Technical Production for Theatre and Live Events

Set the stage for a creative, rewarding career in theatre.

Faculty:
Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design
Program Code:
PTTLP
Duration:
3 Years Regular (PTTLP)
Designation:
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Campus:
Trafalgar Road Campus
Start Date:
September
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. The third year features a seven-week field placement and students continue to focus in two disciplines. This is 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 Production for Theatre and Live Events 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

THET11322 Introduction to Scenic Construction and Drafting
3
THET18448 Scenic Art Techniques and Colour Theory 2
THET16206 Sewing Fundamentals
2
THET15586 Introduction to Theatre Properties  2
THET16693 Fundamentals of Stage Lighting  2
THET13672 Audio Fundamentals
2
THET17370 Stagecraft and Production Techniques 6
THET14857G Technical Theatre History (Mandatory Gen Ed)
3



Total:
22
 

TERM 2

THET10016 Scenic Construction Techniques 2
THET10261 Applied Scenic Art Techniques 2
THET18081 Costume Construction Skills  2
THET10082 Theatre Properties Techniques 2
THET19798 Stage Lighting Plots 2
THET12974 Introduction to Sound Design for Theatre and Live Events
2
THET16367 Rigging for Theatre and Live Events 2
THET15288 Introduction to Technical Production  7
CCGE
General Education Elective
3



Total:
24
 

TERM 3

THET20229 Technical Production 7
CADD17721 Computer Assisted Drafting 2
THET14998 Introduction to Set Design 3
THET11799 Employment Skills for Theatre and Live Events 3
 

Select 3 courses:

THET26206 Scenic Construction Applications 3
THET24444 Scenic Finishes 3
THET24998 Introduction to Pattern Drafting 3
THET27545 Theatre Properties Applications 3
THET29402 Stage Lighting Equipment Applications 3
THET29599 Practical Application of Live Sound 3
THET26693 Stage Management Fundamentals 3
 THET24857 Technical Management Fundamentals 3
 

Total:
24
 

TERM 4

THET25738
Advanced Technical Production
9
CCGE General Education Elective 3
 

Select 3 courses:

THET25288 Advanced Scenic Construction  3
THET20261 Scenic Architecture 3
THET24717 Applied Pattern Drafting Techniques 3
THET21044 Historical Property Applications  3
THET20172 Lighting Design and Projections
3
THET21473 Digital Audio 3
THET23796 Advanced Stage Management  3
THET24579 Advanced Technical Management
3



Total:

21



TERM 5


THET20689 Self Employment Practices for Theatre and Live Events
3
CCGE
General Education Elective
3



Select 2 courses:

THET30049 Structural Design and Stage Technology 2
THET34178 Advanced Scenic Art Techniques
2
THET30016 Advanced Costume Construction
2
THET37545 Advanced Theatre Properties
2
THET30036 Advanced Stage Lighting Applications     
2
THET30025 Sound Recording for Theatre and Live Events
2
 THET38081 Production Management for Theatre and Live Events
2



Select 1 course:

THET35288 Production Role 1 *
9
FLPL17028 Field Placement *
9



Total:

19



TERM 6


THET35288 Production Role 1 *
9
THET35586 Production Role 2 *
9
FLPL17028 Field Placement *
9



   * Students are required to complete Field Placement, Production Role 1 and Production Role 2 once
 



Select 2 courses:

THET33796 Scenic Construction Workshop Management
2
THET30004 Scenic Art Workshop Management
2
THET34717 Wardrobe Workshop Management
2
THET30009 Property Workshop Management
2
THET30001 Live Event Lighting Practices
2
THET36048 Professional Audio Practices
2
THET39014 Live Event Production
2



Total:
22

Note: Courses subject to change.