There are three major players on the Canadain Technical
theatre scene (there are smaller diploma based programs as well, but I think these are the three strongest):
1) Ryerson University in Toronto: A very good technical production program that will give you a BFA (4 years). Downsides are that desingers, techs, and
stage managers are in the same program and take the same course loads. Cost of living in Toronto is quite high.
2) National
theatre school: a well respected three year program. Good mix of strong cirriculum with a dedicated tech program. I've been told by graduates that this is an "acting-centric" school though, and that the techs sort of sit on the backburner financially and attention wise. Downsides are that you aren't going to get a degree, which might limit long term options. Also, living in Montreal might be a challenge if you aren't bilingual. Pretty cool place though. Great performance spaces.
3) University of Alberta: another well respected 4 year BFA. BFA students are split into acting,
stage management, tech production, and theatrical design. Designers are triple threat (Lights, Costume, Set) and the professors are very good, and have designed internationally. Technical production students sit in very small classes (only 6 students per year accepted) and are free to explore what interests them inside or outside their cirriculum. Techs learn basic design of all three elements, and get a ton of time on
practical or hands on assignments.
I toured Ryerson and UofA, and chose the university of alberta where I am currently studying. If anyone has any questions for me, please PM me or email
[email protected] and I'll try and get you answers.