Performance and the Past
Prepare for and participate in two performance festivals in NYC and Toronto!
The GSP, “Performance and the Past,” is an explicitly interdisciplinary, experiential learning and critical reflection program, open to all faculties and to students with any level of performance experience. In this program, you will investigate through participation in large performance events, site visits at museums and galleries, readings, and class discussions the interconnected issues of tourism, history and the cultural impact of the way tourist sites and groups perform the past, whether their own histories or the histories of others. You will prepare for and participate in two performance festivals featuring the medieval York Plays: 1) a smaller performance festival in NYC in collaboration with students and faculty from Brooklyn College and Fordham University; and 2) the hugely ambitious York Play 2025 festival at University of Toronto. You will have the opportunity to participate in a range of roles for the performances, depending on your own interests and the needs of the production: these roles may include performers, dramaturges, assistant directors, staging managers and designers, production assistants and creative designers, among others. No previous performance or medieval studies experience is required.
Key information
Application information
York Plays 1998 at the University of Toronto
Have questions?
For program information, please contact Jacqueline Jenkins at jenkinsj@ucalgary.ca
For application and registration support, please contact the Group Study Team at group.study@ucalgary.ca
Other useful links:
Info Session Recording
Program details
Registration in all two courses is required.
Questions about these courses should be directed to the program instructor.
Please note: course descriptions (coming soon) are tentative and subject to change.
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Courses offered
Students on this program are required to enroll in two courses:
SCPA 501: Staging History: Tourism, Performance and the Past (3 credits)
SCPA 599: Medieval Drama in Performance (3 credits)
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Prerequisites
Good academic standing and completion of 54 credits.
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Pre-departure
May 20-23 and 26-29, Calgary: Mandatory on campus pre-travel academic sessions
TBA, Calgary: Mandatory pre-departure orientation facilitated by Group Study Programs
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In-field
May 30: Travel to New York City
May 31-June 3: NYC
June 4: Travel NYC to Toronto
June 5-8: Toronto
June 9: Return to Calgary or independent travel
Click here for detailed itinerary. (coming soon)
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Post-field
N/A
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Costs
The estimated cost of the Performance and the Past Group Study Program is $5,890. This includes tuition, airfare, field trips, local transportation, accommodations and meals*.
For the full cost breakdown and payment deadlines, please see the program Student Cost Summary.
Important information regarding deposit payments: Deposits are non-refundable. Deposits secure your space in the program and allows payment for logistical arrangements to be made in advance.
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on program?
Since you remain a degree seeking student at UCalgary you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award. Please see the funding page, for more information and opportunities.
Faculty of Arts Student Study Abroad Grants - These grants increase student access to global experiences. Priority will be given to students who demonstrate financial need or other unique circumstances or factors. Applications open annually in the winter semester and are submitted online in RAISA.
Students will stay at safe, clean and student appropriate accommodations.
More info coming soon
This program is open to undergraduate students (3rd or 4th year preferred) in good academic standing from all faculties with 54 credits completed.
Applications will be considered after your application and unofficial transcript have been received by Global Learning.
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Statement of Purpose
Please tell us why you want to study abroad, why you have selected this particular program (academic reasons, personal interest, career prospects, etc.), how this program will meet your academic objectives and/or complement your degree, how you plan to finance your program and why you should be selected.
Additional program question: What attracts you to this performance oriented program?
Note: Because the online application will time out after one hour, we recommend that you compose your statement of purpose in advance in Word to check for spelling, grammar and word count, and then paste it into the online application.
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Unofficial Transcript
Download an unofficial transcript from your Student Centre and upload to RAISA.
Please ensure that you have read the Group Study Program General FAQs thoroughly before applying.
Getting started
Program-Specific Info Sessions
Info sessions are scheduled for every Group Study Program. Attending an info session is not required to apply, but strongly recommended as it will give you an opportunity to meet the instructor and learn more about the travel experience.
We also recommend watching Global Learning 101 for general information.
Global Learning Advising
If you have questions about this program, you can meet with one of our Global Learning Advisors by emailing group.study@ucalgary.ca or booking an appointment through the link below.
1. Select "Advising"
2. Select “Study Abroad”
3. Select “Book by Appointment Type”
4. Select your program advisor to view available times.
Academic Advising
Before applying to study abroad, you should ask your academic advisor how a Group Study Program might align with your degree.
After you are accepted, you should ask your academic advisor more specific questions about courses/credits. It’s also recommended to follow up with your advisor again once you return to Calgary.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.