BFA Technical Theatre Production

Bring Artistic Vision To Life

The BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) Technical Theatre Production program is a four-year degree revolving around a series of workshops, practical projects and coursework, all of which solidify your background in theatre production techniques and practices.

As a Technical Production student you have the unique opportunity to collaborate with MFA directors, MFA and BFA designers, our BA Drama and BFA actors, as well as leading professionals from the Edmonton theatre community and national theatre scene working on department productions and plays from the U of A Studio Theatre season.

Learn all aspects of backstage work – from the business administrative duties of balancing a production budget, ordering materials and scheduling staff, to the construction of sets and scenic properties. In addition, master theatre technologies including digital sound, computerized light boards, technical drawing and scenic flying.

Areas of Technical Production

• Scenic Carpentry: construction of stage sets and scenic elements
• Stage Carpentry: rigging and running of scenery on the stage
• Lighting: hanging, focusing and control of all lighting elements
• Sound: creation of soundscapes as designed, cue mixing and operation of all recording, playback and balancing equipment
• Properties: creation of hand, set or dressing props for a production
• Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD): the technologies necessary to work in larger professional theatre facilities

Artistic Requirements – Interview

• Entrance to this program is competitive, with a maximum of 8 spots in each incoming class
• Additional materials are reviewed and interviews are held March-April to start the program in September
• Artistic assessments are based on a review of your additional supporting materials as well as an interview
• You must have a successful interview AND meet the academic requirements to be offered a spot in the program

Academic Requirements

Download the BFA Technical Theatre Info Sheet for full admission requirements.

High School Students (Canadian)
Applicants must present a minimum average of 70% on five appropriate Grade 12 high school subjects at the 30-level (or equivalent), with no individual mark below 50%. English Language Arts 30-1 is required. The other four subjects can be chosen from the humanities/social sciences, fine arts, and math/sciences.

Transfer Students (Canadian)
If you have studied at a recognized university or college you must present a minimum AGPA of 2.0.

If you do not present either the high school requirements or the required matriculation average, you may be considered for admission if you have successfully completed 24 credits of coursework transferable to the Faculty of Arts.

International Students
Information for international students is available through the UofA's International site: www.studyincanada.ualberta.ca

BFA Technical Theatre Production at the U of A – the ultimate in hands-on education

The Technical Production stream of the Technical Theatre program consistently draws prestigious guest instructors to teach workshops in exciting topics like Area and Trapeze Rigging with Cirque du Soleil, Festival Planning, Welding, Period Furniture, Upholstery, Lathework, Master Rigging/Stage Machinery, Fall Arrest (with certification), Firearms Handling (with certification), Properties Buying/Acquisition, Dramaturgy/Copyright Law, Styrofoam Carving/Bas Relief, First Aid (with certification) and Automated Lighting.

Courses and Planning Your Schedule

Download the BFA Technical Production Course List to see degree requirements, course descriptions and standard schedules.

Contacts:
Joanna Manchur
Fine Arts Recruitment Coordinator
Email: joanna.manchur@ualberta.ca
Phone: 780.248.5497

John Raymond
BFA Technical Theatre Program Coordinator
Email: john.raymond@ualberta.ca
Phone: 780.492.8719

How To Apply

Application to the BFA Technical Theatre Production program is a 2-step process: Apply to Drama to schedule an interview by April 1 (early applications encouraged) and apply to the U of A by May 1. 

Download the BFA Technical Theatre Info Sheet for more details and FAQs.

Other Important Dates and Information

Attend the U of A Open House – Saturday, October 20, 2012. Learn about the Drama department and all our programs through demos and Q&A sessions.

Once you apply, you’ll get a U of A student ID number, a U of A email address, and you’ll be able to access Bear Tracks. Start using these immediately – they are the official channels of communication between the U of A and you, and important information will be sent to you this way.

The earlier you apply to the U of A the earlier you can apply for Housing, as well as Scholarships and Financial Assistance.

After a successful interview, and meeting the academic requirements, you will: 

Register for Courses – after receiving your welcome letter with course information from the Technical Theatre Coordinator in the summer.

Pay your Confirmation Deposit in August.

In September, attend U of A Orientation and get ready for the first day of classes.

On the first Friday of the school year, attend Drama Orientation and the annual Loading Dock Party!

Links

Why Choose Drama at the U of A? 

Drama Alumni 

Office of the Registrar and Student Awards – Visit their homepage, a good resource for all prospective students!