Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CA 471 D100

Production Lab VIII (4)

Class Number: 4311

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Prerequisites:

    CA 370 or 371; 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 471 under the title "Production Ensemble VI" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

CA 471 is the capstone of the vertical-studio sequence. Fourth-year students lead design, technical, stage-management or production-management departments on School productions. They direct cross-department teams, mentor junior peers and focus on professional practice during the dedicated Wednesday lab, which includes portfolio development, industry preparation and specialised skill class.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

  • Lead a design, technical department, technical-direction, stage-management and/or production-management team on SCA productions, meeting agreed artistic and technical benchmarks.

  • Direct and mentor cross-department teams of junior peers during install, technical rehearsals, show run and strike, delegating tasks and resolving conflicts.

  • Guide advanced production workflows: either design and configure complex show-control systems (lighting networks, media-server playback, sound routing) and/or oversee comprehensive production management, including scheduling, budgeting and risk assessment.

  • Diagnose and solve system or workflow faults in real time, adapting configurations or plans to evolving artistic needs.

  • Compile and deliver a comprehensive departmental hand-off package that includes schedules, drawings, cue sheets, safety notes and budget summaries.

  • Submit a final portfolio that demonstrates leadership, technical or managerial competence and reflective practice within contemporary interdisciplinary production.

Grading

  • Participation and Attendance 30%
  • Production Leadership Roles 40%
  • Assingments 20%
  • Skill Demonstrations 10%

NOTES:

This course runs in the vertical studio with all year levels present; fourth-years also meet independently on Wednesdays. Weekly topics may shift to support real production deadlines; updates will be announced in class and on Canvas. Leadership tasks build on prior skills, 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 or leadership workshops must be made up before continuing in leadership roles.

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 leadership includes listening attentively, giving clear direction, voicing concerns, assisting others, taking initiative and upholding 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.