Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - CA 170 D100

Production Lab I (3)

Class Number: 6198

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    Declared status in the performance production and design major or extended minor, or permission of instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

In performance design and production, active experience nurtures artistic growth. Students put studio skills into practice by taking on level-appropriate roles in school productions such as crew, operators, designers, co-creators, and producers. Students in the program enroll in a production lab each term, contributing to cross-cohort learning and mentorship. Students with credit for CA 170 under the title "Introduction to Production Technology" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

CA170 introduces the vertical studio that brings all year levels together. First-year students rotate through stage carpentry, lighting, sound, video and stage management to explore the breadth of production work. Each build session, crew call and critique is a low-stakes opportunity to discover personal interests. As students advance through the courses they narrow their focus and assume greater leadership, but this first course remains centred on exploration, curiosity and informed choice.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The Production Lab sequence trains interdisciplinary artists who can move fluidly across sound, staging, digital media, lighting and other production activities. Graduates leave with a primary craft and the vocabulary to collaborate with every department. CA 170 is the first step in a four-year ladder of practical coursework that continues through CA x70’s and CA x71’s.

By the end of this course, a successful student will be able to:

  1. Operate ladders, lifts and basic tools safely and responsibly.

  2. Collaborate as an effective crew member through safe team lifting, active listening and punctual participation.

  3. Interpret ground plans, lighting plots, cue sheets and construction drawings for install, technical rehearsals, performances and strike.

  4. Perform fundamental stagecraft tasks—measuring, cutting, fastening, painting, cable management and basic lighting setup—and locate equipment correctly.

  5. Communicate backstage with clear calls and standard protocols while tracking task completion.

  6. Document weekly learning in a reflection journal that tracks skills, concepts and vocabulary.

Grading

  • Participation and Attendance 50%
  • Production Work and Roles 25%
  • Assignments 15%
  • Skill Demonstrations 10%

NOTES:

This course runs in a vertical studio with all year levels present. Weekly topics may shift to support real production deadlines; updates will be announced in class and on Canvas. Skill sessions build on previous work, so regular attendance is essential for safe learning and steady progress.

REQUIREMENTS:

Declared Production & Design major or extended minor, or permission of the instructor.

Attendance

Students are expected at every scheduled session, on time and prepared.

Five late arrivals count as one unexcused absence; every three unexcused absences lowers the final grade by one-third.

Missed safety demonstrations must be made up before a student may continue certain tools.

Safety and conduct

Closed-toed shoes are required; sandals, slides and flip-flops are not permitted.

Professionalism

Treat classmates, faculty and guest artists with courtesy and respect. Comments must be factual, constructive and free of harassing language.

Active participation includes listening attentively, asking questions, voicing concerns, assisting others, taking initiative and watching out for everyone’s safety.

Use phones and computers responsibly; refrain from social media, messaging or calls during class and work calls except as instructed.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Materials

1x 2B drawing Pencil
1x Eraser
1x Sharpie Marker
1x Journal / Sketchbook - Appx Size 8 ½” x 11” 
1x imperial (feet and inches) scale ruler 

Recommended Computer

We recommend (not require) for your degree study to own a laptop. This is because we rely on macOS‑only applications and will give you the broadest coverage of application support. Our computer labs are available, but owning a portable MacBook lets you work in studio, rehearsal spaces, and at home without competing for lab hours.

Recommended spec (the best balance of power & battery life)

  • MacBook Air M4 (2025) – 13‑ or 15‑inch
    • 10‑core CPU / 10‑core GPU Apple Silicon
    • 16 GB unified memory
    • 512 GB – 1 TB SSD
    • Up to two external displays, Wi‑Fi 6E
    • Edu price: 13‑inch CA $1,549 / 15‑inch CA $1,849 + tax

Minimum recommended spec:

  • MacBook Air M3 (2024) – 13‑inch
    • 8‑core CPU / 10‑core GPU Apple Silicon
    • 16 GB unified memory (RAM)
    • 512 GB SSD (1 TB preferred)
    • Two Thunderbolt / USB‑C ports, 1080 p camera
    • Education price ≈ CA $1,549 + tax
  •  

Why we do not recommend PCs, tablets, or Chromebooks Most course software is macOS‑exclusive. Tablets and Chromebooks cannot run full programs and will slow your workflow. 

Helpful accessories

  • 3‑button USB or Bluetooth mouse with scroll wheel
  • USB‑C multi‑port adapter (HDMI, USB‑A, Ethernet)
  • 1 – 2 TB USB‑C SSD for project backups
  • AppleCare+ (3‑year) – optional but strongly advised for damage coverage

I am happy to discuss further and understand that financial access to this kind of equipment can be difficult. Please reach out to me and I will happily advise on individual cases. 

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.