School of Media & Design

Our Program

This two-year Ontario College Diploma program provides students with instructional theory and applied performance and production techniques for theatre arts.

The distinguishing factor in this program emphasizes an all-round performance and production orientation. Students have the opportunity to experience key areas of theatrical production including stage acting, acting for the camera, directing for stage, stage management, technical theatre, and design and play production.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• See themselves contributing as a team member in dynamic environments.
• Are energetic, open-minded and creative.
• Are hard-working and organized.

Back to Top

Your Career

Graduates may find entry-level employment within small, medium or large theatre companies. Graduates are able to utilize their performance, technical or production skills in the creation of theatrical or special events, box office, education or recreation. Other graduates may choose to explore entrepreneurial opportunities within the industry.

Back to Top

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Level: 01		Hours
PER1513	Origins of Theatre I Students explore the history of theatre and dramatic literature in the Western world from the ritual to the Renaissance. Texts, production and performance techniques are examined within the context of the given historical era.	60.0
PER1532	Psychology for the Theatre This course introduces students to the investigation of behaviour and mental processes. Students examine the theories of psychology and explore how it relates to work in the theatre. Additionally, group dynamic theory is examined to enhance personal and group performance.	45.0
PER1542	Movement This practical course offers basic training in voice, movement and process for actors. Movement exercises cultivate physical self-awareness and technique for creative choice making. Activities, such as improvisation and mask enhance stamina, pliancy, subtlety and silent communication. Voice work focuses on relaxation, breathing, control, resonance, projection and articulation.	45.0
PER1546	Production I This practical course introduces students to technical theatre and design. Students experience both theoretical and applied activities and assignments.	60.0
PER1548	Studio I Students are introduced to theatre production by performing the essential tasks required in staging contemporary scenes. This practical and process-based course focuses on the development of basic text analysis, acting and directing skills. Attending plays off campus is required.	60.0
PER1549	Technical Theatre and Design I This course is an introduction to the practices and vocabulary of technical theatre and production. This theory course supports the practical work being done by students in Production I. Topics include production job descriptions and functions; an introduction to technical theatre terminology; the equipment and concepts used in theatre sound and lighting; stage management, props and costumes.	30.0
PER1551	Voice and Speech This course introduces students to the essentials of proper breathing and voice production. The early part of the course focuses on mastering relaxation and release, and proper breathing techniques; we then move on to proper sound production, giving students a thorough understanding of key points, such as resonance, vibration, articulation, increasing the vocal range, and consonant and vowel formation. We work towards vocal presentations using various forms of text, so that students are able to put into practice what they have learned about the use of the voice.	30.0

Level: 02		Hours
ENL1813M	Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.	45.0
PER1517	Origins of Theatre II Students explore the history of theatre and dramatic literature in the Western world from the restoration to the 21st century. Texts, production and performance techniques are examined within the context of the given era. Prerequisites: PER1513	60.0
PER1518	Design This course concentrates on the development of basic design skills and process. Students are introduced to the principles and vocabulary of several design areas and apply knowledge and skills to design assignments. Prerequisites: PER1546	45.0
PER1520	Studio II This course introduces students to the processes and basic practical skills required to approach period theatre. Work focuses on research, language, text analysis, performance style, and the necessary exercises for scene study of a variety of texts and performance styles. Prerequisites: PER1542 and PER1548 and PER1551	90.0
PER1559	Voice and Movement I This practical course builds on the work done in Movement. Activities inform and assist students with the challenges of period scene and character work. Voice work reinforces the necessary basic techniques and assist with the development of personal warm-up routines. Individual voice challenges are addressed with prescribed exercises. Prerequisites: PER1542	60.0

Level: 03		Hours
ENL1935	Scriptwriting for Drama In this course, students learn the basics of dramatic scriptwriting as it applies to Canadian stories, culture and society. Throughout the course, students demonstrate their skills and knowledge by creating scripts, analyzing Canadian dramatic productions, and comparing the economic, ethical, cultural and aesthetic components of various screen productions. Students strengthen their writing, thinking and critical analysis skills, while mastering the basic elements of writing for the stage. Prerequisites: ENL1813A or ENL1813M	45.0
PER1525	Directing Students work on the essential skills for directing one-act plays. Class work focuses on script analysis, blocking, creation of visual images, effective storytelling, and leadership. Prerequisites: PER1517 and PER1518 and PER1520	45.0
PER1531	Technical Theatre and Design II This course builds on the work done in Technical Theatre and Design I and Design. Students continue to develop technical, design and production skills. Knowledge and skills are applied to design, and production assignments. Prerequisites: PER1518	45.0
PER1537	Production Seminar I This course focuses on developing independent skills forl local artists and preparing for play production in the fourth semester. Activities include play readings, auditions, and theatre publicity. Prerequisites: PER1518	15.0
PER1544	Studio III This course continues to focus on skill and technique development for performing period scenes, with a focus on Shakespeare. Students study a variety of texts and performance styles and learn to prepare effectively. Prerequisites: PER1518 and PER1519 and PER1520	75.0
PER1554	Field Work Field placements are secured by students in entry-level areas in theatre production or support as a means of further exercising skills learned in the classroom. Students complete the field placement component in the first or second half of the fourth level.	40.0
PER1555	Voice and Movement II This course continues the work of refining, fortifying, and solidifying the actors's repertoire of voice and movement techniques. Work supports the performance and stylistic challenges facing the actor in period scene study. Prerequisites: PER1559	45.0

Choose one from equivalencies:		Hours
GED0307	General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: ARC9001 or DSN2001 or ENV0002 or GEN1001 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED6022 or ENL7643 or GED1896 or GED5009 or PSI0003	45.0

Level: 04		Hours
PER1523	Film Studies This course introduces students to film adaptations of plays. Students view a number of films and deconstruct and analyze the work. Selected works expand and complement the student knowledge base of Canadian and contemporary North American theatre.	60.0
PER1527	Acting for the Camera and Radio Students develop performance techniques for acting on camera and vocal techniques for radio. Students explore the performer's relationship to the camera. Course work assists students with audition techniques, demo reels, and an understanding of the casting process. Sound studio work includes usage of microphones, and voice work for commercial radio, promotional advertising, narration, and drama. Prerequisites: PER1544	45.0
PER1538	Production Seminar II This course is a weekly production meeting with the focus of maintaining organization of play productions. Box office and front of house administration along with play advertising/marketing are supported at these weekly meetings. The Flying Solo event is also administered and produced during these weekly meetings. Prerequisites: PER1537	15.0
PER1552	Production II This practical course in theatre production provides students with the opportunity to apply theory and knowledge acquired in previous technical theatre courses within the context of a production team. Students complete a production task and submit a project based on this work, along with fulfilling production hour requirements by assisting other crew members. Work supports the play productions. Prerequisites: PER1531	45.0
PER1553	Studio IV Students focus on rehearsal and prepare for the play season. Students may experience work in the area of assistant director/dramaturge. Prerequisites: PER1544	90.0

Back to Top

Fees & Expenses

Approximate 1st Year Costs

Tuition/Fees: $ 3,124
Books/Supplies: $ 1,440
Incidental Fees: $ 75
Total: $ 4,639



Tuition Fees listed are in effect for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Tuition Fees: $1,212.20 per term in Levels 01 and 02 and $1,206.40 per term in Levels 03 and 04.

Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *

Incidental Fee: $75 for Level 01, $160 for Level 03 and $20 for Level 04.
Student Activity/Sports Fee: $190.50 per term.

Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.

Health Service Fee: $10 per term.

Health Plan Fee: $114.50 paid once annually. **

A $35 graduation fee is payable in the final term.

A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.

International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.

* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/services/it_fee.htm

** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the
request. This request will have to be made annually.

Books and supplies cost approximately $1,340 in the first year and $1,050 in the second year and can be purchased, for the most part, from the campus bookstore. Students are required to purchase CSA approved workboots with steel toe protectors which cost approximately $100. They are also required to purchase rehearsal shoes.

Back to Top

Admission Requirements  2012/20132011/2012

Back to Top

Application Information

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should contact their Guidance Office to apply. For all other applicants, applications are available online at ontariocolleges.ca. A $95 fee applies.

Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the
International Student Application Form at
https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave, Room C150
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Email: askalgonquin@algonquincollege.com

Back to Top

Additional Information

For further information, please call 613-727-4723 ext. 7657 or email
design@algonquincollege.com.

Back to Top

Audition

As an applicant to the Theatre Arts program, you must perform an audition. We are looking for dedication and work ethic when you perform your monologues, not professional-level acting. No audition experience is required.

Scheduling your Audition

The audition sessions will run on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in room N112 on the following dates. We recommend you booking your audition at the earliest date that fits in your schedule.

Saturday March 17th    
Saturday April 21st       
Saturday May 19th        
Saturday July 21st         
Saturday August 11th    

You should plan to spend approximately two hours at the audition. All auditions are located at Algonquin College’s Woodroffe campus in room N112. To set up your audition date, you can contact us by email or telephone. Please provide your full name, student number, and preferred audition date.

design@algonquincollege.com 613-727-4723 ext. 7657 or  1-800-565-4723

If you unable to come to Ottawa for an audition you may send a video tape of your audition. Please follow the Audition Requirements below. Mail your tape and audition fee to:

Algonquin College
School of Media and Design
Theatre Arts Program
Room N215
1385 Woodroffe Ave.
Ottawa, ON
K2G 1V8

Audition Fees

The fee for the audition session is $25, payable to Algonquin College by cash, cheque or money order. Please bring this payment with you to the audition.

Audition Requirements

All participants need to bring a resume of theatre-related experience to the audition. The required monologue readings will depend on whether you intend to pursue a performance or technical focus during your time in the program. If your focus is in Performing: Please prepare two monologues for the audition – maximum two minutes each.

1. Select one modern monologue, from a 20th century play or later

2. Select another contrasting modern monologue, or one of the following monologues by
Shakespeare.

MEN:

The Merry Wives of Windsor Ford – Act 2, scene 2, lines 194-208 “I have long lov’d her…” until “… and flying what pursues”.

Measure for Measure Claudio – Act 3, scene 1, lines 117-131 “Ay, but to die…” until “…what we fear of death”.

Twelfth Night Duke Orsino – Act 1, scene 1, lines 1-15 “ If music be the food…” until “… that it alone is high fantastical”.

WOMEN:

Hamlet Ophelia – Act 3, scene 1, lines 150-161 “O, what a noble mind…” until “… what I have seen, see what
I see”.

Measure for Measure Isabella – Act 3, scene 1, lines 135-146 “O, you beast!...” until “No word to save thee”.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Helena – Act 3, scene 2, lines 145-162 “O, spite! O hell…” until “…all to make you sport.”

If your focus is in Technical Theatre:

1. Prepare one modern monologue only - a Shakespeare piece will not be required.

2. Bring a resume of technical or related work experience and be prepared to discuss your technical capabilities.

Include:

• A list of all productions you have worked on

• Photos and artwork relevant to previous productions/designs

• An outline of your other related work experience

Audition Process

1. Faculty outlines the program and the expectations of a successful candidate. We will meet with you and answer questions.

2. You will perform your monologue and present your technical resume/portfolio. Please be prepared to answer questions at this point in time.

3. We will conclude by coming together at the end of the audition to welcome additional questions or inquiries that parents or others interested in your future may have.

Additional Tips

• Read the complete plays from which you select your monologues

• Bring a copy of your monologue to the audition

• Wear comfortable clothing and studio shoes

• Bring a snack and a drink

Back to Top