THPR – Theatre Production
THPR 100
Theatre Production Boot Camp
3 Credits Total (45-0-0)
This course introduces shop procedures, rules, and regulations. Boot Camp is an intensive week focused on shop and general theatre safety, providing introductory knowledge and skills necessary to function safely and effectively in the program. Note: Students must successfully complete this course in order to continue in the program.
THPR 101
Technical Crafts I: Audio and Lighting
3 Credits Total (15-30-0)
This course is designed to acquaint first-year students with the basics of audio and lighting methods, techniques, and technology. Students identify, connect, and employ equipment and software for both lighting and audio, and practice basic skills to successfully engage in production.
THPR 102
Artisan Crafts I: Paint, Props and Costume
3 Credits Total (15-30-0)
In this introductory course students will explore the areas of paint, props, and costumes for the theatre. Best practice, tool use, and safety will be emphasized. Discipline-related documentation skills will be initiated.
THPR 103
Stage Crafts I: Carpentry, Drafting and Rigging
3 Credits Total (15-30-0)
Throughout this introductory course, students learn construction through drafting and an introduction to carpentry. Students will also learn how scenery moves including theatre rigging practices and safety.
THPR 104
Production I
3 Credits Total (35-0-105)
This course introduces students to safe shop procedures, rules, and regulations, which provides the student with the introductory knowledge and skills necessary to function safely and effectively in the program and industry. Students apply theories learned in class to a practical environment as they mount shows throughout the MacEwan University theatre department season. Safe work is emphasized.
THPR 121
Technical Crafts II: Audio and Lighting
3 Credits Total (15-30-0)
This course is designed to accelerate and advance the first-year student's understanding of both audio and lighting disciplines by building on the skills and expertise acquired in THPR 101. Students further refine their knowledge of connections, equipment, and software through practice by learning to utilize this equipment in support of production. Note: Credit can be obtained in only one of THPR 201 OR THPR 121.
Prerequisites: THPR 101.
THPR 122
Artisan Crafts II: Paint, Props and Costume
3 Credits Total (15-30-0)
This course builds on production skills and knowledge of costumes, props, and paint. Note: Credit can be obtained in only one of THPR 202 OR THPR 122.
Prerequisites: THPR 102.
THPR 123
Stage Crafts II: Carpentry, Drafting and Rigging
3 Credits Total (15-30-0)
Students employ foundational knowledge from THPR 103 in the production shops with a focus on proficiency in carpentry and rigging. Students will plan layouts, select appropriate building materials, and learn to safely use hand and power tools. Note: Credit can be obtained in only one of THPR 203 OR THPR 123.
Prerequisites: THPR 103.
THPR 124
Production II
3 Credits Total (0-60-105)
Students apply theories learned in class to a practical environment as they mount shows throughout the MacEwan University theatre department season. Emphasis is placed on safety, backstage etiquette, craft, and documentation. Note: Credit can only be obtained in one of THPR 124 OR THPR 204.
THPR 205
Theatre History I: Ancient Greece through the Renaissance
3 Credits Total (45-0-0)
This introductory course focuses on theatre history through the lens of theatrical production, innovations, and evolution. Students are exposed to movements in theatre from Ancient Greek through Renaissance eras. Students consider the influence of social movements on theatrical practices and develop an awareness of the stylistic features, types of décor, forms of costume, and artistic practices defining each period discussed.
THPR 206
Theatre History II: The Renaissance to the Modern Era
3 Credits (3-0-0)
This introductory course focuses on theatre history through the lens of theatrical production, innovations, and evolution. Students are exposed to movements in theatre from the Renaissance to the modern era. Students consider the influence of social movements on theatrical practices and develop an awareness of the stylistic features, types of décor, forms of costume, and artistic practices defining each period discussed.
Prerequisites: THPR 205.
THPR 211
Technical Crafts III: Audio, Lighting and Video/Projection
3 Credits Total (15-30-0)
This is an intermediate class in lighting and audio technologies, with an introduction to video and projection. Students will advance their skills as technicians by practicing how to set up, operate, and troubleshoot complex lighting, audio, and projection systems.
Prerequisites: THPR 121.
THPR 212
Artisan Crafts III: Paint, Props and Costume
3 Credits Total (15-30-0)
This course will advance practical abilities in paint, props, and costumes for the theatre. It builds on the introductory skills learned through THPR 102 and THPR 122 while introducing the student to intermediate techniques and materials.
Prerequisites: THPR 122.
THPR 213
Stage Crafts III: Carpentry, Drafting and Welding
3 Credits Total (15-30-0)
Students continue to develop the skills acquired in Stage Crafts II: drafting, building, hanging, and welding projects as they explore the skills, attitudes, and competencies required to safely construct theatrical scenery.
Prerequisites: THPR 123.
THPR 214
Production III
3 Credits Total (0-60-105)
Students apply theories learned in class to a practical environment as they mount shows throughout the MacEwan University theatre department season. Emphasis is placed on safety, skills development, and attention to detail and documentation.
THPR 221
Technical Crafts IV: Audio, Lighting and Video/Projection
3 Credits Total (15-30-0)
Building on the skills acquired in THPR 211, this is a continuing course in lighting, audio, and video/projection technologies. Students will finesse their technical skills while learning about introductory technical design, computer control, intelligent lighting, recording, sound mixing, and employing digital effects.
Prerequisites: THPR 211.
THPR 222
Artisan Crafts IV: Paint, Props and Costume
3 Credits Total (15-30-0)
Building on skills learned through THPR 212, this course continues to expose students to intermediate techniques, skills, and materials through hands-on projects.
Prerequisites: THPR 212.
THPR 223
Stage Crafts IV: Carpentry, Drafting and Rigging
3 Credits Total (15-30-0)
This course will advance students' learning as they are challenged to draft, plan, construct, and critique stage scenery. Emphasis will be placed on attitude and workmanship.
Prerequisites: THPR 213.
THPR 224
Production IV
3 Credits Total (0-60-105)
Students apply theories learned in class to a practical environment as they mount shows throughout the MacEwan University theatre department season. Emphasis is placed on safety, honing technical skills and work habits.
THPR 300
Management I: Stage Management
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students are introduced to the processes of stage management. They learn the skills required of the stage management team from pre-production through post-production of a performance, including creating the templates and records and developing the communication skills necessary for stage management.
Prerequisite: Consent of department required for non-Theatre Production students.
THPR 305
Theatrical Design I: Introduction
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
This foundational course introduces students to the concepts and processes of theatrical design and to philosophies and techniques for theatre and found spaces. Students explore the differences between creating art and creating effective visual communication for the theatre.
Prerequisite: Consent of department required for non-Theatre Production students.
THPR 311
Technical Crafts V: Projection
3 Credits Weekly (1-2-0)
Students explore production planning, visual editing, software, and manipulation through hands-on projects.
Prerequisites: THPR 221.
THPR 312
Artisan Crafts V: From Concepts to Reality
3 Credits Weekly (1-2-0)
This course allows students to increase their artisanal skills by building and researching costumes, props, and/or painting techniques from historical references into reality. Emphasis will be placed on learning and understanding the styles and aesthetics of historical eras and developing historical research skills in support of their artisanal craft(s).
Prerequisites: THPR 222.
THPR 313
Stage Crafts V: Advanced Rigging and Stage Machinery
3 Credits Weekly (1-2-0)
This practical course examines truss and complex rigging systems, concert venues, and roadhouses. Students also investigate more complex stage mechanics such as revolves, lifts, and traps.
Prerequisites: THPR 223.
THPR 314
Production V
3 Credits Total (0-60-105)
Students apply theories learned in class to a practical environment as they mount shows throughout the MacEwan University theatre department season. Students at this level of practicum begin to engage in more independent work and begin to take on leadership roles within the theatre hierarchy.
THPR 321
Technical Crafts VI: Managing People and Networks
3 Credits Weekly (1-2-0)
Students in theatre production begin to learn organizational and management techniques of departments in audio, lighting, and video. Students also focus on developing skills in systems networking.
Prerequisites: THPR 221.
THPR 322
Artisan Crafts VI: Shop Management
3 Credits Weekly (1-2-0)
Students are introduced to management practices in costume, properties, and paint. Students learn techniques and strategies required to run a shop space, touring companies, and theatre productions. Students gain an active in-depth understanding of research methods for the theatre as part of shop management.
Prerequisites: THPR 312.
THPR 323
Stage Crafts VI: Technical Direction
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students examine the role of the technical director and focus on planning, creative problem solving, and strategic thinking. The analysis-ideation-implementation process is introduced, and students practice techniques that enhance their communication and managerial-leadership skills.
Prerequisites: THPR 313.
THPR 324
Production VI
3 Credits Total (0-60-105)
Students apply theories learned in class to a practical environment as they mount shows throughout the MacEwan University theatre department season. Students at this level of practicum begin to engage in more independent work and begin to take on leadership roles within the theatre hierarchy. Emphasis is placed on leadership skills, production documentation, and mentorship of junior crew members.
Prerequisites: THPR 314.
THPR 400
Management II: Production Management
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Production management deals with two key segments of theatre: the craftspeople building the shows and resource allocation. This course focuses on the skills required to manage these elements, including communication, scheduling, and management techniques.
Prerequisites: 9 credits of 300-level THPR courses.
THPR 405
Theatrical Design II: Techniques
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
In this practical course, students explore the processes of theatrical design and begin to develop techniques to communicate the visual elements of the design.
Prerequisites: THPR 305.
THPR 411
Technical Crafts VII: Advanced Techniques
3 Credits (1-2-0)
Students employ advanced techniques in lighting, audio, or video/projection, including live mixing, media servers, automated lighting, and system networking.
Prerequisites: THPR 321.
THPR 412
Artisan Crafts VII: Advanced Techniques
3 Credits Weekly (1-2-0)
This course allows students to increase their artisanal skills by building and researching costumes, props, and/or painting techniques from historical references into reality. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the styles and aesthetics of historical eras, and on professional fabrication skills.
Prerequisites: THPR 222.
THPR 413
Stage Crafts VII: Show Control
3 Credits Weekly (1-2-0)
Students plan and construct complex moving scenic elements or stage mechanisms through drafting, planning, and execution.
Prerequisites: THPR 313.
THPR 414
Production VII
3 Credits Total (0-60-105)
Students apply theories learned in class to a practical environment as they mount shows throughout the MacEwan University theatre department season. Students at this level of practicum take on leadership roles within the theatre hierarchy. Emphasis is placed on leadership skills, production documentation, and mentorship of junior crew members.
Prerequisites: THPR 324.
THPR 420
Management III: Capstone
3 Credits (0-0-3)
This capstone course offers students the opportunity to create and explore advanced projects and techniques in stage management, production management and technical direction.
THPR 421
Technical Crafts VIII: Capstone
3 Credits (0-0-3)
This capstone course offers students the opportunity to create and explore advanced projects and techniques in lighting, audio, and/or video.
THPR 422
Artisan Crafts VIII: Capstone
3 Credits (0-0-3)
This capstone course offers students the opportunity to create and explore advanced projects and techniques in paint, props, and/or costume.
Prerequisites: THPR 312.
THPR 423
Stage Crafts VIII: Capstone
3 Credits (0-0-3)
This capstone course offers students the opportunity to create and explore advanced projects and techniques in carpentry, rigging and/or welding.
THPR 424
Production VIII
3 Credits Total (0-60-105)
Students are expected to take on leadership positions and act as a crew head, technical director, production, or stage manager.
Prerequisites: THPR 414.