“Degree Top Three” with 2025 theatre and film grad Chance Sabados

When he started university, Chance Sabados [BA/2025] did not imagine he would end up graduating with a degree in theatre. He planned on attending the UM pre-vet program, but an Introduction to Theatre class he took early in his degree made him re-evaluate and change course. This spring, Chance will graduate with a major in theatre and a minor in film studies. Chance, an artist who, throughout his degree, honed his skills in acting, directing, writing, set design and stage management took the time to answer our “Degree Top Three” questionnaire, offering a glimpse into his creative journey in the Faculty of Arts.

What were the TOP THREE shows you were involved with as part of your studies?

1. Arcadia by Tom Stoppard, Directed by Margaret Groome.
   I was the stage manager for this mainstage show. This one was such a big learning experience for me in terms of self-growth. It helped me become more organized as an individual and learn where I valued my time.
2. Drowning Ophelia by Rachel Luann Strayer, Directed by me!
   This is one of my absolute favourites and a fabulous show I had the opportunity to direct as part of the Lunchbhagg (student production) season. I learned a lot about leadership and how others work to create a piece, as opposed to the internal creation of an actor.
3. Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare, Directed by Katrina Dunn.
   I played Dromio of Ephesus and was also the set designer. This was kind of my senior moment in the theatre program and last show. It was great to get back to acting in a larger role, I am at my best when I have the structure of a rehearsal schedule.

What were the TOP THREE best things about being a theatre and film student?

1. The ability to escape from everyday life as a student and immerse myself in a show.
2. Talking about film and theatre in classes. A lot of it is up for interpretation and there is no one correct answer.
3. The professors – they truly care about the students.

During his degree, Chance completed an internship with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s Stage Manager Apprenticeship program. Chance – what were the TOP THREE things you learned during the internship?

1. How to work in a team in a professional environment.
2. That a stage manager is like a conductor who helps the technical side and the acting side branch together.
3. How important communication is in the workplace. It is not just what you communicate, but how you communicate.

What are your TOP THREE tips for theatre and film students?

1. ENJOY your time in university. Don’t overstress about the future, it’s ok not having everything figured out or to change your mind once you think you do.
2. GO TO CLASS. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take something away each and every time, even a life lesson or a fun fact.
3. Making art is such a fulfilling and fun experience.

This summer, catch Chance’s one-man-show, The Apricot Tree, at the 2025 Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival—a new play he is writing, producing and starring in. The production is directed by fellow UM student Sam Fergus. “The show is about how we might come to terms with death and understand our role as friends while dealing with loss”, says Chance. “You will laugh, you will cry, and hopefully you will walk out looking at life a little differently.”

Congratulations to Chance on the culmination of his creative journey at UM—here’s to exciting projects and performances ahead!

Learn more about the Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media in the Faculty of Arts.

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UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 3058 degrees are being awarded at Spring Convocation 2025 (over 620 are from the Faculty of Arts), bringing the total number of UM graduates to 4200 so far this year. Many of these new alumni will stay in Manitoba, supplying high-demand skills to the labour market and contributing to UM’s $7.3 billion economic impact on our community.

Hila Graf