Design and Production: Future Students

Performance Design and Production emphasizes two streams of study, Technological and Material Practice.  The program offers a revolutionary new curriculum that centres student experience in radical creative practice.

First year offers an introduction to live performance and the creative fields, designing and making, exploring ideas and establishing a practice. Course modules include readings, case studies, and the establishment of a journal practice with studio opportunities in all streams. 

In second year students immerse themselves in ‘practice as laboratory’ using mock production as a learning tool.  Learning to work together to create mock live performance, students will complete designs and paperwork for a performance and implement several of the objects proposed for the design.

In the third year students will see a number of performances to heighten their awareness of the diversity of possibilities across for-profit and not-for-profit projects.  Students will have an option to travel abroad for the fall semester, while visiting / exchange faculty opportunities can foster greater awareness of educational opportunities at partner institutions. The winter semester provides discussion of a range of performance styles including community based, site specific, parades, protests, activism and puppetry as a way to give students a breadth of experience, with the possibility of local guest instructors offering projects within these genres.

In the fourth year, students will continue to deepen their skills through core electives and application of practicum hours. Required courses include developing a portfolio, research skills and career planning in the fall semester. In the winter the focus is on independent practice through a capstone project while completing core electives in their chosen stream.

1. Unleash your creativity and experiment in the art of design in our hands-on, four-year program by diving into real-world projects and learning with industry-standard tech in classroom and studio environments.
2. Immerse yourself in the performing arts and attend live events across the city of Toronto — Canada's entertainment hub.
3. Apply what you've learned in studio to the real world - develop your own dream projects or work with other students, professional artists and leading experts in projects around Toronto.

Our graduates go on to design, build, and produce for world-renowned organizations like Cirque du Soleil, Mirvish Productions, the Olympics, Broadway, and Hollywood. Our program offers an immersive experience with a heavy focus on hands-on, applied learning and exploration. Located in the vibrant core of Toronto and on our state-of-the-art Chrysalis stage, you'll be at the epicenter of Canada's most dynamic arts and entertainment scene. From captivating dance and theatre performances to cutting-edge music, visual art, immersive experiences, film, and television productions – it's all happening right here, often within our very own spaces. Join us to turn your passion into a thriving career, surrounded by endless creative possibilities and unparalleled opportunities in the entertainment industry.

From day one, you'll be thrust into a vibrant network that will shape your future. Imagine forging bonds with peers across all years – these aren't just classmates, they're your future collaborators and industry powerhouses. Prepare to be mentored by the crème de la crème of the industry. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with seasoned professionals, gaining invaluable insights and hands-on experience that will set you apart in the competitive world of live performance. With a dynamic faculty whose fingers are on the pulse of the industry, we'll connect you with job opportunities and experiences that align perfectly with your ambitions and the new horizons you discover in the program.