MAD HATTER

 

much responsibility as the actor and
the director--to make the show the
best that it can be.”

The Stagecraft program is intended
to produce technicians who “do not
just do their jobs by rote, but who can
also think”.

“The graduates should be able to
understand not only the ‘how’ but
also the ‘why’ of the procedures. They
should be able to follow through the
complete production process,” says
Young.

Students learn basic technical stag-
ing skills, including lighting and
audio techniques, rigging, proper-
ties, set construction and scene
painting. Modifications of these
techniques for film, television and
other types of productions are also
taught.

“The traditional techniques of
staging in the theatre are the founda-

tion for producing films and televi-
sion shows. What differs is the
application of these techniques,”
Young says. “So we not only teach the
basics but also the modifications for
the different industries.”

Stagecraft is for novices with little
or no experience and for people
already working in the industry who
would like to upgrade their skills. It is
an intensive two-year diploma
program and can be completed full-
or part-time. Classes are offered in
the day, evening or on weekends.

In the first year of the program,
basic production skills and an intro-
duction to Theatre History are taught.
In the second year, students learn
advanced production and stagecraft
techniques, and take courses in
communications and production
management. They also take other
arts electives to broaden their educa-
tional background.

WORK-STUDY

Each year Douglas College is allocated a Work-Study budget from the
Ministry of Advanced Education and Job Training. The Work-Study Program
provides part-time employment (5 - 15 hours per week) to full-time students.
Students may be employed at Douglas College or off-campus with a non-profit
organization.

Students must qualify on the basis of financial need. Eligibility is determined
by the Student Finance and Placement Office, after the assessment of each
student's Canada Student Loan/B.C. Student Loan and the information provi-
ded on the Work-Study application form. Students may work between 50 and
150 hours per semester depending upon their assessed need.

At this time we would like to ask for project submissions from interested
College personnel. We are looking for one-time (non-repeating) projects that
will be in addition to the normal on-going activities of the department. The
pecfects should provide students with opportunities to develop career-related
skills.

Work-Study application forms are available at the Student Placement Office,
Room 2710. The deadline to submit Work-Study Project Applications is Friday,
August 14, 1987.

Patty Lewis, Student Finance and Placement Officer

Each student is also required to
participate in one major production
each semester as well as in smaller
studio productions.

Besides providing the entry-level
skills for a career in entertainment,
the Stagecraft program also provides
a solid foundation for advanced
studies. Negotiations are currently
underway to obtain university trans-
fer credits for Stagecraft courses,

Students have the opportunity to
learn Stagecraft skills “hands-on” at
Douglas College. Facilities include a
professionally equipped 350-seat
theatre, audio and lighting control
rooms, fly system, full scene shop and
design studio, costume shop and
studio theatre, which are comparable
to actual conditions in the industry.

Professionals with expertise in the
industry and excellent teaching
qualifications teach the Stagecraft

program.

ORIENTATION
PROGRAM - Update

Douglas College will be hosting an
Orientation Program for new students
on Tuesday, August 18 from 0900 to
1700 hrs. and Thursday, August 20
from 1900 to 2200 hrs. Please be aware
that there will be many people here
who are unfamiliar with the College
and they may need assistance.

All members of the College are invi-
ted to attend a social on Tuesday,
August 18, at 1615 hrs. and Thursday,
August 20, at 2115 hrs. Place to be
announced at a later. date.

If you have any suggestions and/or
interest in participation please contact
Anena_ Johnson, Program Co-
ordinator, local 4613.

Anena Johnson