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Performance Design and Production emphasizes two streams of study, Technological and Material Practice.  The program offers a revolutionary new curriculum that centres student experience in radical creative practice.

First year offers an introduction to live performance and the creative fields, designing and making, exploring ideas and establishing a practice. Course modules include readings, case studies, and the establishment of a journal practice with studio opportunities in all streams. 

In second year students immerse themselves in ‘practice as laboratory’ using mock production as a learning tool.  Learning to work together to create mock live performance, students will complete designs and paperwork for a performance and implement several of the objects proposed for the design.

In the third year students will see a number of performances to heighten their awareness of the diversity of possibilities across for-profit and not-for-profit projects.  Students will have an option to travel abroad for the fall semester, while visiting / exchange faculty opportunities can foster greater awareness of educational opportunities at partner institutions. The winter semester provides discussion of a range of performance styles including community based, site specific, parades, protests, activism and puppetry as a way to give students a breadth of experience, with the possibility of local guest instructors offering projects within these genres.

In the fourth year, students will continue to deepen their skills through core electives and application of practicum hours. Required courses include developing a portfolio, research skills and career planning in the fall semester. In the winter the focus is on independent practice through a capstone project while completing core electives in their chosen stream.

1. Unleash your creativity and experiment in the art of design in our hands-on, four-year program by diving into real-world projects and learning with industry-standard tech in classroom and studio environments.
2. Immerse yourself in the performing arts and attend live events across the city of Toronto — Canada's entertainment hub.
3. Apply what you've learned in studio to the real world - develop your own dream projects or work with other students, professional artists and leading experts in projects around Toronto.

Our graduates go on to design, build, and produce for world-renowned organizations like Cirque du Soleil, Mirvish Productions, the Olympics, Broadway, and Hollywood. Our program offers an immersive experience with a heavy focus on hands-on, applied learning and exploration. Located in the vibrant core of Toronto and on our state-of-the-art Chrysalis stage, you'll be at the epicenter of Canada's most dynamic arts and entertainment scene. From captivating dance and theatre performances to cutting-edge music, visual art, immersive experiences, film, and television productions – it's all happening right here, often within our very own spaces. Join us to turn your passion into a thriving career, surrounded by endless creative possibilities and unparalleled opportunities in the entertainment industry.

From day one, you'll be thrust into a vibrant network that will shape your future. Imagine forging bonds with peers across all years – these aren't just classmates, they're your future collaborators and industry powerhouses. Prepare to be mentored by the crème de la crème of the industry. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with seasoned professionals, gaining invaluable insights and hands-on experience that will set you apart in the competitive world of live performance. With a dynamic faculty whose fingers are on the pulse of the industry, we'll connect you with job opportunities and experiences that align perfectly with your ambitions and the new horizons you discover in the  program.

First year offers an introduction to live performance and the creative fields, designing and making, exploring ideas and establishing a practice. Course modules include readings, case studies, and the establishment of a journal practice with studio opportunities in all streams. 

In second year students immerse themselves in ‘practice as laboratory’ using mock production as a learning tool.  Learning to work together to create mock live performance, students will complete designs and paperwork for a performance and implement several of the objects proposed for the design.

In the third year students will see a number of performances to heighten their awareness of the diversity of possibilities across for-profit and not-for-profit projects.  Students will have an option to travel abroad for the fall semester, while visiting / exchange faculty opportunities can foster greater awareness of educational opportunities at partner institutions. The winter semester provides discussion of a range of performance styles including community based, site specific, parades, protests, activism and puppetry as a way to give students a breadth of experience, with the possibility of local guest instructors offering projects within these genres.

In the fourth year, students will continue to deepen their skills through core electives and application of practicum hours. Required courses include developing a portfolio, research skills and career planning in the fall semester. In the winter the focus is on independent practice through a capstone project while completing core electives in their chosen stream.

Performance: Design and Production is focused on providing comprehensive education on everything it takes to build and make a live production happen. 

Both lecture and studio based courses provide students with knowledge about lighting, sound, scenography, technical drafting, costume design and implementation, stage management, technical direction, scenic painting, and safe working practices in the theatre.

No. Students of all levels of experience are welcome to Performance Design and Production. Performance at The Creative School is invested in the creative potential of their students. Throughout the first year, classes focus on introductory skills across all disciplines in live performance (ex. costuming, lighting, sound, etc.). These introductory courses in the first year have different challenges for different people. Our small class sizes ensure students receive individualized guidance from their professors, lecturers, and staff.

You can expect vigor in our comprehensive training - there is a 75:25 ratio, so you’ll be spending approximately 75% of your time in the studio dedicated to your craft and approximately 25% of your time in lecture based classes. Our programs are intensive and challenge our students to be prepared for the high demands of the industry. As a student, you are expected to commit to your studies, but the world is your oyster! Minor degrees are available to Performance students and there are no restrictions against part-time occupations. These are definite possibilities, but balancing commitments is a personal responsibility.

Yes! Of course, remaining on campus means there is less back-and-forth, but because of Toronto’s elaborate transportation system, you are able to commute easily to and from school. A number of our students are commuters who can successfully maneuver through their courseload, commitments, and thrive in our program.

The world of performance is much bigger than you may think! Even if you’re pursuing a specified Performance degree, your career can hold many possibilities. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts, some general fields of expertise include but are not limited to performer, director, producer, stage manager, photographer, designer, teacher, screenwriter, playwright, public speaker, arts administrator, museum exhibitions officer, or multimedia artist. You can also use your BFA to pursue graduate studies, teacher’s college, law school, medical school, and other post-graduate study opportunities.