We train technicians and crafts people that work behind the scenes in the ever-growing entertainment industry. Our alumni are employed as stage managers, sound designers and technicians, follow spot operators, production managers, stage electricians, lighting designers and technicians, production management assistants, stage carpenters, scenic painters, and property builders.

Graduates working in production often join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the labor union representing technicians, artisans and craftspeople in the entertainment industry, including live theatre, motion picture and television production, and trade shows. They may work on contract or may choose to freelance through the union.

Our graduates also work in related areas of the entertainment industry, including cruise ships, theme parks, concert tours, industrial presentations, specialized service companies, film and television. Some eventually move into more senior management positions.

Graduates may also choose to transfer credits and resume experience to B.F.A. or specialty study elsewhere in design or technology, or apply to continue training at RDC as part of our Applied Degree in Motion Picture Arts.

This program offers a Diploma in Theatre and Entertainment Production and prepares graduates to work behind the scenes in the live entertainment and event industries. The program includes components of class theory, studio training and hands-on practice in lights, scenic paint, props, sound, set construction, theatre design and stage management.

Students work in assigned practice as members of the resident theatre company, and are able to integrate their technical skills in the production of season of live theatre, in settings simulating professional conditions. Faculty and professional guest artists are the directors and designers for the plays produced by the Theatre programs. Students work in a variety of performance spaces; an exceptional Main stage proscenium theatre of 576 seats, a black-box experimental theatre, found spaces and outside event locations. Productions in this program are technically challenging and provide valuable experience for student technicians.

In addition to the theatre productions, students have the opportunity to work on a variety of events that take place in the Arts Centre. Students are involved with the set up and operation of professional, touring theatre productions, folk jazz, and pop concerts, and a host of other events as connected with our performing Arts programs and Red Deer College.

Theatre and Entertainment Production graduates can accumulate credits to transfer into year two of B.A., B.Ed., or B.F.A. studies at a variety of universities. RDC does have an agreement with the University of Lethbridge, which allows our Technical students to be admitted to the 2-year Post-Diploma B.F.A. (Dramatic Arts). Graduates are eligible to apply for the 3rd and 4th years of the Advanced Certificate and Applied Degree in Motion Picture Arts at RDC.

1. High School Diploma with successful completion of ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2

OR

2. Mature Student

You must be 19 years of age or older, out of high school at least one full year before the program starts, and successful completion of ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2.

Note: In addition to the program admission requirements applicants, whose first language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency.

To be accepted to the technical production program you need to have a successful interview. Further guidelines regarding interview expectations are available at Performing Arts, Audition & Interview Requirements.

You must pass all courses, and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.

Open to Theatre and Entertainment Production students only

Year 1

• THTR 105 Production Crew I
• THTR 106 Production Crew II
• THTR 107 Production Crew III
• THTR 118 Scenic Props
• THTR 125 Stagecraft I
• THTR 126 Stagecraft II
• THTR 135 Entertainment Industry Sound
• THTR 136 Live Events Sound
• THTR 145 Entertainment Industry Lighting I
• THTR 146 Entertainment Industry Lighting II
• THTR 158 Entertainment Arts Drafting
• THTR 168 Stage and Event Management I
• THTR 176 Entertainment Industry Design
• ART 231 Visual Fundaments

Year 2

• THTR 205 Applied Practice and Theory I
• THTR 206 Applied Practice and Theory II
• THTR 207 Applied Practice and Theory III
• THTR 215 Scenic Painting
• THTR 258 Drawing as Communication
• THTR 265 Stage and Event Management II
• THTR 278 Entertainment Arts Design & Visual Communication
• THTR 285 Professional Development I
• THTR 286 Professional Development II
• THTR 295 Intensives Series I
• THTR 296 Intensives Series II
• THTR 297 Intensives Series III
• Approved COMM course

Theatre and Entertainment Production students should budget for:

• Drafting tools & Arts supplies $200.00
• Scenography $ 50.00
• equipment $160.00
• Safety
• Tools $100.00
• Textbooks $450.00
• USITT Conference TBA