FROSH: Introducing the School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA)
By Hannah Caparino, September 11 2025—
The University of Calgary’s School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) is a staple to understanding the arts and culture scene in the school. The SCPA provides students with the lessons and resources that can allow them to thrive within the learning environment and beyond. The SCPA can be broken down into three main sections, dance, theatre and music — and student-driven projects can be presented at the ALCHEMY Festival of Student Work.
Jane MacFarlane, the Division Lead of the drama program discussed how the SCPA’s three different programs may be separate in their practices, but are often a collaborative effort to put on a variety of shows in the university. MacFarlane briefly discusses how her role impacts the students’ curriculum as she transitions from an instruction-based role to a more administrative one.
“This new position as division lead is similar to what a chair is in other departments, where we are […] the managers of how the program runs and the content of what our curriculum is along with the rest of the faculty,” said MacFarlane.
The dance program can be considered as one of the most diverse programs that is offered at the university. With students being able to interact with multiple forms of dance like contemporary, jazz, ballet, hip-hop and many more. Aside from the performance aspect of the program, students can learn the theoretical history of the art form and apply it to their own performances and storytelling.
The theatre scene at The University of Calgary is one that involves numerous actors, designers, management and many more. With many shows sprinkled throughout the fall and winter semesters, students at university can view plays and musicals that were spearheaded by the drama students. There are multiple shows ranging from classic plays to reinventive works that continue to push the bounds of theatre and the dramatic arts.
The music program at the university is one that showcases the talent of the music students. The UofC community can attend concerts that feature the UCalgary orchestra or the jazz band. Students learn about musical theory, performance, and techniques. Those within the program are able to hone their individual skill while working in collaboration with other musicians and exploring new genres.
MacFarlane expresses her desire to see more collaboration between the three programs, but as an experienced instructor she understands the logistical struggles between the programs.
“We would love to have more crossover if we can but its tricky because the students are so busy in their fields of music, dance, or drama. […] It’s really challenging to try and have time and come together because the SCPAis so busy. There’s always concerts happening with music, and particularly in the winter [semester], dance has so many performances, and we have our three shows a year so it’s a busy place.”
One of the biggest aspects of the SCPA is the mentorship that is developed between the students and faculty members. MacFarlane emphasizes how instructors are able to provide networking opportunities, community, workshops and more so the students in the program can grow in their skills.
All of the student’s work culminates in the ALCHEMY Festival of Student Work which takes place towards the end of the winter semester. The festival can showcase projects that students would develop as part of their final projects and share with the University of Calgary community. There are dance, drama, and music performances that are purely driven by students from the creative process to execution of the plays with the support of the staff and other peers. Some student work can also be interdisciplinary — with some stories being a combination of music, drama, and dance. Information about the winter 2025 Alchemy festival can be found on the ALCHEMY webpage.
While students may be familiar with how festivals showcase separate shows and disciplines, MacFarlane introduces some changes with how the student projects are led.
“ALCHEMY is changing a little bit this coming year as we are going through curriculum changes and we have a fully realized student project,” said MacFarlane. “But it is the Undergraduate Main Stage project that will be happening in March.”
Despite the slight change in programming, student direction and idea generation is the core of the project with some guidance being provided by MacFarlane and other staff members.
Students across campus are highly encouraged to support the projects that are being presented by all students within the SCPA, details about the 2025-2026 season will be released soon.
Information about the SPCA can be found on the U of C SCPA website. For future students, information about the various programs can be found here.