@nformer

The first
apprentice
group of set
dressers attend
a workshop at
Capilano
College.

Capilano College Takes a Leading Role in Film,
Television and Theatrical Training

he Vancouver film production

industry is growing at a staggering rate
and Capilano College is growing along
with it.

The rapid increase in the number of
productions means not only an increase in
available jobs, but also an increase in aneed
for skilled labor. The film industry found
itself in a position where the mentoring
system, used to train craftspeople, simply
could not respond to the rapid increase in
requirements for skilled tradespeople.

In 1993, the Extensions Department
(now Continuing Education) at Capilano
College stepped in to help the industry
develop part-time training programs for
film craftspeople. Although the
department’s initial offering was an
impressive 12 courses, last semester we
launched more than 40. All courses are cost
recoverable and non-credit. The
department also offers a Continuing
Education Certificate Program in film and
television.

Recently, in response to its realization
of the economic value of the film industry
in British Columbia and in recognition of
the need for responsive and effective
training, the provincial government
announced the establishment of 22
apprenticeship programs in the motion

picture and theatrical industries. The
apprenticeships range from training lighting
technicians, second assistant camera persons
and script supervisors to make-up artists and
costumers.

The funding for program development
was provided based on decisions by the
industry’s Trade Advisory Committee to the
motion picture and television industry. The
committee determined that four job
classifications — grip, set dresser, script
supervisor and third assistant director —
would be the first funded for development
and delivery. Because of the relationship
established with the industry and the fact that
Capilano College was already offering part-
time courses in all of these areas, we were
chosen to deliver all four apprenticeships.
Programs have already been completed for
grips and set dressers and this fall they will
be offered again, along with the other two.

We are optimistic that the College will be
chosen to deliver the vast majority of
upcoming apprenticeship programs in film,
television and theatre crafts to supplement
its established series of professional part-
time courses. Undoubtedly, training for the
professional motion picture and theatrical
production industries will play an integral
part in the future of Capilano College.

Submitted by Bob Morris

Performing Arts
Flourishes at College

A new two-year Theatre Diploma
program, to be offered at Capilano
College in September 1997, will provide
full-time comprehensive theatre training
with some openings for part-time study.

Participation in studio courses, theatre
history, criticism, the dramatic arts and
performance will all be included in the
pre-professional program. Graduates will
be able to transfer to university to pursue
a degree or to enter the College’s one-
year Advanced Certificate Theatre
program.

“The new program represents the
transformation of our current Theatre
Department to a full two-year diploma
program,” says John Waters, College
dean of Arts. “At the same time, we will
be implementing a one-year Advanced
Certificate in Theatre (ACT), which will
be delivered on a cost-recoverable
basis.” This unique program will bridge
theatre training and professional theatre
practice. Its purpose is to create a small
theatre company comprised entirely of
students and to give each of them
practical experience in a specialized area
of theatre.

The College has also received
approval from the Ministry of Education,
Skills and Training to offer in the fall of
1998 a one-year Advanced Certificate in
Performing Arts Management. This
program will include courses in business
and organizational skills needed to run a
performing arts establishment.

“Together with our university transfer
programs in Music and Jazz Studies, the
new Theatre programs will establish
Capilano College as a significant centre
for the performing arts,” John says. “We
are also looking towards introducing a
Dance program sometime in the future.
The stage of our new performance
theatre has been constructed with that in
mind.”

@ @= Capilano
@e= College

Vol. XIX No. 3
March 21/97