New diploma program
starts second semester
Take two
January marks the beginning of the second semester of Memorial’s
Diploma in Performance and Communications Media, an innovative program
that offers its students unique opportunities in film and theatre performance
and production.
Designed to provide practical training and experience, this program puts
students both onstage and behind the scenes, in both film and theatre
genres. Before completion, students will take courses that cover subjects
such as stagecraft, film and video production, directing, acting and producing.
More specifically, students gain practical experience through time spent
in the CBC television studios, as well as working with on-campus theatrical
productions, and with Memorial’s Centre for Academic Media Services
(CAMS). As such, graduates will be armed with innumerable skills that
will allow them flexibility in their chosen fields.
The Diploma in Performance and Communications Media was born out of theatre
courses that have been taught in the Department of English for many years.
The success of those courses prompted the development of the diploma program,
which houses 12 students in its inaugural year.
Faculty and students alike are pleased with the results from the program’s
first semester. Debbie McGee of CAMS, an instructor in the program, watched
her students flourish in their first few months.
“It’s really rewarding to see the students’ creativity
coming out.”
Dr. Denyse Lynde, coordinator of the Diploma in Performance and Communications
Media, expressed similar sentiments. “It’s a win-win situation
for students. It was a busy semester, but I was pleased knowing students
were given these opportunities.”
Students are equally happy with their initial results. In speaking with
Clint Butler and Ludwing Duarte, it was evident that both had found the
fall semester both exhausting and exhilarating.
Mr. Butler, who returned home to Newfoundland after two years as a film
and television actor in Vancouver, is completing his BBA along with the
diploma, and hopes to combine his dramatic and business skills after graduation.
He feels that the intense nature of this program means that he’ll
be able to “take the bull by the horns” and use his skills to
his advantage in seeking employment. He stressed the importance of credentials
in the performance world, and feels that he will have an edge over others
with his documents from Memorial.
Also a business student, Mr. Duarte was an advertising professional in
Columbia before settling in Newfoundland. Having no previous performing
experience, he was delighted to discover his creative side. “It’s
another part of me, the artistic part. So far, I love it.” Mr. Duarte
hopes to further nurture his acting abilities, eventually finding a job
in the field of media.
While still in its early stages, the Diploma in Performance and Communications
Media is proving to be an exciting and ground-breaking program. By combining
performance and production in both film and theatre, students are exposed
to and learn a complement of skills that may be unmatched.
 |
 |