year of Senior 3/Grade 12 level of study with a minimum overall average of 85% on all academic courses.To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the final year of Senior 3/Grade 12 level of study with a minimum overall average of 85% on all academic courses.
                  The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.

                  BFA

                  Requirements for admission:
                • Lise Diplomasi
                  • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                    • To gain admission to this program, minimum 4.5 or 80% average is required in the final year of senior studies.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 4.5 or 80% average in the final year of senior studies.
                    The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.

                    BFA

                    Requirements for admission:
                  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) Examinations
                    • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                      • GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click , then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
                      To gain admission to this program, minimum average of B is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of B.
                      The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.

                      BFA

                      Requirements for admission:
                    • Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
                      • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                        • To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the Twelfth Year of senior studies with a minimum overall average of 4.5/5.0 required. To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the Twelfth Year of senior studies with a minimum overall average of 4.5/5.0 required.
                        The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.

                        BFA

                        Requirements for admission:
                      • International Baccalaureate Diploma
                        • IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level
                        • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                          • Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click , then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
                          To gain admission to this program, minimum IB diploma point scores of 30 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum IB diploma point scores of 30.
                          The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.

                          BFA

                          Requirements for admission:
                        • Completion of one of the following:
                          • All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)
                          • Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
                          • Indian School Certificate (ISC)
                          • Intermediate Examination Certificate
                          • Pre-University Examination Certificate
                          • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                            • To gain admission to this program, minimum 70% average in XII is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 70% average in XII.
                            The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.

                            BFA

                            Requirements for admission:
                          • Manitoba High School Diploma
                          • English 40S
                          • And four additional 40S level academic subjects (no more than one at the 40G level)
                            • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                              • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75%.

                              BFA

                              Requirements for admission:
                            • New Brunswick High School Graduation Diploma
                            • English 120, 121 or 122
                            • And five additional Grade 12 academic subjects (college preparatory 120, 121 or 122)
                              • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                                • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75%.

                                BFA

                                Requirements for admission:
                              • Newfoundland and Labrador High School Graduation Diploma
                              • English 3201
                              • And nine additional credits at the 3000 level
                                • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                                  • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75%.

                                  BFA

                                  Requirements for admission:
                                • Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma
                                • English 12
                                • And four additional Grade 12 academic subjects (university preparatory academic or advanced)
                                  • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                                    • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75%.

                                    BFA

                                    Requirements for admission:
                                  • Nunavut High School Graduation Diploma
                                  • ELA30-1 or English 30
                                  • And four additional academic courses numbered 30 or 31
                                    • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                                      • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75%.

                                      BFA

                                      Requirements for admission:
                                    • Northwest Territories High School Graduation Diploma
                                    • ELA30-1 or English 30
                                    • And four additional academic courses numbered 30 or 31
                                      • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                                        • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75%.

                                        BFA

                                        Requirements for admission:
                                      • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
                                      • ENG4U
                                      • And five additional 4U or M courses
                                        • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                                          • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75%.
                                          OUAC code YWB

                                          BFA

                                          Requirements for admission:
                                        • Completion of a diploma program or at least two full semesters or one year of full-time academic study at an accredited college
                                        • Overall average of 3.3 or better on a 4-point scale (or equivalent)
                                        • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:

                                          • BFA

                                          To be considered a mature student, you must:
                                        • be at least 21 years old by the end of the calendar year of admission to the University;
                                        • have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years; and
                                        • have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited college or university.
                                        • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:

                                          • BFA

                                          Requirements for admission:
                                        • Completion of at least four full-year courses or one year of full-time degree studies at an accredited university
                                        • Overall average of 3.3 or better on a 4-point scale (or equivalent)
                                        • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:

                                          • BFA

                                          Requirements for admission:
                                        • Prince Edward Island Senior Secondary School Diploma
                                        • English 621
                                        • And four additional Grade 12 academic subjects (numbered 611 or 621)
                                          • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                                            • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75%.

                                            BFA

                                            Requirements for admission:
                                          • Quebec Grade 12 Certificate of Graduation
                                          • Grade 12 English
                                          • And five additional academic (university preparation level) subjects
                                            • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                                              • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75%.

                                              BFA

                                              Requirements for admission:
                                            • Transcript of Secondary Level Achievement
                                            • English Language Arts 30 or English Language Arts A 30 or English Language Arts B 30
                                            • And four additional Grade 12 academic subjects numbered 30
                                              • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                                                • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75%.

                                                BFA

                                                Requirements for admission:
                                              • General Secondary Education Certificate
                                                • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:

                                                  • BFA

                                                  Requirements for admission:
                                                • High School Diploma
                                                  • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                                                    • AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click , then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
                                                    To gain admission to this program, minimum A- (3.7) GPA on Grade 11 and 12 academic courses is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum A- (3.7) GPA on Grade 11 and 12 academic courses.
                                                    The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.

                                                    BFA

                                                    Requirements for admission:
                                                  • West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO)
                                                    • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                                                      • To gain admission to this program, minimum WAEC and/or NECO average of B2 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum B2 average in the final year of senior studies.
                                                      The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.

                                                      BFA

                                                      Requirements for admission:
                                                    • British Columbia Secondary School Graduation Diploma
                                                    • English 12 or English 12 First Peoples
                                                    • And four additional Grade 12 Academic subjects
                                                      • The Theatre - Acting & Performance BFA program requires you to complete a supplemental application as part of your general admissions process. Typically, in-person evaluations take place in February/March, with the option to submit a video evaluation for those applicants living far away from the university. For details, visit:
                                                        • To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 75%.

                                                        Start Your Application

                                                        • Winter 2027 (January) entry - November 18, 2026
                                                        • Summer 2027 (May) entry - April 1, 2027
                                                        • Fall 2027 (September) entry - January 15, 2027
                                                        • Winter 2027 (January) entry - November 18, 2026
                                                        • Summer 2027 (May) entry - April 1, 2027
                                                        • Fall 2027 (September) entry - March 24, 2027
                                                        • Winter 2027 (January) entry - November 18, 2026
                                                        • Summer 2027 (May) entry - April 1, 2027
                                                        • Fall 2027 (September) entry - March 24, 2027
                                                        • Winter 2027 (January) entry - November 18, 2026
                                                        • Summer 2027 (May) entry - April 1, 2027
                                                        • Fall 2027 (September) entry - March 24, 2027
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                                                        Deadlines for Undergraduate Study

                                                        Applied Learning Opportunities

                                                        Build professional experience through year-round opportunities to perform, create and collaborate in mainstage productions, student-led projects and annual events such as playGround Festival and Intercut. You’ll train with award-winning faculty who continue to work as actors, directors and performance creators on stages and screens around the world. Visits to professional productions, conversations with working artists and opportunities such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe exchange offer further insight into the industry, while our state-of-the-art performance and production facilities prepare you to work confidently across stage and screen.

                                                        Recent grad Nawshin chats with us about her experience with the Career Centre and how she secured a full-time role within two months of graduating.

                                                        Potential Career Paths

                                                        • actor for stage
                                                        • actor for screen (television, film, social media and beyond)
                                                        • actor for video games
                                                        • actor for voiceovers
                                                        • creator/performer
                                                        • movement specialist
                                                        • voice specialist
                                                        Request more information