Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CA 371 D100

Production Ensemble IV (6)

Class Number: 6482

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) 270 and 271 or prior approval.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Provides students with training and an historical and contemporary context for their related practicum roles as production heads and stage management and design personnel. Issues will be drawn from the School's current production season and from national and international forums in related fields. Assignments will be conducted in class and through practicum work on productions. May repeat for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course emphasizes hands-on production experience and professional development through practical work on the School’s Live Acts Festival. Students will focus on key production skills, technical drafting, and planning tools. A major component will involve a practicum, where students assume roles in festival preparation and execution, synthesizing technical and organizational skills acquired throughout their studies. Students will also compile a brief portfolio featuring an artist statement and select works.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  1. Practicum: Gain in-depth experience in festival production, focusing on the practical applications of technical skills, team coordination, and leadership within a live production environment.
  2. Technical Drafting and Budgeting: Develop proficiency in drafting technical packages, budgeting for production, and understanding cost-effective planning and resource management.
  3. Professional Collaboration: Enhance communication, teamwork, and project management skills in a high-stakes production environment.
  4. Portfolio Development: Compile a concise portfolio with an artist statement and select works that reflect the student’s progression in production skills.

Grading

  • Attendance and Participation 20%
  • Assignments 25%
  • Practicum 50%
  • Portfolio Review 5%

NOTES:

  1. Attendance and Participation (20%)
    Active participation is crucial. Students are expected to attend each session, engage with the production team, contribute to group discussions, and assist others as needed.
  2. Assignments (25%)
    • Live Acts Festival Drafting Package: Create a detailed technical package, including stage plots, lighting plans, and other critical documentation for festival production.
    • Budgeting & Planning Exercises: Complete paper projects to practice budgeting, scheduling, and other production management skills.
  3. Practicum (50%)
    • Festival Production Practicum: Students will take lead roles within the Live Acts Festival production. Evaluation will focus on hands-on participation, initiative, problem-solving, and effective collaboration with the production team.
  4. Portfolio Review (5%)
    • Portfolio Submission: Includes an artist statement and a selection of work reflecting the student’s journey and growth in production skills. Portfolios will be assessed on completeness and professionalism.

Materials

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.