Drama and English
Drama and Theatre Arts have a long tradition in the Department of English at Western. Our faculty and Writers-in-Residence have included such prominent dramatists as James Reaney, Gerald Parker, and Tomson Highway, and each year the department supports two full-scale dramatic productions.
Certificate in Theatre Arts
Students whose interests tend toward the practical side of Drama and Theatre Arts, especially those hoping to count Drama as a teachable in their applications to Bachelor of Education programs, may choose the Certificate in Theatre Arts.
Sample Drama Course Options:
Shakespeare (English 3227E)
Canadian Drama (English 3776F/G)
Twentieth Century Drama (English 3556E)
The annual Fall Production features major dramatic works, such as Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Hamlet, Tom Stoppard’s postmodern romance, Arcadia, or the recent production of The Revenger’s Tragedy. Students who have a part, either on or behind the stage, in the Annual Fall Production may enroll in English 2041F/G and count their participation as 0.5 credit toward their Certificate in Theatre Arts. Each summer we mount one of Shakespeare’s plays on the lawn of University College for the whole of our community to enjoy. Summer Shakespeare has been running continuously since 1981 and these productions have earned our actors, directors, and stage crews rave reviews and continue to be a vital part of the cultural and academic life of our department.
Other Opportunities on Campus
If you are an aspiring actor or want to get involved in behind-the scenes production, there are many opportunities to do so on campus:
- Theatre Western is a student-run production company supported by the University Students' Council that produces shows of the highest professional quality, including full length musical and non-musical dramatic productions, as well as student-written one-act plays (Purple Shorts)
- The Faculty of Education at Western typically puts on a major production every year. Past years have included such shows as Hair, Into The Woods, Chess, Seussical and Urinetown
- The Huron Underground Drama Society (or "HUDS") is a student run drama group that puts on several shows per year. Their plays or skits are usually completely student written, and are well known for their edgy comedic content
Western English @ Stratford
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