Sheridan’s theatre school stands out for its professionalism, both on the stage and behind the scenes. In Technical Production for Theatre and Live Events, you’ll be part of a creative theatrical production team, staging shows attended by the paying public at Theatre Sheridan and the Erindale Theatre. You’ll develop the creativity, technical mastery, and work ethic you need to work in technical production at the highest levels—as well as the experience and confidence to step directly into the work force.
Led by practicing industry professionals, this apprenticeship-style program features the best facilities of any theatre school in Canada. You’ll work in professional-caliber:
- Mainstage and studio theatres
- State-of-the-art MIDI and sound labs
- Fully equipped scene, prop, and wardrobe shops
Commitment and Creativity
You’ll begin working on shows immediately, gaining experience during Year 1 in these technical production disciplines:
- Carpentry
- Lighting
- Stage management
- Sound
- Wardrobe
- Props
- Paint
In the second year you’ll select three disciplines to specialize in, while refining design-oriented skills such as drafting and AutoCAD. Beginning in 2010, this program (re-launched as Technical Production for Theatre and Live Events) will add an optional third year, which will feature a seven-week field placement. It will be the only three-year program in Canada fully dedicated to technical production for theatre and live events.
This demanding program requires full commitment. You should be prepared to spend approximately $1,800 - $2,000 for textbooks, supplies, and field trips. The workload is heavy, so it is difficult to be employed part-time while attending this program. But you’ll be rewarded with great career opportunities, a creative work environment, and the excitement and camaraderie of theatre life.
Graduates of the Sheridan Technical Live Event Production program go on to work for major performing arts venues and producers throughout the world. They have obtained employment on Broadway and in Toronto’s downtown theatre district, as well as with:
- Major theatre festivals
- Regional theatres
- Audio-visual companies
- Independent production companies
- Touring Broadway shows
- Las Vegas casinos
- Sporting and cultural events
- Political events
- Film and television crews
- Conferences and conventions
- Cruise ships
Our graduates hold job titles such as:
- Technical director
- Production manager
- Stage manager
- Sound designer
- Seamstress / dresser
- Prop maker
- Electrician
- Lighting and sound technician
- Carpenter
- Scenic painter
- IATSE crew member
Program Eligibility
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:
- One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)
or
Mature student status. (See "Admissions" section for details).
Applicant Selection
Eligible applicants will be selected on the basis of their previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses) and an application package consisting of a letter of intent clearly describing long-term career objectives and any experience in the field, a résumé, and two letters of reference. There is an assessment fee.
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs.
PREPARATION FOR APPLICATION
You are encouraged to research the technical theatre field prior to applying for admission:
- Volunteer for practical crew work in professional theatre companies, community theatre groups, secondary schools, dance studios, co-op programs
- Speak with employed technical theatre professionals
- Speak with faculty and students at postsecondary technical theatre training programs
- Attend theatre performances
- Read plays and technical reference books
- Take photos of your technical theatre work
Note: Students may elect to graduate after successfully completing two years of study and will receive an Ontario College Diploma entitled Theatre Arts - Technical Production.
| CODE |
TITLE |
CREDITS |
| |
|
|
| TERM 1 |
|
|
|
Introduction to Scenic Construction and Drafting
|
3 |
|
Scenic Art Techniques and Colour Theory |
2
|
|
Sewing Fundamentals
|
2 |
|
Introduction to Theatre Properties |
2
|
|
Fundamentals of Stage Lighting |
2
|
|
Audio Fundamentals
|
2
|
|
Stagecraft and Production Simulation |
6
|
CCGE
|
Technical Theatre History (Mandatory Gen Ed)
|
3
|
|
|
|
| Total: |
|
22
|
| |
|
|
| TERM 2 |
|
|
|
Scenic Construction Techniques |
2
|
|
Applied Scenic Art Techniques |
2
|
|
Costume Construction Skills |
2
|
|
Theatre Properties Techniques |
2
|
|
Stage Lighting Plots |
2
|
|
Introduction to Sound Design for Theatre and Live Events
|
2
|
|
Rigging for Theatre and Live Events |
2
|
|
Introduction to Technical Production |
7
|
CCGE
|
|
| General Education Elective | |
3
|
|
|
|
| Total: |
|
24
|
| |
|
|
| TERM 3 |
|
|
|
Technical Production |
7
|
|
Computer Assisted Drafting |
2 |
|
Introduction to Design for Theatre
|
3
|
|
Career Planning for Theatre and Live Events
|
3 |
| |
|
|
| select three courses: |
|
|
|
Scenic Construction Applications |
3 |
|
Scenic Finishes |
3 |
|
Introduction to Pattern Drafting |
3 |
|
Theatre Properties Applications |
3 |
|
Stage Lighting Equipment Applications |
3 |
|
Practical Application of Live Sound |
3 |
|
Stage Management Fundamentals |
3 |
| |
Technical Management Fundamentals |
3
|
| |
|
|
| Total: |
|
24 |
| |
|
|
| TERM 4 |
|
|
|
Advanced Technical Production
|
9
|
| CCGE |
General Education Elective |
3 |
| |
|
|
| select three courses: |
|
|
|
Advanced Scenic Construction |
3 |
|
Scenic Architecture |
3 |
|
Applied Pattern Drafting Techniques |
3 |
|
Research and Property Applications |
3 |
|
Lighting Design and Projections
|
3 |
|
Digital Audio |
3 |
|
Advanced Stage Management |
3 |
|
Advanced Technical Management
|
3
|
|
|
|
Total:
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
TERM 5
|
|
|
|
Self Employment Practices for Theatre and Live Events
|
3
|
CCGE
|
General Education Elective
|
3
|
|
|
|
| select two courses: |
|
|
|
Structural Design and Stage Technology |
2 |
|
Advanced Scenic Art Techniques
|
2
|
|
Advanced Costume Construction
|
2
|
|
Advanced Theatre Properties
|
2
|
|
Advanced Stage Lighting Applications
|
2
|
|
Advanced Audio for Live Events
|
2
|
| |
Production Management for Live Events
|
2
|
|
|
|
| select one course: |
|
|
|
Production Role
|
9
|
|
Field Placement
|
9
|
|
|
|
Total:
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
TERM 6
|
|
|
|
Production Role |
9 |
|
Field Placement |
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| select two courses: |
|
|
|
Scenic Construction Workshop Management
|
2
|
|
Scenic Art Workshop Management
|
2
|
|
Wardrobe Workshop Management
|
2
|
|
Property Workshop Management
|
2
|
|
Live Event Lighting Practices
|
2
|
|
Professional Audio Practices
|
2
|
|
Live Event Production
|
2
|
|
|
|
| Total: |
|
22
|
Note: Courses subject to change.