Career Compass: Film & Theatre

As a film or theatre student at the University of Manitoba, you will learn about the creation and production of live and recorded dramatic performance. The Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media has many opportunities for you to explore, with two areas of study in the performing arts.

1. Film studies: studies the history of film from its origin to the present. Hands-on courses cover all facets of the production process such as direction, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, sound and acting.
2. Theatre: studies theoretical, critical and practical approaches in the creation and interpretation of theatre. The theatre program will provide you with an intensive, hands-on experience in every aspect of play creation.

Skills you will gain by studying FILM or THEATRE

• A comprehensive knowledge of film or theatre production techniques
• An understanding of the techniques and procedures of play and screenwriting
• The ability to analyze the form and content of film or theatre productions
• The ability to think critically and develop creative solutions to complex problems
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Film: FILM 1290 and FILM 1310

Theatre: THTR 1220 (advanced must also take ENGL 1200 or 1300 or both ENGL 1400 and ENGL 1340)

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts to help you plan your program.
2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a writing tutor.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Register for the Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including the English, Film & Theatre Students Association, Arts Student Body Council and UMSU.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as Community Engaged Learning programs.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit the Media Lab, get involved with the Gimli Film Festival, Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Film: FILM 3420 plus additional required courses

Theatre: THTR 2160 and THTR 2470 plus additional required courses

To do this year:

1. Should you follow a 3-or 4-year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and a career consultant to map out your options.
2. Research scholarships and awards offered by the department of English, theatre, film & media.
3. When choosing a minor, take courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a student affiliate with organizations such as Creative Manitoba and On Screen Manitoba.
4. Attend the Real to Reel Film Festival, Rendez-Vous, and Creative Manitoba’s Mentorship programs.
5. Register for a Film Training Manitoba skill development workshop.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for an Undergraduate Research Award and participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Gain practical experience by: Consider taking the Film Production course (FILM 3270) for the opportunity to produce a feature length film or Theatre Practicum (THTR 3630 and THTR 3640) to work with a professional mentor on theatre production.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Submit your script to the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre or enter the RBC Emerging Filmmaker Competition.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or Travel Study program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out one of the Community Engaged Learning programs. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program

To do this year: Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.
4. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning such as the On-Screen Funding Opportunities, Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies or the Manitoba Arts & Cultural Management Certificate Program.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: Cineplex, Rainbow Stage, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, UMFM and Winnipeg Film Group.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Creative Manitoba, WorkInCulture or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the International Student Mentorship Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program

To do this year: Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance:
Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school:
Finalize your application materials and take required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as those offered by Film Training Manitoba, Creative Manitoba, Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology, and Winnipeg Film Group.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment:
Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus, register for a Film Training Manitoba workshop or consider taking the Art of Managing your Career course through Creative Manitoba.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Actor
• Advertising Agent
• Artistic Director
• Casting Director
• Cultural Resource Manager
• Director
• Education Outreach Coordinator
• Event Planner
• Exhibitions Assistant
• Film Critic
• Film Editor
• Historic Interpreter
• Intelligence Officer (CSIS)
• Playwright
• Producer
• Production Manager
• Publicity Assistant
• Screen Writer 
• Set Designer
• Sound Editor
• Stage Manager
• Talent Agent
• Visual Effects Manager

Options requiring other education

• Digital Archivist
• Drama Teacher
• Dance Therapist
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Public Relations Specialist
• University Professor

Industries such as business, communications, education, media, film and theatre would value a film or theatre major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Oral and written communication
• Teamwork
• Digital technology
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Numeracy and data use
• Industry specific knowledge
• Continuous learning

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.