Two new applied degrees are being proposed to enhance learning opportunities for students in Red Deer College’s School of Creative Arts.
Refreshing current curriculum by adding these new programs will help ensure RDC graduates continue to receive a relevant arts education that opens more doors to new career opportunities in the growing arts and entertainment industries.
Building on the successful programming currently offered by RDC’s School of Creative Arts, applied degrees focused on animation and visual effects, as well as film, theatre and live entertainment are proposed to start classes in September 2018. College officials are working with Alberta’s Ministry of Advanced Education to receive approval to offer the new applied degrees.
The Bachelor of Applied Animation & Visual Effects will add a new, digital art based curriculum to RDC’s program offerings, filling a current educational gap in Alberta. The Bachelor of Applied Film, Theatre & Live Entertainment will provide students with an expanded scope of knowledge and skills required for careers in theatre, film and live event acting and production.
“The School of Creative Arts at Red Deer College fills a unique niche in central Alberta by providing students the opportunity to learn in professionally-equipped studios and performance spaces, while working with fantastic instructors who are both dedicated educators and professionally accomplished artists,” said Jason Frizzell, Dean of RDC’s School of Creative Arts.
The applied degrees will combine studio training with practical application of skills, to help transition learners from the studio into professional practice. This includes the addition of an applied work-study component to the fourth year of the new applied degrees.
While transitioning to the two new applied degrees, the College’s School of Creative Arts will suspend accepting new students into the current Theatre & Entertainment Production and Theatre Performance & Creation diplomas past the 2016-2017 academic year. These suspensions are pending Alberta Government approval.
All students currently in the Theatre & Entertainment Production and Theatre Performance & Creation diploma programs, including those who started this September (2016), will be able to complete their programs. These students will also be able to transition to the Bachelor of Applied Motion Picture Arts program, currently offered by RDC, in September 2017 and September 2018.
“We are excited about the potential these two new applied degrees will provide for our learners, and for the arts and entertainment sectors in our region and elsewhere. By adding these new relevant and cutting-edge programs for future students, Red Deer College continues our journey to offer a full- spectrum of diverse programs that fit with our community’s desire for our institution to become a Polytechnic University,” said Dr. Paulette Hanna, vice president Academic at RDC.
Theatre and film programs are currently, and will continue to be, a vital part of the programming offered by Red Deer College. The new applied degree programs will be offered alongside the current Visual Art and Music programs in RDC’s School of Creative Arts.
– Fawcett
