As one of the final students of the Design for the Arts and Entertainment Certificate at Toronto Metropolitan University, I am witnessing first-hand how the educational opportunities in scenographic practices are dwindling. This certificate program has sadly been discontinued, despite its pivotal role in equipping students with vital skills applicable in the film and entertainment sectors. The discontinuity of the FPN 601: Production Design course as a follow-up to FPN 501: Art Direction is yet another brick off the wall.

It is disheartening that production design, whose relevance is underscored by its critical role in scenography, has been relegated to the background or forced into a merger with its sister discipline Art direction. And while there may be many similarities, these are still two distinct practices that prompt individual pursuit and education. For students like me who have been waiting to take this course for well over a year and the ones who have recently completed the Fall semester Art Direction course, this upcoming Winter Semester presents an educational gap filled with uncertainty.

Therefore, I am rallying for reinstating an in-person production design course in the forthcoming semester. This course is not only important for continuity in our education, but it will also enhance our practical skills, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

The value of this in-person mode of teaching would be inestimable to us, as it fosters an environment for hands-on interactions, detailed demonstrations, and a wholesome learning environment, especially in light of the upcoming thesis films that are without intervention to be met with less than par design practice to no fault of the students.  

This plea is not just about us, but it is also about preserving the integrity and importance of scenographic practice — something central to film and culture, as it cannot be separated from the filmmaking practice and hence should never be second in line regarding filmic education. For the sakes of the past, present, and future students, join us in this cause. Sign this petition to urge Toronto Metropolitan University to implement the in-person production design course this coming winter semester.