Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting

"My favourite part of the BFA Program is all of the opportunities available."

Not only do we get rigorous and well-rounded training in acting, but we also have the opportunity to explore and get involved with backstage roles as well. There are also a number of paid opportunities in drama at the school which looks great on a resume - and in my bank account! Everyone here wants us to succeed, and it shows in the instruction and support we are given.

- Natasha Fishman, BFA Class of 2024

The 4-year Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting degree is designed to prepare graduates to pursue careers as professional actors. This internationally recognized, pre-professional acting program provides stellar training with the perfect balance of conservatory style classes, academic course work, and main stage performance requirements.

You will learn from outstanding faculty members who are professional actors and directors, and from guest artists who are working theatre professionals serving as visiting professors, directors, and artists in residence. Small classes and easy access to professors will provide you with personalized attention and an individualized approach to studies in order to enhance learning, scholarship, and provide an unforgettable University experience.

Courses include acting technique, scene study, Shakespearean performance, voice, improvisation, movement, theatre history, other electives in dramatic art, and courses in the liberal arts.

University Players, the acting company of the School of Dramatic Art, will play a vital role in your training as you take your place among the company members.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the academic requirements of the University of Windsor, applicants must successfully pass an audition.

Career Paths

Graduates of the programme pursue careers in:

  • professional theatre, film and television acting
  • directing
  • graduate school in acting and directing
  • education (with additional studies)

Our distinguished alumni are working in major theatres across North America. Here are a few with their accomplishments:

  • Alexis Gordon '12 - Many seasons at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and the Shaw Festival, currently performing as Fiona MacLaren in Brigadoon at the Shaw Festival
  • Ijeoma Emesowum '08 - Many seasons at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and the Shaw Festival, currently appearing in The Neverending Story at Stratford (2019)
  • Claire Jullien '95 - The Stepmother, Shaw Festival; Stratford Shakespeare Festival
  • Mike Shara '94 - Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Shaw Festival, Soulpepper Theatre; "one of Canada's top 10 theatre artists", NOW Magazine
  • Nigel Shawn Williams '90 - Stratford Shakespeare Festival; recurring role on The Jane Show; 2006 Dora Award for directing The Monument
  • Amanda Tapping '88 - Major Samantha Carter (female lead) in Stargate SG-1
  • Antoni Cimolino '84 - Artistic Director, Stratford Shakespeare Festival
  • Stephen Ouimette '77 - many seasons with Stratford Shakespeare Festival; Oliver Welles in Slings and Arrows

Student Testimonial

"What initially attracted me to Windsor was that it had a very professional, yet personal atmosphere. Taking full advantage of the opportunities provided by the staff and facilities, in and out of class, has helped me develop my independence as an artist, as well as discover the kind of artist I'd like to be."

- David Baker, BFA ‘09

Required Courses

While every attempt is made to keep this up to date, please keep in mind that the official list of required courses can be found in the Undergraduate Course Calendar.

For Program Outcomes, please click here

Year One

Fall Semester
DRAM-1000 Intro to Theatre I
DRAM-1200 Voice for the Actor I
DRAM-1260+ Movement for the Actor I
DRAM-1280+ Improvisation and Introduction to Acting for the Theatre I
DRAM-1300 Theatre History I
GART-1500 Effective Writing I
Winter Semester
DRAM-2000 Intro to Theatre II
DRAM-1210 Voice for the Actor II
DRAM-1270+ Movement for the Actor II
DRAM-1290+ Improvisation and Introduction to Acting for the Theatre II
DRAM-2300 Theatre History II
GART-1510 Effective Writing II

Year Two

Fall Semester
DRAM-2200 Voice for the Actor III
DRAM-2230 Acting for the Theatre I
DRAM-2260+ Movement for the Actor III
DRAM-2280 Psychophysical Acting Techniques
One of the following credits: DRAM-1300, DRAM 2190, DRAM-2300, DRAM 3350, DRAM-3300
One of the following courses: SCIE-2120, ENGL-1229, 1239, 3269, 3279, 3289 or 3569.
Winter Semester
DRAM-2210 Voice for the Actor IV
DRAM-2240 Acting for the Theatre II
DRAM-2270+ Movement for the Actor IV
One of the following credits: DRAM-1300, DRAM 2190, DRAM-2300, DRAM 3350, DRAM-3300
One of the following courses: SCIE-2120, ENGL-1229, 1239, 3269, 3279, 3289 or 3569.

Year Three

Fall Semester
DRAM-3210 Acting-Work in Progress I
DRAM-3220 Acting-Work in Progress II
DRAM-3260 Voice and Movement for the Actor I
DRAM-3270 Voice and Movement for the Actor II
1 English Option*
Winter Semester
DRAM-3230 Acting-Work in Progress III
DRAM-3240 Acting-Work in Progress IV
1 English Option*
1 Option*
1 Drama Elective or Option*

Year Four

Fall Semester
DRAM-4200 Graduate Recital
1 of DRAM-4530 to DRAM-4580 Directed Studies in Performance
1 Option*
1 Elective or Option*
Winter Semester
DRAM-2750 Arts Administration
DRAM-4290 Character Study
DRAM-4510 Performance Seminar
1 of DRAM-4530 to DRAM-4580 Directed Studies in Performance
1 Drama Elective or Option*


* These courses may be taken in any semester after first year so long as all requirements are fulfilled by the end of Year Four, Winter Semester.
Overload courses will require an additional tuition payment.