Theatre Design and Technology - Major (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Technology from the Theatre and Dance Department is a specific pre-professional training degree with a rigorous foundation in both arts and sciences. This program includes the study of Play Analysis, Technical Theatre, History of the Theatre, Acting, and Design. Besides a broad grounding in the liberal arts and sciences through the university’s core curriculum, the training for designers/technicians will be enhanced by technical theatre core classes and laboratory prep work in our production season.

Students will develop the necessary skills for post-graduate entry into professional theatre or graduate school. Their daily class work will emphasize that theatre is a collaborative art form, expose students to the historical origins of theatre, to global and multi-ethnic work, allowing them to apply the techniques they learn. As part of the student’s design process, they will work with the Production Team, discuss ideas and solutions in weekly production meetings, be present in the shop during the build of the show(s) and throughout the rehearsal process see how the costume or scenic element or lighting effect will enhance the performer on stage.  The end result will be a prepared artist, one who is comfortable entering this demanding, competitive field.

As part of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Technology pre-professional degree, students are required to complete a yearly portfolio review at the end of each spring semester. This process is to evaluate students’ academic performance and progression in the program. Students must keep a minimum GPA of 3.0 within the major in order to continue in the program.

In the summer after sophomore or junior year, students are required to participate in an internship to help facilitate the transition to the profession.

Student Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

• Analyze and apply the complete theatrical production process to projects within their area of concentration, demonstrating accurate use of terminology, procedures, and production workflows. ​
• Collaborate and lead within production teams by: 
  • Developing project plans and schedules, 
  • Managing resources (personnel, materials, budgets), and
  • Executing tasks that support timely and efficient production processes. 
• Generate and present design concepts by:
  • Producing freehand and/or digital drawings, renderings, and models,
  • Drafting supporting documentation, and
  • Delivering clear written, oral, and public presentations of their design work.
• Implement industry-standard practices by:
  • Executing construction, technical, and design tasks using current tools, technologies, and safety protocols, and
  • Evaluating their work against professional benchmarks.
• Interpret and apply a range of dramatic texts, devised works, and performance styles by: 
  • Analyzing scripts, devised materials, and improvisation-based source content to determine artistic and technical needs,
  • Identifying stylistic, historical, cultural, and conceptual requirements across scripted and non-scripted forms, and
  • Integrating these findings into coherent, defensible design or technical choices for realized or hypothetical projects.
• Research and articulate theatre’s social, political, economic, and religious contexts by:
  • Writing analytical or reflective assignments, of design projects, and 
  • Presenting informed positions on theatre’s role as a vehicle for social justice and cultural commentary.
• Compile and refine a professional portfolio and/or website by:
  • Documenting production work through photographs, drawings, models, and process materials,
  • Curating content for clarity and professional standards, and
  • Presenting the portfolio in mock or real-world interview settings.