Production/Design
Production + Design
Unique in Canada for its comprehensive approach, the Production + Design program studies the entertainment industry from both design and technical perspectives.
As a student in the program, you’ll explore production management, creative technologies and design applications for live entertainment, and build the technical, creative and leadership skills necessary to produce large-scale productions. You'll explore all facets of production design — from costume and scenery, to lighting, projection, and audio — and gain hands-on experience by participating in live shows and industry collaborations.
Degree Earned
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Program Format
Full time / 4 years
Program Highlights
Work with internationally acclaimed guest artists, directors, designers, and professional companies.
Immerse yourself in the performing arts and attend live events across the city of Toronto — Canada's entertainment hub.
Apply what you've learned by participating in the School of Performance's annual season of shows and events.
Courses & Curriculum
The first two years of the Production + Design introduce students to the multi-disciplinary and collaborative nature of production work. In core courses consisting of lectures and labs, students learn the fundamental skills required to mount live productions and apply those skills in working in junior roles on school shows.
In third and fourth year, students concentrate on their specific areas of interest through elective courses and broaden their understanding of the performance industry through business and management courses. They also take on more senior positions within The School of Performance's various live productions.
3rd Semester
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
* THP 201 has a GPA Weight of 2.00.
6th Semester
REQUIRED:
- THP 302* Production Technique VI
PROFESSIONAL: One course from Table I.
PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED: Two courses from Table II.
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
* THP 302 has a GPA Weight of 2.00.
8th Semester
PROFESSIONAL: Two courses from Table I.
LIBERAL STUDIES: One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
* THP 403 has a GPA Weight of 2.00.
Admission Requirements
Academic
Non-Academic
Pilot: Commencing 2023, the Production + Design program does not require the submission of non-academic requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Performance Production students are given countless opportunities to gain practical training and hands-on experience in interest-specific fields (including but not limited to: design mentorship, front of house/box office training, Working at Heights Certification, stage combat and intimacy seminars, etc.) within the school.
There are also the connections students make with their peers, and professionals in the industry. In the first year alone, getting to know fellow students, from first to fourth-years means meeting people that you have a high chance of working with in the future. Students receive many opportunities to work alongside supportive mentors and professionals in their desired fields. Hand-in-hand with the opportunities for experience, Performance at The Creative School is eager to boost student interests and job opportunities in the industry.
The first two years of Performance Production introduces students to the multi-disciplinary and collaborative nature of production work. In core courses consisting of lectures and studios , students learn the fundamental skills required to mount live productions and apply those skills in working in junior roles on school shows. Performance Production uses a moduel based structure within our courses, so in a 12-week semester a first year student might take six weeks of wardrobe skills then six weeks of scenic carpentry skills. This allows us to introduce students to more disciplines in a semester.
In third and fourth year, students concentrate on their discipline(s) of interest through elective courses and broaden their understanding of the performance industry through business and management courses. They also take on more senior positions within Performance's various live productions.
Performance Production is focused on providing comprehensive eductation on everything it takes to build and make a live production happen.
Both lecture and studio based courses provide students with knowledge about lighting, sound, scenography, technical drafting, costume design and implementation, stage management, technical direction, scenic painting, and safe working practices in the theatre.
No. Students of all levels of experience are welcome to Performance Production. Performance at The Creative School is invested in the creative potential of their students. Throughout the first year, classes focus on introductory skills across all disciplines in live performance (ex. costuming, lighting, sound, etc.). These introductory courses in the first year have different challenges for different people. However, our small class sizes ensure students receive individualized guidance from their professors, lecturers, and staff.
The program is rigorous and challenging. Students attend lectures, write essays, build costumes and props, and stage manage shows. Efforts are made to accommodate moderate working hours when scheduling teams on Performance projects. As a student, you are expected to commit to your studies, but the world is your oyster! Minor degrees are available to Performance Production students and there are no restrictions against part-time occupations. These are definite possibilities, but balancing commitments is a personal responsibility.
Yes! Of course, remaining on campus means there is less back-and-forth, but because of Toronto’s elaborate transportation system, you are able to commute easily to and from school. A number of our students are commuters who can successfully maneuver through their courseload, and commitments, and thrive in our program.
Graduates of the program pursue careers in the field of live performance, both locally and internationally. Opportunities also exist in film, television, live corporate events, and other industries. Some graduates transition into unrelated fields, while others continue their education at the graduate level.
You belong at
The Creative School
As a Performance student, you'll be part of The Creative School, a dynamic faculty offering 27 degree programs in media, design and creative industries. Through global experiences and transdisciplinary opportunities, our students emerge as some of the most in demand and employable graduates anywhere.