Professional Readiness

Curriculum guideline

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Course
STGE 2412
Discontinued
No
Course code
STGE 2412
Descriptive
Professional Readiness
Department
Stagecraft & Event Technology
Faculty
Language, Literature and Performing Arts
Credits
2.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
25
Contact hours
3 hrs. per week (36 hrs. per semester)
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Tutorial
Learning activities

Students will receive 3 hours of lecture/demonstration per week that includes independent work and one on one instruction. Guest speakers and field trips will be included.

Course description
This course prepares Stagecraft students for entry into the entertainment industry. Students will be introduced to the various employment options available to them. Topics will include unions and associations, resumes and cover letters, as well as job search techniques and professional development workshops with industry professionals. Note: open to Stagecraft students only.
Course content

Job Hunting / Freelancing Strategies

Resumes and Covering Letters:  

  • write and produce a covering letter
  • write and produce a generic and a job-specific resume

Interview Skills:  

  • preparing for an interview: company research
  • question anticipation / preparation
  • interview dynamics (body language, dressing for the interview, asking questions and taking notes)
  • portfolio presentation

Methods:

  • network components: classmates, fellow workers, employers, associations
  • developing and maintaining networks
  • job search methods: cold calling, job boards
  • employer profile

Business Skills:

  • preparing contracts
  • job cost estimate and invoicing
  • the freelance office and record keeping
  • tax implications for the freelance technician

Unions, Guilds, and Associations:

  • Canadian Actor’s Equity
  • I.A.T.S.E.
  • N.A.B.E.T.
  • A.C.F.C.
  • C.I.T.T.
  • A.D.C.
Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the successful student should:

  1. be familiar with the various unions, associations and guilds that are associated with the entertainment industry and how they relate to a career.
  2. be able to develop and present a portfolio, resume and covering letter for use in an employment search.
  3. be familiar with the current theatrical / film / tv job market as well as potential employers in the related industries such as events, industrials, trade shows and the service sector.
  4. understand the importance of networking and maintaining a network.
  5. learn several job-hunting / freelancing strategies.
Means of assessment

Written assignments that will include: company profile, resumes and covering letters, portfolio presentation and review, job search strategies, and written/oral reports. (Ten assignments worth 10% each.)

Textbook materials

A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided on the Instructor’s Course Outline, which is available to students at the beginning of each semester.

Prerequisites

Acceptance to the Stagecraft Program or permission of the Stagecraft Program Coordinator.