Gain Hands-On Experience
Are you interested in hands–on opportunities to hone your craft while creating exciting work onstage and in the classroom? The design/tech area allows students to explore their own creative process and invites them to collaborate with others. The following list is a sampling of the coursework this emphasis area offers:
• Scenic design
• Sound design
• Costume design and technology
• Costume construction
• Lighting design
• Stage management
• Props design and construction
• Scenic design
• Sound design
• Costume design and technology
• Costume construction
• Lighting design
• Stage management
• Props design and construction
Highlighted Career Paths
Graduates with a degree in Theatre Studies, with a Design/Technical emphasis, have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.
Set Designer
Set designers work with the directors to create the artificial environment, or set, where the production will take place. They oversee the process of designing and creating the set, and work with the script for the different scenes that take place throughout the production.
Costume Designer
Plan, design, and fit costumes for the actors in different kinds of productions. Costume designers also assist in accessories and maintaining the costumes for the actors. Costume designers will also have to work with the directors and producers in creating a costume that will fit the character for the production.
Props Designer
Just about every production has props that actors use throughout the show. A prop designer has the responsibility to design and create the props used in the production. They may need to sew, weld or buy different materials in order to create the props needed for each scene.
Film & Sound Engineers
Operate the equipment that records, mixes, or reproduces music or sound effects in recording studios, sporting arenas, theatre productions, or video productions.
Getting Started in this degree
If you are interested in the design and technical aspects of theatre, start with one of the following major-specific courses
Related Majors
This emphasis in theatre studies provides students with performance opportunities in youth and children’s performance. Students will develop skills and knowledge in this important genre of theatre while studying a wide range of literature along with the basics of production work.
Students will find a broad foundation of classes and experiences designed to develop performance skills as actors and directors, foster application of theatrical design and technology principles, and deepen their understanding of dramatic literature, theatre history, and criticism.
This emphasis in theatre studies provides students opportunities with live theatre performance both onstage in productions and in the classroom. Within the context of a comprehensive liberal arts education, students prepare for advanced graduate study in the field and entry-level careers in acting and performance.
This emphasis in theatre studies allows students the opportunity to receive a broad base of knowledge in theatre, but is not necessarily performance or designed focused. The emphasis is designed for those who wish to enter a graduate program in theatre or any related field, advance their knowledge of theatre and performance studies, or immediately begin a career inside or outside the theatre in a related area.
Learn about contemporary approaches to theatre and performance through exposure to dramatic literature and the theatre production process.