The Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies (BACS) in Applied Theatre at Cape Breton University is a highly flexible program that combines academic specialization, applied learning, and focused study across diverse areas, while empowering students to work directly with their communities to identify and address pressing issues. Applied Theatre equips students to adapt practical theatre skills for non traditional performance contexts and styles, whether animating living history sites, raising awareness of social issues, creating experiences that build or celebrate community, engaging youth in learning opportunities, or supporting at risk populations in developing skills and networks. At CBU, students study traditional theatre skills such as acting, directing, and stage management alongside versatile applied theatre techniques, including improvisation and devising. The program is enriched by work placements and complementary courses in entrepreneurship, marketing, musicology, and cultural policy. Notably, CBU is the only university in Atlantic Canada offering Applied Theatre, and the only university in Canada to integrate work placements into the core curriculum. With a hands on approach, students develop meaningful projects during coursework, respond to contemporary issues, and build portfolios that support future careers. Opportunities to collaborate with local partners such as Parks Canada and the Highland Arts Theatre, as well as to gain experience on the CBU Boardmore stage, provide valuable real world learning.
Career Path
Graduate careers include Actor/Performer (traditional or community based theatre),Director/Stage Manager, Playwright/Deviser, Theatre Educator (schools, workshops, community programs), Dramaturg, Community Arts Facilitator, Applied Theatre Practitioner (working with youth, seniors, or atrisk populations), Social Justice Theatre Organizer, Cultural Program Coordinator, Arts Based Therapist (with further training), Animator/Interpreter at Living History Sites, Museum or Heritage Education Specialist, Educational Outreach Coordinator, Curriculum Developer (arts and culture), Public Engagement Officer, Event Producer/Coordinator, Creative Director for community projects, Arts Marketing Specialist, Media Content Creator (performance based storytelling), Festival Organizer.
Post Study Work Visa availability – YES
We’ve simplified the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. You can find all requirements for admission to Cape Breton University below;
1. WASSCE/A level Certificate (80% Pass in Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
2. School Transcript
3. Passport
4. Recommendation Letter
5. Statement of Purpose
6. CV
Cape Breton University will accept, for the purposes of meeting the English proficiency requirement, evidence of English study within a 12‑year education system where English is designated as the primary and official language and the principal language of instruction. For applicants who do not yet meet the English language requirement, there are two pathways to achieve the necessary level:
Pre‑sessional English Programme; Students may successfully complete a preparatory English programme offered by the university before beginning their academic course. Recognized English Proficiency Tests; Students may submit one of the following minimum scores prior to the start of their program: IELTS: 6.5 overall band score (or equivalent), TOEFL or PTE: Score of 60, Duolingo English Test: Score of 120.
