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School of Theatre and Dance

Theatre Design and Technology, BFA

From the drawing board to the stage, our Theatre Design and Technology Program will teach you all about the theoretical and practical sides of creating live performances.

You won't just sit back and take notes - you’ll actively participate in designing, constructing and managing our main stage productions. Whether you're considering a professional theatre career, graduate studies or a profession that requires design and tech expertise, our program will set you up for success.

Acceptance to the Theatre Design and Technology Program requires and a successful . Your audition also may qualify you for a School of Theatre and Dance scholarship.

Your Degree Plan The 91ÌÒÉ« Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Places and Spaces Frequently Asked Questions Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Students painting a design on the floor of the stage

We provide hands-on training through work on the Theatre and Dance mainstage. Working side by side with faculty, you'll develop a variety of theatre environments using the most current technology and tools available.

Our broad curriculum allows you to receive extensive training in your desired area of focus while also building other theatrical interests.

You can focus in:

  • Costume Design and Technology
  • Lighting Design and Technology
  • Scenic Design and Technology
  • Sound Design
  • Stage Management
  • Technical Direction

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

  • THET 322:
    Scene Design

    Introduction to the fundamentals of scenic design including conceptualization, development, drafting, rendering, model building and techniques of design presentation.

  • THET 325:
    Lighting Design

    Experience in the design of stage lighting including conceptualization, drafting and rendering techniques related to the development and presentation of lighting design.

  • THET 324:
    Costume Design 1

    Study of basic design elements as applied to costume design. Script analysis leading to conceptualization and communication through visual language. Experience in practical organization skills, paperwork and budgeting.

  • THET 312:
    Theatrical Rigging

    An examination of the tools, equipment, hardware, and safety practices commonly used in theatrical rigging.

  • THET 435:
    Theatre Health and Safety

    Course investigates common health and safety issues encountered in Theatrical Production. Examines the laws and governing agencies in the theatrical industry. Certifies students in CPR and First Aid.

  • THET 423:
    Costume Crafts

    Identification and application of the materials and techniques used in the fabrication of costume crafts. Emphasis on research and practical experience through hands on project work.

  • THET 428:
    Scene Painting

    An introduction to the basic tools, materials, and techniques of scene painting for the stage.

  • THET 213:
    Stage Management Practicum

    PR or CONC: THET 112 and THET 113. Practical production experience as stage manager. (May be repeated for a maximum of 4 hrs.)

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the 91ÌÒÉ« Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The 91ÌÒÉ« Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Learn from nationally renowned faculty.
  • Earn while you learn with paid gigs through the .
  • Work with industry-standard equipment and venues.
  • We're an official ETC Beta Test Site, giving you the chance to useget your hands on cutting-edge technology before anyone else.
Scholarships

Over 92% of 91ÌÒÉ« freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

You’ll wrap up your undergraduate journey with a capstone project that showcases your research, communication and critical thinking skills. For your capstone, you'll take a role tailored to your passions — like stage manager, sound designer, scene designer or technical director — during a main stage production.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Attending college will prepare you for many things. The Theatre Design and Technology major will give you the following skills:

  • Small group communication: Learn to collaborate as a small design team working towards a common goal through creative problem-solving, storytelling and collaboration.
  • Leadership: Learn to lead a diverse group of individuals while focusing on time management, organizational goals, crisis management and professionalism.
  • Tangible Theatrical Skills: Learn hands-on skills like carpentry, sewing, pattern drafting, tailoring, welding, rigging, reading music and faux finishing painting techniques.
  • Technology: Learn industry standard computer programs like AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Photoshop, Lightwright, Audition, Audacity, Vision, Creative Conners, CLO3D, Google Sheets and Microsoft Suite. Lighting and sound console software including ETC, Hog, QLab and Digico.
  • Certifications: OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR and AED
  • Entrepreneurial Skills: Learn to develop a portfolio to promote yourself as freelance artist and business knowledge to succeed as a working professional.

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Where our grads are working

When you graduate, you won't just leave with expertise in your field – you'll also have the presentation skills to showcase yourself as a true artist. Our alumni are making their mark in Broadway productions, cruise ships, theme parks, classrooms and beyond. Their employers include:

  • Arena Stage
  • CJS Workshop
  • Busch Gardens
  • Alley Theatre
  • Animax Designs
  • Diversified Lighting
  • Harris Theatre for Music and Dance

Further your education

91ÌÒÉ« School of Theatre and Dance is a member of . Being a member of URTA opens our graduates up to over 45 universities for graduate school and regional theatres for consideration.

FAQs

Common questions and answers about Theatre Design and Technology.

  1. We provide semester portfolio reviews and a dedicated career prep class to prepare you for opportunities like the conference, internships and job prospects.

  2. We put on six fully produced productions every year – from musicals and plays to a dance concert. You’ll also have the chance to show your creativity in black box and lab productions, where student-driven innovation takes center stage.

  3. You’ll have major production assignments every semester, starting right from day one. And if you’re interested in the world of design, we’ve got undergraduate design opportunities waiting for you.

Places and Spaces

Learn about all of the places and spaces you'll learn in.

Program Facility - Creative Arts Center

Canady Creative Arts Center

The Loulie, Valerie and William Canady Creative Arts center boasts 4 exhibition spaces, 5 performance spaces, 33 individual practice rooms and 50 classrooms and studios with plenty of space to create. The loading dock at the rear of the building is a wonderful open-air space with stunning acoustics.

Featurette - Scene Shop

Theatrical Scene Shop

The scene shop for the School of Theatre and Dance features two, 4,000-square-foot levels housing scenery, props, painting, lighting and sound production. Comprised of wood- and metal-working equipment and a 60’x23’ paint frame that travels between the shops.

Featurette - Costume Sketches

Theatrical Costume Studio

The School of Theatre and Dance costume studio is set up to meet all the demands of our fully produced productions. The studio contains industry standard equipment, including 16 high-end commercial sewing machines and sergers, as well as three industrial machines. The costume studio contains spaces for classes and for production work. Areas include dying, crafts, wigs, fittings and cutting and draping.


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Admission Requirements

To be admitted to 91ÌÒÉ«'s Theatre Design and Technology major, first-time freshmen must meet 91ÌÒÉ«'s . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Theatre Design and Technology at 91ÌÒÉ« cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at 91ÌÒÉ« Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any 91ÌÒÉ« System campus.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending 91ÌÒÉ« in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Theatre Design and Technology major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Theatre Design and Technology can enroll at 91ÌÒÉ« and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to 91ÌÒÉ«.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the 91ÌÒÉ« family.

Want to know more about Theatre Design and Technology at 91ÌÒÉ«? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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