Semester 1

• Introduction to Shops
• Introduction to Sewing
• Introduction to Breakdown & Dying
• Industry Focus I

Semester 2

• Props I
• Introduction into failure- Props
• Props Breakdown Dying
• Industry Focus II
• Theatre History

Semester 3

• Props II
• Digital Props
• Surface Painting for Props
• Film Studies

Semester 4

• Props III
• Open Dying Studio
• Industry Focus III

Class Descriptions

SEMESTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO SEWING

This introductory course provides both Costume and Props majors the basic skills required for sewing in the workroom. They will  learn maintain and operate industrial sewing equipment. Students will produce a book of samples covering hand stitches, seams finishes, hem finishes, and basic construction. ​

INTRODUCTION TO SHOPS

This introductory course provides both Costume and Props majors the basic skills required for working in a shop environment. They will learn to operate hand and power tools safely and do basic maintenance.  Identify different materials and their uses as well as demonstrate a basic understanding of colour theory and prop design.  They will learn the different roles and responsibilities in a shop and have an introductory understanding of sourcing and shop management

INTRO TO BREAKDOWN & DYING
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This course covers an introduction to breakdown for costumes and props, where the students will explore different physical breakdown techniques, different products for perm and non permanent breakdown, an introduction to dying different fabrics, the role of a breakdown artist in film and theatre, as well as doing breakdown on the go. 

INDUSTRY FOCUS I

This industry focus course provides both Costume and Props students basic information and skills required for working in the entertainment industry. They will learn on safety, emotional intelligence, and organizational structures and roles.
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SEMESTER 2

PROPS 1
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This introductory course provides both Costume and Props majors the basic skills required for working in a shop environment. They will learn to operate hand and power tools safely and do basic maintenance.  Identify different materials and their uses as well as demonstrate a basic understanding of colour theory and prop design.  They will learn the different roles and responsibilities in a shop and have an introductory understanding of sourcing and shop management.

PROPS BREAKDOWN AND DYING

This course covers advance techniques specific to prop breakdown, where the students will learn to understand their role in the prop department and how to read scripts and follow schedules. They will learn the importance of progression breakdown and multiples, and dive into specific prop items like guns. They will advance their dyeing skills with precision and colour matching.

INDUSTRY FOCUS II
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This second level industry focus course teaches both Costumes and Props students how to analyze scripts for their unique purposes, research practices, portfolio building and career preparation.

THEATRE HISTORY
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In Theatre History both Costumes and Props students will learn about the origins and styles of theatre through the ages. Starting will Greek, Roman and Medieval through to current practices.

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SEMESTER 3

PROPS 2
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After completing Props II students will be able to demonstrate moderate woodworking skills.  Students will have developed moderate upholstery and sculpting skills.  They will learn how to do book binding and how to create fake books.  We will also touch on welding, weaponry, and special effects.  Animatronics and puppets will also be covered.

INTRO TO FAILURE

In this course students learn through failure, trial and error. We recognize that valuable knowledge is gained through experimentation and provide the space and guidance for students to explore costume building beyond the scope of their abilities. Students will be graded on the documentation of their creative process rather than the resulting quality of the prop they produce.

DIGITAL PROPS

After completing Props II students will be able to demonstrate moderate woodworking skills.  Students will have developed moderate upholstery and sculpting skills.  They will learn how to do book binding and how to create fake books.  We will also touch on welding, weaponry, and special effects.  Animatronics and puppets will also be covered.

SURFACE PAINTING FOR PROPS

This course covers surface painting specific to props crafts, where the students will learn to work with various different materials, and be able to create a foe version of that. They will explore different dyeing techniques, including how to dye 3D prints. 

FILM STUDIES

This course covers the history of film and how its made. Students will learn how their role in costumes and props ties into the film making process. We will explore ground breaking movies and TV shows and how they influenced the film industry. We will explore Film now in the digital era, and about what kind of films you will find shooting in Alberta.

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SEMESTER 4

PROPS III

In Props III students will design, plan, build and present 5 props demonstrating their skills in carpentry, sculpture/carving, digital, soft good/upholstery and one specialty skill.  All the props will be from one script.

OPEN STUDIO DYING
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Students will have guided access to the dye room. This course is designed to be a support for students in practicum and final semester projects.

INDUSTRY FOCUS III
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This course will tie into students practicum work.