¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

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To view the current Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar.html.

| ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Calendar | Fall 2023

Theatre and Performance Honours

Bachelor of Fine Arts

The bachelor of fine arts (BFA) with a major in theatre and performance explores a broad range of genres and forms, including devised theatre, live art, and social practice. The program deviates from traditional theatre training by experimenting with contemporary processes of performance, unconventional narrative styles, expanded dramaturgy, experimental forms, new media and creative research. It examines how the fundamentals of performance—time, space, body, text, movement—help stage our burning political questions, enact necessary social interventions, and advance the broad aesthetic fields of contemporary art.

Studio courses are supplemented by courses in theatre and performance studies and public facing production courses. Courses chosen from disciplines outside theatre and performance give the program an interdisciplinary component. Students are encouraged to participate in live productions and to develop their own performance projects.

Students whose interest in theatre is primarily historical, critical or theoretical are directed to the art, performance and cinema studies major program, leading to a bachelor of arts.

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Requirements

Program and course admission is contingent upon university admission. Contact Student Services for admission procedures, requirements and deadlines. Entry to all programs and to many courses is by audition, interview or application. Contact the school’s office for information on procedures and deadlines or visit our .

Although the university operates on a trimester system, most CA courses are planned in a two term (fall and spring) sequence. Consequently, students enter in the fall term (September) and are advised to contact the school in the preceding January for program entry and requirements information.

Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing

Unassigned or general elective (type 2 and 3, respectively) transfer credit awarded for courses completed at other recognized post-secondary institutions will not automatically entitle students to advanced standing in the school’s programs. Advanced standing is generally given on an individual basis as a result of an audition or interview.

About the School's Offerings

Students are encouraged to take advantage of interdisciplinary offerings within the school. As many programs depend on a continuing sequence of courses completed in order, students should plan carefully to gain the maximum benefit and efficiency from their study. Note that not all courses are offered every term and several are offered on a rotational basis, i.e. every third or fourth term. An advisor is available to help plan study programs.

Students are reminded that the school is an interdisciplinary contemporary arts department, and are strongly advised to acquaint themselves with the many disciplinary courses that are available.

Special Topics Courses

The subject matter (and prerequisites) of special or selected topics courses vary by term.

Prior Approval Prerequisite

Where a prerequisite is, or includes, ‘prior approval,’ approval must be obtained before enrolling in the course. Contact the school for further information.

Program Requirements

Students complete ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Honours Degree Requirements. See /students/calendar/fees-and-regulations/credentials-offered/definitions.html#honours.

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete the following

Three core courses below

CA 149 - Sound (3)

Introduction to acoustics, psychoacoustics, sound synthesis, audio sampling and signal processing, and sound production in general as relating to music, film sound, radio, new media, art installations and live performance. Students who have taken CA (or FPA) 184 cannot take CA (or FPA) 149 for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 149 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Stefan Smulovitz
Online
CA 186 - Art and the Moving Image (3)

Introduces the many ways artists have employed moving images across artistic disciplines. By the completion of the course students should have a good sense of both the historical innovations and traditions in moving-image arts as well as the use of moving images in the contemporary art scene. Students with credit for FPA 186 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Joseph Clark
Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, 6:30–8:20 p.m.
Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 6:30–8:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
GOLDCORP
E101 Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
Vancouver
Vancouver
E102 Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
Vancouver
Vancouver
E103 Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Vancouver
Vancouver
E104 Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
Vancouver
Vancouver
E105 Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
Vancouver
Vancouver
E106 Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Vancouver
E107 Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
E108 Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Vancouver
E109 Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
Vancouver
E110 Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Vancouver
CA 285 - Interdisciplinary Studio - Composition/Collaboration (3)

An introduction to the techniques of artistic composition as experienced in a collaborative interdisciplinary studio environment. The emphasis is on the creation, analysis and critique of new compositions created in collaborative groups by students in dance, music, theatre, film/video and visual art. Prerequisite: One of CA (or FPA) 122, 130, 145, 150, 160, 170. Students with credit for FPA 285 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Kathleen Slade
Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
GOLDCORP

plus one additional CA course outside the major* - the area strongly recommends CA 217

and all of

CA 151 - Live Acts I (3)

The first of four performance studio courses in the Live Acts cluster. A practical introduction to the foundations of live performance making from a variety of perspectives. With a rotating topic each term, students develop the foundational skills for creating original, contemporary live art. Prerequisite: By audition.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
James Long
Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
GOLDCORP
CA 152 - Live Acts II (3)

The second of four performance studio courses in the Live Acts cluster. A continued exploration of the foundations of live performance making from a variety of perspectives. With rotating topics each term, students develop the foundational skills for creating original, contemporary live art. Prerequisite: CA 151.

CA 170 - Introduction to Production Technology (3)

An introduction to the processes, tools and technology used in the production and presentation of the contemporary arts. Course requirements will include hands-on assignments in the production of theatre, dance, and music events. Students will work directly with equipment and materials, and are expected to be involved in work on productions and exhibitions outside of lecture and lab hours. Laboratory fee required. May be of particular interest to students in other areas and departments. Students with credit for FPA 170 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
GOLDCORP
GOLDCORP
D101 Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
D102 Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
D103 Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
CA 251 - Live Acts III (3)

The third of four performance studio courses in the Live Acts cluster. A continued exploration of the foundations of live performance making from a variety of perspectives. With rotating topics each term, students develop the foundational skills for creating original, contemporary live art. Prerequisite: One of CA 123, 131, 146, 152, 161, 171.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Erika Latta
Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
GOLDCORP
CA 252 - Live Acts IV (3)

The fourth of four performance studio courses in the Live Acts cluster. A continued exploration of the foundations of live performance making from a variety of perspectives. With rotating topics, students develop the foundational skills for creating original, contemporary live art. Prerequisite: One of CA 123, 131, 146, 161, 171, 251.

CA 253 - Co-Lab (4)

Emphasizes compositional skills and the rigorous exploration of movement, text, and design. Co-Lab provides directors, performers, writers, sound artists, designers, filmmakers, and choreographers opportunities to devise, rehearse, and perform new public facing performances or events to audiences over the term. May repeat once for credit. Prerequisite: One of CA 123, 131, 146, 152, 161, 171.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Stina Fredriksson
Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
GOLDCORP
CA 254 - Body I (2)

Body I introduces 'the body' as a primary material of performance. With rotating topics, students develop the foundational skills for creating original, contemporary live art. Prerequisite: One of CA 123, 131, 146, 152, 161, 171.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Erika Latta
Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
GOLDCORP
CA 255 - Body II (2)

Further explores 'the body' as a primary material of performance using a variety of perspectives on embodied practice as aesthetic experience. With rotating topics each term, students develop the foundational skills for creating original, contemporary live art. Prerequisite: One of CA 123, 131, 146, 152, 161, 171.

CA 256 - Environments I (3)

The first of two courses focused on the experiential production of space, Environments I introduces students to contemporary practices, concepts and methods specific to creating site specific and responsive performance. Prerequisite: One of CA 123, 131, 146, 152, 161, 171.

CA 257W - Context I (3)

The first of two courses in the Context cluster. With a grounding in performance studies, this course explores histories and theories of the avant-garde, live art, and theatre. With a rotating topic each term, students develop the foundational skills for analyzing, researching, and writing about contemporary performance. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Alana Gerecke
Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
CA 271 - Production Ensemble II (6)

Students having a basic familiarity with elements of production and design participate in an in-depth theoretical and practical exploration of stage and production management for theatre, dance and music production. Students in this class will develop skills necessary to provide technical support for the school's productions. Assignments will be conducted in class and through practicum work on productions. Maybe of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 170. Quantitative.

* See advisor for course options.

Upper Division Requirements

Students complete a minimum of 48 CA units, including all of

CA 350 - Performance as Research I (3)

The first of two courses dedicated to the development of a new work of performance led by a faculty member or visiting artist. Introduces themes and concepts, develops process and materials for a presentation in the subsequent term. Integrates the techniques acquired in context and studio courses. May repeat once for credit. Prerequisite: CA 252 and declared status in the theatre and performance major or honours, or by prior approval.

CA 354 - Social I (2)

The first of two courses in the Social Studio stream. Students will be introduced to contemporary practices, methodologies and ethical considerations at play at the intersection of performance and social practice. Prerequisite: One of CA 221, 231, 246, 252, 261, 271, 285.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
GOLDCORP
CA 355 - Social II (3)

The second of two courses in the Social Studio stream. Building on CA 354, students will continue research and experiment with contemporary methodologies at the intersection of performance and social practice. Prerequisite: CA 354.

CA 356 - Environments II (3)

The second of two courses focused on the experiential production of space, Environments II introduces students to contemporary practices, concepts and methods specific to creating site specific and responsive performance. Prerequisite: CA 256.

CA 357W - Context II (3)

The second of two courses in the Context cluster. Work will include reading, writing and experiments in live performance creation. With a grounding in performance studies, this course offers a variety of frameworks and approaches to the histories and theories of the avant-garde. live art, and theatre. With a new topic each term, students develop skills for analyzing, researching, and writing about contemporary performance. Prerequisite: CA 257W. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

CA 450 - Performance as Research II (5)

Building on research completed in CA 350, CA 450 is a course culminating in a public facing performance or event led by a faculty member or visiting artist. Integrates and implements the techniques acquired in studio courses. May repeat once for credit. Prerequisite: CA 350 or prior approval.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
James Long
Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
GOLDCORP
CA 451 - Creative Research (3)

Offers fourth year theatre and performance students an opportunity to review and frame their performance practice as a unique method of inquiry. Students establish the context of their individual practices while experimenting with bespoke methods of creation, reflection, and potential presentation/production models for their capstone projects. Prerequisite: CA 253, CA 355, CA 356, CA 357W.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
GOLDCORP
CA 452 - Capstone Projects (5)

Supports the production and presentation of capstone projects from the theatre and performance area. These projects are student-led and grounded in their unique creative research on emergent and individualized methodologies for contemporary performance making. Projects supported range from collaborative ensemble creations to solo performances. Prerequisite: CA 451.

and the remaining required units chosen from CA upper division courses - the area strongly recommends CA 412W when its topic is performance.

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV within the student’s major subject
Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division
6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc
6 units Humanities: B-Hum
6 units Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements)

Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.

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Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

  • At least half of the program's total units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
  • At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.