Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CA 271 D100

Production Ensemble II (6)

Class Number: 6451

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    CA (or FPA) 170.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students having a basic familiarity with elements of production and design participate in an in-depth theoretical and practical exploration of stage and production management for theatre, dance and music production. Students in this class will develop skills necessary to provide technical support for the school's productions. Assignments will be conducted in class and through practicum work on productions. Maybe of particular interest to students in other departments. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This class focuses on several planning tools used in stage, production, and event management. In particular we will focus on drafting, scheduling, and budgeting. We will also touch on the paperwork and systems commonly used for organizing and tracking cues, reporting on and sharing production information, and running the technical components of productions. There is a large practicum component to this course. Students will implement and practice their skills by taking on the role of either a stage manager, or a lighting/sound/projection operator for the theatre and dance capstone projects. There will be approximately 80 hours required outside of class time. Required times and dates will be provided the second week of class. 

Class time will be spent as follows: instructional time in various software platforms, learning and discussing planning concepts and tools, and time to work on assignments and projects.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Demonstrate intermediary CAD skills through the completion of several small drafting projects.
  • Estimate the budget for a medium scale production to a high degree of acuracy based on current contracts and material costs.
  • Adapt knoweldge of stage and production management, or operator processes and apply it to the capstone projects.
  • Flexibly manage your time and role as a stage manager or operator, both individually and as part of a team. 

Grading

  • Practicum Role 50%
  • Required Assignments 15%
  • Optional Assignments 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Selections from the following books will be required.

  1. Gillett, Cary, and Jay Sheehan. The Production Manager’s Toolkit: Successful Production Management in Theatre and Performing Arts. Second edition, vol. 1, Taylor & Francis, 2023, https://doi.org/10.4324/9780367808174.
  2. Kincman, Laurie. The Stage Manager’s Toolkit : Templates and Communication Techniques to Guide Your Theatre Production from First Meeting to Final Performance / Laurie Kincman. Third edition., Routledge, 2021.
  3. Dorn, Dennis, and Mark Shanda. Drafting for the Theatre / Dennis Dorn & Mark Shanda. 2nd ed., Southern Illinois University Press, 2012.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.