Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CA 371 D100

Production Lab VI (3)

Class Number: 4281

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    CA 271 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 371 under the title "Production Ensemble IV" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

CA 371 positions third-year students as assistant leaders in the vertical studio. You will rotate through lighting, sound, video, staging and stage-management departments, but now act as assistant designers or technical directors, rehearsal report writers, head electricians, or props leads. You will coordinate daily work calls for junior crews, maintain departmental paperwork and integrate multi-system show elements, all while modelling professional communication and safe practice.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

  1. Implement and oversee safe use of complex production systems; prepare safety briefings and checklists for junior crews.

  2. Coordinate daily work calls and manage a crew of junior students, ensuring task completion, efficiency and safety.

  3. Maintain complete documentation: cue sheets, rehearsal reports, budgets and schedules throughout the production cycle.

  4. Integrate multi-system show elements (lighting, audio, video, staging) and refine them through iterative prototyping.

  5. Track and prioritise feedback, synthesising artist, peer and faculty notes into actionable changes.

  6. Assemble a process portfolio and draft professional documents (CV, bio, artist statement) that express developing values and goals.

Grading

  • Participation and Attendance 40%
  • Production work and Roles 30%
  • Assignments 20%
  • 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:

Attendance

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

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

  • Missed safety demonstrations must be made up before a student may continue with restricted 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:

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

Personal tool kit for work calls:

1x 6" or 8" adjustable c-wrench
1x headlamp
1x pair of work gloves
1x 25’ tape measure

Recommended spec (best balance of power and battery life)

MacBook Air M4 (2025), 13 or 15 inch
10-core CPU and 10-core GPU Apple Silicon
16 GB unified memory
512 GB to 1 TB SSD
Two Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports, MagSafe charging
Wi-Fi 6E, supports up to two external displays
Apple Education pricing in Canada as of Oct 2025: 13 inch CA $1,549, 15 inch CA $1,849, plus tax.

Minimum recommended spec

MacBook Air M3 (2024), 13 inch

8-core CPU and 10-core GPU Apple Silicon
16 GB unified memory
512 GB SSD (1 TB preferred)
Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, MagSafe, Wi-Fi 6E
Apple Education pricing varies by configuration. Specs confirmed via Apple support.

Tip: Apple Certified Refurbished can reduce cost and still includes a one-year Apple warranty.

Why we do not recommend PCs, tablets, or Chromebooks

Most course software is macOS-exclusive. Tablets and Chromebooks cannot run full desktop programs and will slow your workflow.

Helpful accessories

3-button USB or Bluetooth mouse with scroll wheel
USB-C multi-port adapter with HDMI, USB-A, and Ethernet
1 to 2 TB USB-C SSD for project backups
AppleCare+ for three years is optional but strongly advised for accidental damage coverage.

I am happy to discuss individual situations. I understand that access to this equipment can be difficult. Please reach out and I will help you find an approach that works for you.

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.