Production and Stage Management
At UWinnipeg, Stage Management and Production is considered a separate concentration within the Department of Theatre and Film and all courses are offered within either the BA or BA (Honours) program. What this means is that you have the option of concentrating specifically on production and/or stage management, or of opting for some production/stage management credits along with other courses which all contribute to your degree. Moreover, none of these courses require prior experience or previous technical credits from high school.
No one else in Manitoba provides the kind of detailed, practical, hands-on technical training that we do. Our courses are intensive and offer close, one-to-one attention by our instructors. Production students form the crews for our theatrical season of public stage performances. Our best students have an opportunity to design individualized courses in areas of their particular interest, and can work in “co-op” situations which introduce them to the Winnipeg theatre/film community and give them practical experience in the real world.
It is possible to combine an interest in the artistic aspects of theatre and film (acting, directing, filmmaking, writing) with technical studies and many students take advantage of our broad program offerings to do just that.
Our technical faculty is comprised of the best in the business, all of whom have extensive experience working in their respective fields and continue to maintain their professional activities while teaching with us. This means that the instruction you get is up-to-date and relevant. Of course, as respected professionals, their ties to the local theatre community ensure that they can keep you informed about developments and opportunities for your future.
Below are details on the General BA in Production and Stage Management. Scroll further below for details on the BA Honours.
Program of Study for the BA
COMMON Requirements:
ONE OF:
THFM-1001(6) Intro to Theatre: Performance
THFM-1002(6) Intro to Theatre: General
THFM-1003(6) Intro to Theatre: Indigenous Performance
AND:
THFM-2703(3) or ENGL-2703(3) Play Analysis
THFM-2801(6) Theatrical Production I
AND: a minimum of 3 credit hours from the Dramatic Studies Group
AND:
For PRODUCTION only:
THFM-3801(6) Theatrical Production II
THFM-3807(3) Production Operations and Management
For STAGE MANAGEMENT only:
THFM-3801(6) Theatrical Production
OR
any two of: Principles of Design, Costuming, Drafting & Drawing, Properties for the Stage, Scenic Painting, Production Operations & Management
AND:
THFM-3802(3) Stage Management
AND a minimum of 3 → maximum of 21 additional credit hours in Theatre/Film.
Recommended choices (several from our Design area) include:
THFM-2201(3) Principles of Design
THFM-2601(3) Costuming
THFM-2602(6) Lighting
THFM-2603(6) Make-Up: Theory and Practice
THFM-3202(3) Drafting and Drawing
THFM-3803(3) Props
THFM-3804(3) Scenic Painting
For the most committed production students we also offer practicum and special studies courses which you and your professor develop together for intensive training in a specific area. Of particular interest are our unique professional apprentice courses offered in association with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Prairie Theatre Exchange, and other professional theatres in Winnipeg. As our partners these companies help us bridge the gap between student and professional through experience working on one of their productions while at the same time earning academic credit.
BA Honours
Production:
Take the above courses and add:
THFM-4809(6) Advanced Stagecraft Practicum I
Stage Management:
Take the above courses, but substitute:
THFM-4802(3) Hons Stage Mgmt - Theory for THFM-3802(3) Stage Mgmt - Theory
and add:
THFM-4803(3) Stage Mgmt–Practice
For both:
ADD THFM-4441(3) Theatre Aesthetics
AND additional credit hours of advanced practical study
We are proud of the placement record for graduates from our Theatre/Film program, many of whom leave UWinnipeg with credentials good enough to get the jobs they want, right away. Our grads can be found working in all aspects of the entertainment industry provincially, nationally, and internationally.
Here are just a few examples:
Many Stage Managers/Technical Directors/Designers for various theatres
Head of Sound for Cirque du Soleil(a Disney company), Florida
Executive Director and Director of Production, Manitoba Opera Association
Head Electricians at Theatre Calgary and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Master Carpenter, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre
Technical Draftsperson for Future Films
Costumer at Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre
Production Coordinator and Ass't Prod. Coordinator, UW Dept. of Theatre & Film
Associate Special Effects Designer, London England
Make-Up Artists on several local film sets
Gaffers and Grips for various movies
Production Manager, Artistic Director, Technical Director, Head of Props, and two Stage Managers, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, PanAm Games (1999)
The Winnipeg International Fringe Festival has been the beneficiary of our students’ expertise since its inception; our students continue to staff every aspect of the Festival as well as produce and perform in their own productions
Students in a 3-Year General BA program can take a maximum of 48 credit hours in their major subject.
Students in an a BA Honours program can take a maximum of 78 credit hours in their major subject.
(In both cases, students must take a minimum of 42 hours outside their major subject.)
Consult the Calendar or WebAdvisor for more detailed course descriptions and regulations.
We strongly recommend that you arrange an appointment with the Department's Student Advisor early on to discuss your program (204-786-9955).