Theatre Design (BFA)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW The theatre design and technology program provides students a solid theatre education experience. Students take a series of design and support courses in all theatrical production areas. Scene painting, stage lighting, stage management, and CAD courses are many of the classes available to design and production majors. The program also stresses active involvement in all aspects of production work outside the classroom. Design students serve as assistants to faculty designers and are given the opportunity to design main stage productions.

FACULTY The Department of Theatre Arts is comprised of six full-time faculty members; five have earned the highest degrees in their fields. All full-time faculty are engaged in teaching classes from the introductory to advanced levels. The inclusive nature of the curriculum means that students will have the opportunity to take classes from every member of the Department of Theatre Arts as they pursue their degree.

ACADEMIC PREPARATION There are no prerequisite high school courses or requirements needed for enrollment in the theatre program, but students should have a well-rounded academic high school curriculum. Previous involvement in high school and/or community theatre is strongly recommended.

INTERVIEW/PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS In addition to applying to the University for general admission, all students interested in applying for the B.F.A. in Design and Technology must schedule an interview and present a portfolio of their work to the design and technology faculty. Admission to the program is by invitation only. To view portfolio requirements and for helpful information, visit the Design and Technology portfolio page.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW DAY SCHEDULE Admission and scholarship auditions are offered for incoming, fall-term, first-year students. Audition dates are in January and February. To register for an admission and/or scholarship portfolio review, visit the theatre department audition web page.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MAJOR A minimum of 92 credit hours are required for the degree, which includes nine in art and design, nine in literature, and nine in theatre electives.

DRAKE CURRICULUM The Drake Curriculum, required of all undergraduates, is designed to help students meet personal and professional goals as they acquire fundamental knowledge and abilities in ten Areas of Inquiry, including communication, critical thinking, artistic experience, historical consciousness, information and technology literacy, international and multicultural experiences, scientific and quantitative literacy, values and ethics, and engaged citizenship. Students work closely with their academic advisers to craft a program of study in general education that prepares students for civic and professional leadership.

The Drake Curriculum also requires a First Year Seminar, which fosters development of critical thinking and written and oral communication skills through a topical focus, and a Senior Capstone in which students demonstrate the capacity to bring information, skills, and ideas to bear on one project.

INTERNSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES The theatre arts department constantly receives news of internships in every aspect of theatre, including design and production. Examples of where theatre students have recently interned include the Santa Fe Opera, the Utah Shakespeare Company, the Goodman Theatre Company, and the National Theatre Institute in Connecticut.

CAREER OPTIONS Career paths for theatre arts graduates include regional theatre, teaching, TV, and film. Many find employment in the design and creation of lighting, costumes, and sets for professional companies in these fields. Recent graduates have gone on to work in Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, and Los Angeles. A number also have entered and completed graduate programs throughout the country.

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