Program Highlights
The Bachelor of Performing Arts is currently undergoing a program redesign. It is suspended until further notice.
The one-of-a-kind BPA degree-completion program provides the unique opportunity to achieve a bachelor’s degree in one additional year of study.
Expanding upon previous training and/or an existing performance practice, the BPA engages students with the aesthetic, conceptual, formal, cultural and practical aspects of performance creation across multiple mediums.
Combining academic research and hands-on studio experimentation, culminating in the creation and production of a capstone performance project, the curriculum explores how to strengthen and sustain a self-generated practice as both a content-creator and event producer.
Program graduates will have the capability of pursuing graduate studies and contributing to arts and culture at local, national and international levels.
BPA program goals
The one-year Bachelor of Performing Arts degree completion program augments previous training and experience by providing a foundation in the knowledge and skills required to sustain an entrepreneurial performance practice.
Upon completion, graduates will:
- be able to fully realize a performance piece using a variety of media from concept to creation through to production and performance;
- be able to identify and access the resources necessary to sustain an entrepreneurial practice;
- be able to articulate the principles underpinning their artistic and/or producing practice;
- be able to pursue graduate studies; and
- be able to assume active responsibility for their development as integral and innovative participants in society.
- Gain real-world performing arts creation and collaborative processes.
- Produce two production works with the cohort at two venues in Greater Vancouver.
- Develop entrepreneurial skills necessary to make a self-directed performing arts career feasible.
- Examine the historical and cultural context of the performing arts in Canada and around the world.
- Investigate, critique, and challenge the sociopolitical and cultural environment of the performing arts industry.
- Practical coursework in fundamental business skills, such as grant writing, founding an arts organization, and individual career development.
Admission Requirements
English language requirements
English is the language of instruction at CapU. All applicants are required to demonstrate competence in the English Language prior to admission.
If English is not your first language or you’ve received your education in a language other than English, students must produce evidence of their English Language Proficiency.
Basic requirements
- Completion of a minimum 87 credits of 100-level or higher coursework as follows:
- 60 performing arts credits with a minimum GPA of 2.5
- 6 English credits
- 9 elective credits (non-performing arts)
- 12 additional upper-level credits
Program-specific requirements
- Interview/Audition
- Resume or CV
- Two reference letters
- Letter of intent
Additional information
- Resume or CV - include relevant artistic/arts experience
- Reference letters - from non-related individuals familiar with the applicant’s creative work
- Letter of intent - outline “As you see your future, what are the ways you can imagine working as an artist?
Admission Notes
If you are already a Capilano student, or you are thinking of choosing Capilano and you want to plan your coursework so that you can be eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Performing Arts program, you should speak with Academic Advising.
If you have a specific question about the program, contact the Bachelor of Performing Arts office by email or call 604 984 4911.
Program Requirements
Total program credits: 120.00