Theatre Discipline and Opportunities

The Theatre program also offers extensive technical theatre training for students interested in pursuing a career in this aspect of the Theatre profession. The courses available offer diverse training that includes: lighting and sound design, stage management, technical theatre direction and coordination, set design and construction, making and designing costumes and props, scenic design and painting, as well as preparing students to enter the work force as a theatre technician. Technical theatre students at TRU are also very fortunate to be able to participate in workshops conducted by professionals in the community as part of their classes. These professionals have included set and light designers, costume designers and coordinators, technical directors and many others. The Theatre program also works closely with Western Canada Theatre, Kamloops' professional theatre company, to offer students opportunities to further their training and practical experience.

The TRU Actors Workshop is the live stage element of TRU’s Literatures, Languages, and Performing Arts Department. All stage productions feature students enrolled in various acting and technical theatre courses and are directed by program faculty. Students in other programs and alumni may also be involved. Students may acquire course credit for their participation during the four productions that occur during the Actor Workshop Theatre season from September to April.

The TRU Actors Workshop Theatre continues to partner with the professional theatre companies in Kamloops, Western Canada Theatre and Project X Theatre, to create opportunities to further students’ practical experience. Onstage and offstage, many past and present theatre students have contributed to these companies' productions. Many TRU Theatre graduates continue to perform and train in professional and community capacities long after finishing their Theatre training at TRU.