The Applied Theatre program at Cape Breton University (CBU) helps students adapt practical theatre skills to achieve meaningful goals in non traditional performance contexts and styles. Graduates may find themselves animating living history sites, using theatre to raise 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 enhanced 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, enrich the learning journey. Students may also work as research assistants on real theatrical projects, and in their final year, collaborate closely with faculty to design seminars.
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.
