Theatre Production – Bachelor of Fine Arts
Overview
In the Theatre Production major, students hone their creativity and problem-solving skills while making magic behind the scenes. Students receive practical training and gain versatile skills in costuming and scenic painting; props and scenic construction; lighting, video, and audio; and technical, stage, and production management. Working in Allard Hall’s state-of-the-art facilities, students study under seasoned professionals and alongside passionate peers to produce MacEwan’s theatre season shows and prepare for dynamic career opportunities in the entertainment sector.
Contact Information
theatreproduction@macewan.ca
The Bachelor of Fine Arts
Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications
MacEwan.ca/BFA
MacEwan University's new Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with four distinct majors—Arts and Cultural Management, Studio Arts, Music Theatre Performance, and Theatre Production—offers students the opportunity to complete a BFA in a distinct discipline while studying closely with students in other complementary fine arts and communications disciplines. The curriculum explores the interdependent and interdisciplinary nature of contemporary art and the diverse spaces within which artists work.
The BFA provides depth in one of four disciplines while also incorporating breadth though multi- and interdisciplinary studies. All students take several interdisciplinary courses, like The Arts in Culture and First Peoples and the Arts and can also choose from a range of electives in the social sciences and business. This degree responds to the changing needs of the creative and cultural industries and students graduate with practical management skills and a depth of knowledge, skill, and expertise in their chosen discipline.
Degree Requirements
| Program Element | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | Students complete between 69 and 102 credits of required courses, depending on their major. All students complete 6 credits of university English (ENGL) and up to 9 credits of Interdisciplinary Studies in the Arts (INTA) courses. | 69-102 |
| Interdisciplinary Options | Students complete between 0 and 6 credits of Interdisciplinary Studies in the Arts (INTA) options, depending on their major. | 0-6 |
| Program Options | Students complete between 0 and 24 credits of program options, depending on their major. | 0-24 |
| Electives | Students complete between 15 and 27 credits of electives, depending on their major. | 15-27 |
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 102 | Analysis and Argument | 3 |
| Choose 3 credits of ENGL from the following: | 3 | |
| Approaches to Literature: Trends and Traditions | ||
| Approaches to Literature: Narrative Across Media | ||
| Approaches to Literature: Contemporary Literature and Culture | ||
| INTA 210 | The Arts in Culture | 3 |
| INTA 362 | First Peoples and The Arts | 3 |
| THPR 101 | Technical Crafts I: Audio and Lighting | 3 |
| THPR 102 | Artisan Crafts I: Paint, Props and Costume | 3 |
| THPR 103 | Stage Crafts I: Carpentry, Drafting and Rigging | 3 |
| THPR 104 | Production I | 3 |
| THPR 121 | Technical Crafts II: Audio and Lighting | 3 |
| THPR 122 | Artisan Crafts II: Paint, Props and Costume | 3 |
| THPR 123 | Stage Crafts II: Carpentry, Drafting and Rigging | 3 |
| THPR 124 | Production II | 3 |
| THPR 205 | Theatre History I: Ancient Greece through the Renaissance | 3 |
| THPR 206 | Theatre History II: The Renaissance to the Modern Era | 3 |
| THPR 211 | Technical Crafts III: Audio, Lighting and Video/Projection | 3 |
| THPR 212 | Artisan Crafts III: Paint, Props and Costume | 3 |
| THPR 213 | Stage Crafts III: Carpentry, Drafting and Welding | 3 |
| THPR 214 | Production III | 3 |
| THPR 221 | Technical Crafts IV: Audio, Lighting and Video/Projection | 3 |
| THPR 222 | Artisan Crafts IV: Paint, Props and Costume | 3 |
| THPR 223 | Stage Crafts IV: Carpentry, Drafting and Rigging | 3 |
| THPR 224 | Production IV | 3 |
| THPR 314 | Production V | 3 |
| THPR 324 | Production VI | 3 |
| THPR 414 | Production VII | 3 |
| THPR 424 | Production VIII | 3 |
| Choose 3 credits of senior-level AGAD | 3 | |
| Choose 3 credits of any INTA course | 3 | |
| Program Options | ||
| Students complete 18-24 credits of Program Options from the list below. | 18-24 | |
| Electives | ||
| Choose 12 to 18 credits of electives. Students must take a minimum of 6 credits up to a maximum of 9 credits from available AGAD, ARTE, BCSC, DESN, INTA, MUSC, PREL and THAR courses. | 12-18 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Program Options
List of Program Options
Choose 2 of: THPR 311, THPR 312, THPR 313, THPR 321, THPR 322, THPR 323
Choose 1 of: THPR 411, THPR 412, THPR 413
Choose 1 of: THPR 420, THPR 421, THPR 422, THPR 423
Choose 2-4 of: THPR 300 or 400-level courses from the list of program options below.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THPR 300 | Management I: Stage Management | 3 |
| THPR 305 | Theatrical Design I: Introduction | 3 |
| THPR 311 | Technical Crafts V: Projection | 3 |
| THPR 312 | Artisan Crafts V: From Concepts to Reality | 3 |
| THPR 313 | Stage Crafts V: Advanced Rigging and Stage Machinery | 3 |
| THPR 321 | Technical Crafts VI: Managing People and Networks | 3 |
| THPR 322 | Artisan Crafts VI: Shop Management | 3 |
| THPR 323 | Stage Crafts VI: Technical Direction | 3 |
| THPR 400 | Management II: Production Management | 3 |
| THPR 405 | Theatrical Design II: Techniques | 3 |
| THPR 411 | Technical Crafts VII: Advanced Techniques | 3 |
| THPR 412 | Artisan Crafts VII: Advanced Techniques | 3 |
| THPR 413 | Stage Crafts VII: Show Control | 3 |
| THPR 420 | Management III: Capstone | 3 |
| THPR 421 | Technical Crafts VIII: Capstone | 3 |
| THPR 422 | Artisan Crafts VIII: Capstone | 3 |
| THPR 423 | Stage Crafts VIII: Capstone | 3 |
Course Substitutions
List of Course Substitutions
| Credit Earned in: | May Be Substituted for Credit in Program Course: |
|---|---|
| THPR 100 | THPR 206 |
| THPR 201 | THPR 121 |
| THPR 202 | THPR 122 |
| THPR 203 | THPR 123 |
| THPR 204 | THPR 124 |
Diploma Exit
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 102 | Analysis and Argument | 3 |
| INTA 210 | The Arts in Culture | 3 |
| THPR 101 | Technical Crafts I: Audio and Lighting | 3 |
| THPR 102 | Artisan Crafts I: Paint, Props and Costume | 3 |
| THPR 103 | Stage Crafts I: Carpentry, Drafting and Rigging | 3 |
| THPR 104 | Production I | 3 |
| THPR 121 | Technical Crafts II: Audio and Lighting | 3 |
| THPR 122 | Artisan Crafts II: Paint, Props and Costume | 3 |
| THPR 123 | Stage Crafts II: Carpentry, Drafting and Rigging | 3 |
| THPR 124 | Production II | 3 |
| THPR 205 | Theatre History I: Ancient Greece through the Renaissance | 3 |
| THPR 206 | Theatre History II: The Renaissance to the Modern Era | 3 |
| THPR 211 | Technical Crafts III: Audio, Lighting and Video/Projection | 3 |
| THPR 212 | Artisan Crafts III: Paint, Props and Costume | 3 |
| THPR 213 | Stage Crafts III: Carpentry, Drafting and Welding | 3 |
| THPR 214 | Production III | 3 |
| THPR 221 | Technical Crafts IV: Audio, Lighting and Video/Projection | 3 |
| THPR 222 | Artisan Crafts IV: Paint, Props and Costume | 3 |
| THPR 223 | Stage Crafts IV: Carpentry, Drafting and Rigging | 3 |
| THPR 224 | Production IV | 3 |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Degree Regulations
Progression of Studies
Students are responsible for ensuring they meet the prerequisite and co-requisite requirements for all courses.
Junior- and Senior-Level Courses
Courses numbered from 100 to 199 are considered junior level, and courses numbered from 200 to 499 are considered senior level.
Senior-Level Coursework Requirements
A minimum of 72 credits of the total 120 program credits must be at the senior level. Additional courses at the 100-level will be declared extra to the 120 credits required to complete the degree and will not be counted toward fulfillment of graduation requirements.
English, Option and Elective Requirements
Students must review their major area Program of Study to ensure that they are familiar with the major requirements as well as the English, Options and Electives (and required number of senior-level credits) required for successful completion of their degree. Periodic meetings with an Academic Advisor are strongly recommended.
Residency Requirements
Students must complete 50% of the total credit requirements for the BFA at MacEwan University, as governed by Academic Graduation Procedure.
Graduation Grade Point Average
Students must achieve and maintain a minimum Graduation Grade Point Average of 2.00 on the 4.00 scale.
Declaring Your Major
Applicants must declare their major when applying to the BFA. A second-choice option may also be declared at that time.
Changing from one Major to another BFA Major
Students who wish to change their major area of study must reapply to the BFA before the next published application deadline and indicate the new major to which they are applying. In order to be considered for a different major, applicants must be able to fulfill the other admission requirements for that major. See the Admission Criteria for more information on specific requirements for each major.
Work Integrated Learning
Work Integrated Learning opportunities are threaded throughout the Bachelor of Fine Arts program and provide students with important skills, creative industry knowledge and practical experience to succeed in their chosen field of study. To learn more about Work Integrated Learning opportunities for a particular major, please see the Program of Study.
Students completing their field placement courses in the Arts and Cultural Management major must comply with the Academic Policy Work Integrated Learning. The University will facilitate the assignment of students in work placements; however, students must take responsibility for securing an acceptable placement and must work collaboratively with a university supervisor before and during their placement. Students are required to comply with any employer policies, including, but not limited to: confidentiality, hours of work, intellectual property rights and privacy protection.
Diploma Requirements
Students are eligible for a diploma after the completion of 60 credits as specified by the Program of Study in each major. In the Arts and Cultural Management major, that declaration must occur by the add/drop date at the beginning of their second year of study in order for arrangements to be made for the student to complete their required field placement. Failure to declare this intention will result in a delay in obtaining the diploma.
In the three other majors, declaration must occur by the graduation deadline of the year in which they wish to exit with a diploma.
Learning Outcomes
Bachelor of Fine Arts Learning Outcomes
- Use creative methodologies and scholarly research in professional practice.
- Advocate for the arts in a variety of communities.
- Collaborate with artists and scholars toward the fulfillment of a vision, goal, initiative, or project.
- Analyze scholarly works in arts and culture.
- Engage communities through art with respect for cultural and social differences.
- Communicate effectively and respectfully through a variety of media and in a range of contexts.
- Employ ethical and sustainable strategies to support a career in the arts.
- Respond to the ongoing demands of a professional arts practice through continual learning.
Theatre Production Major Learning Outcomes
- Employ industry-standard and innovative methods, materials, and tools in production crafts: scenic construction and painting, costuming, props, rigging, video, audio, and lighting.
- Adapt processes and find creative solutions to production problems.
- Work independently and collaboratively as a member of a creative production team.
- Critically evaluate building processes and the technical and functional qualities of performance elements.
- Integrate historical and contemporary references in practice.
- Impart ideas, information, and directions orally and through written communication.
- Research, manage, and execute complex projects in theatre production.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must be admitted to one of the following:
Regular Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
- ELA 30-1 or 75% in ELA 30-2
- Four subjects from Group A, B, C, or D
Notes:
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to present a broad range of subjects in order to benefit from the breadth of learning and to increase flexibility of future program and course choices.
- A maximum of two Group B subjects may be presented; they must be from different disciplines.
- A maximum of one Group D subject may be presented. Group D subjects used for admission must be 5-credit or any credit combination of at least 5 credits (e.g. two 3-credit subjects).
Applicants with nine or more post-secondary-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a diploma or 24 or more university-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.
Mature Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must be 20 years of age or older and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicants must have the following:
- ELA 30-1 with a minimum grade of 65 percent (or equivalent)
OR
- Six credits of university level English with no grade less than C-
Applicants with nine or more post-secondary level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a diploma or 24 or more university-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.
Previous Post-Secondary Work
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Admission in this category does not imply or guarantee the transfer of any coursework and/or credential unless a block transfer agreement (internal or external) is in effect and published in the calendar by the Office of the University Registrar. In addition, transfer of coursework does not imply or guarantee that an applicant will be admitted.
Applicants must have successfully completed one of the following with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. from a recognized institution:
- A diploma (minimum of 60 credits)
OR
- A minimum of 24 university-level credits
Additional Admission Criteria
To be evaluated through the Program
Studio Arts
Applicants are required to submit a portfolio and a statement of intent to be assessed by a committee of Studio Arts faculty.
Successful applicants will demonstrate in their portfolio:
- Formal skills: aesthetic sensibility, basic understanding of composition, colour, tone, perspective;
- Technical abilities: an interest in working with a variety of mediums and subjects, demonstrating skill, craftsmanship, diversity; and
- Demonstrates experimentation and conceptual engagement
Successful applicants will demonstrate in their statement of intent:
- The ability to express ideas well in writing;
- How this MacEwan University program is aligned with their interests and goals; and
- An interest in learning about the theories and practice of historical and contemporary art.
Music Theatre Performance
Applicants are required to audition and submit a cover letter and resume.
An audition panel will assess:
- Acting abilities (objectives, actions, creative risk-taking);
- Singing abilities (breath, phonation, resonance, range, articulation); and
- Dancing/movement abilities (physicality, gesture, alignment).
The cover letter will include:
- How this MacEwan University program is aligned with the applicant’s interests and goals.
The resume should include:
- Previous training;
- Previous performing experience; and
- Special skills (e.g. languages, gymnastics, juggling, etc.)
Theatre Production
Applicants are required to submit a brief statement of intent outlining:
- Why they are interested in the program;
- The career that they are seeking through the completion of the program; and
- A description of the last theatre production they attended.
Applicants offered admission to the Theatre Production major are required to submit current, valid standard first aid certification (including Level C CPR) by the published document deadline.