Curious about what you can specialize in with theatre production? Majoring in Theatre Production means that you can study all kinds of backstage work and find what suits you best.
Each section is crucial to a stage production and teaches students how to best use their talents to create professional-level work.
Scene Painting
Theatre Production majors are required to take Drawing I (ART 110) and Scene Painting (TA 318R). Both of these courses give students a foundation in art and how to apply it to the stage. Students can gain experience by making backdrops for university productions both in class and by joining the production team outside of class.
Theatre Sound Design
Students can choose to take Theatre Sound Design (TA 315), a course that gives students experience working with sound, music, and microphone programs and equipment. Students in this course work with directors and designers. If they would like to continue their sound design instruction, they can work on various school productions to continue learning outside of the course.
Scene Design
Theatre Production majors take Theatre Design Fundamentals (TA 217) and can choose to take Scene Design (TA 319). These courses teach the basics of scenic design and how scenic design has been done throughout history. Students in this course will analyze scripts and create practice designs based on the script elements.
Stage Lighting
In this major, students have the option to take Stage Lighting (TA 320), an applied study of lighting design processes and practices. Students learn computer programs for lighting design and work with university productions to gain real-world experience.
Theatrical Costume Design
Theatre Production students can choose to take Theatrical Costume Design (TA 362) and History of Period Styles (TA 365). Students in these courses learn how to design and select costumes based on script needs, especially in scripts with specific historical or cultural contexts. Experience is gained through class projects and theatrical productions.
Stage Makeup
Students are required to take Stage Makeup (TA 126). This course teaches students how to apply stage and special effects makeup on both them and others. Students will build a portfolio to apply for future projects or careers and contribute to university performances.
Stage Management
Theatre Production Students can take courses on Stage Management, like Decision Making and Leadership (GS 294), Introduction to Stage Management (TA 374), Conflict Resolution and Negotiation (COMM 450), and select Business or Finance courses. This specialization pulls from various majors in order to give students a well-rounded understanding of stage management.
Conclusion
No matter the specialization you choose, you will be taught by experienced faculty mentors and work alongside other dedicated artists. A degree in Theatre: Theatre Production can build your skills and give you great experiences for your future portfolio.