Life at RDC

Bachelor Of Applied Motion Picture Arts

Contact:
Dr. Dale Wheeler
Chairperson

Program Information
E-mail:  inquire@rdc.ab.ca
Phone:  403.342.3400  OR  1.888.732.4630

The Program

The Applied Degree in Motion Picture Arts enables students who have completed two years of post-secondary theatre studies (or equivalent) to expand and apply their primary theatre training to the rapidly growing motion picture, television and multimedia industries. The two years of completed theatre studies is followed by a program year (3rd year) of intensive theory and hands-on instruction culminating in an advanced certificate in Performance or Production. Students may then go on to the final (4th year) which is a credited mentored work experience the equivalent of two four-month terms or the opportunity to complete a substantial motion picture project. The program has two streams: the Production Stream and the Acting Stream.

Related Careers

The motion picture industry is a major contributor to the North American economy and is at the forefront of the digital revolution. The producers of feature films, television series and commercials seek gifted storytellers, actors, artists and technicians with strong backgrounds in the dramatic arts. Existing theatre programs provide a solid foundation for advanced study in narrative motion picture acting and production. The MPA program provides students with the specific skills and experience they need to gain an advantage in this highly competitive industry.

Graduates of the Production Stream will apply their broad-based understanding of the nature of production to pursue multiple job tracks as their careers progress. Typically, graduates will begin employment at entry levels in various areas of the industry, including cinematography, camera operation, digital editing, production design, sound recording, production management, and special effects. Some graduates may choose to act as self-employed contractors in their own creative business ventures.

Acting Stream graduates will be prepared to audition for performance roles in feature films, movies of the week, series television, commercials, and voice-overs.

With experience and proven ability, graduates from both streams may also advance into entrepreneurial roles as directors, writers, and producers, supervising content creation in a wide variety of current and emerging media.

Admission Requirements

1. You must have completed 2 years of a post-secondary Theatre Studies Program (or equivalent) with a minimum 2.00 GPA. Other related post-secondary credits and/or equivalent experience will be considered.

AND

2. You must complete a successful audition and/or interview/portfolio. Further guidelines regarding audition/ interview expectations are available at /performing_arts.

Program Content

Production Stream
Year 3

  • MPA 301 Motion Picture Fundamentals I
  • MPA 302 Motion Picture Fundamentals II
  • MPA 303 Motion Picture Business/ Career Path
  • MPA 304 Screenwriting Techniques
  • MPA 305 Motion Picture Directing
  • MPA 311 Motion Picture Technology
  • MPA 315 Motion Picture Production I
  • MPA 316 Motion Picture Production II
  • MPA 320 Motion Picture Projects I
  • MPA 321 Motion Picture Projects II

Year 4

Acting Stream
Year 3

  • MPA 301 Motion Picture Fundamentals I
  • MPA 302 Motion Picture Fundamentals II
  • MPA 303 Motion Picture Business/Career Path
  • MPA 304 Screenwriting Techniques
  • MPA 305 Motion Picture Directing
  • MPA 312 Audition Techniques
  • MPA 317 Motion Picture Acting I
  • MPA 318 Motion Picture Acting II
  • MPA 320 Motion Picture Projects I
  • MPA 321 Motion Picture Projects II

Year 4

Program Cost Estimates

Students may be eligible for a partial tuition refund depending on the nature of their 4th year practicum experience.

Graduation Requirements

You must pass all of the required Year 3 courses in the Production or Acting Stream and satisfactorily complete both 4th year work experience or production courses with a two year GPA of 2.00 to receive the Bachelor of Applied Motion Picture Arts.