Skills Developed through a Drama and Creative Arts Degree

A background in Drama and Creative Arts ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges. Here are just a few of the skills a Drama and Creative Arts degree can help you develop:

Core Drama and Creative Arts Skills

Drama Stream:

• Ability to analyze and critically assess various types of dramatic works, their intended message, meaning, and interpretation on stage.
• Confidence on stage and an ability to express yourself and your artistic abilities as you apply classroom theory to professional demands.
• A good understanding of the visual dimension of theatre and performance, and practice in technical theatre skills
• Ability to study and perform in two official languages, allowing you to widen your professional scope after graduation.

Visual Arts Stream:

• Well-rounded drawing and sketching abilities as well as an introduction to photography and selected media
• Exposure to hands-on studio settings and the confidence to create
• Knowledge of the theory, the history and the practice of visual arts
• The ability to design visual projects, create them and present them to peers
• A good understanding of contemporary design software and modern visual arts techniques

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

• The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements and written opinion pieces
• Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
• The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
• The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
• The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work
• The ability to organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
• The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas

Management and Teamwork

• The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
• Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
• The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
• The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field. The following is a selection of organizations related to the field of Drama Studies that you may want to visit as you research career options for Drama Studies graduates.

• Professional Association of Canadian Theatres
• Canadian Actor’s Equity Association
• Playwright’s Guild of Canada
• Council of Ontario Drama and Dance Educators
• York University and Glendon Campus Drama Studies websites