Theatre Technology

The Theatre School's Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in theatre technology trains students for theatre in an entertainment era. Students learn to collaborate and implement a designer's vision through work as a technical director, rigger, draftsperson, props director, scenic carpenter, and theatrical craftsperson.

Shane Kelly

Shane Kelly | Head of Theatre Technology

The program simulates a theatrical technician's professional experience and process. Students learn to translate creative designs into technical plans, creating safe and effective physical structures for performance. BFA Theatre Technology students collaborate and problem solve with directors, designers, and other technicians, creating sets, props, and physical environments for theatre and entertainment productions. The faculty, staff, and students of the Theatre Technology program approach training in a human-centered, safety-focused, and sustainable way, developing the future of the industry.

Students learn from distinguished and award-winning faculty who are professional technicians, artists, and designers both in the classroom and through individual guidance and advising. Shane Kelly, the program head, is an internationally recognized rigger, production manager, and technical director. He is the co-author of the 4th Edition of Stage Rigging Handbook with Jay O. Glerum.

Common career outcomes include:

Automation Technician
Carpenter/Diver
Commercial scenic production
Draftsperson
Exhibit Installation
Production Manager/Designer
Project Manager/Lead
Props Artisan
Props Director
Rigger
Scenic Carpenter & Welder
Systems Integrator
Technical Director/Assistant Technical Director

Companies where alumni work

Alumni enjoy technical careers in theatre production, film, television, commercial scenic production, touring theatre and concerts, and many other areas of entertainment. Roles include Controls Integrator TAIT Towers, Carpentry/Rigging at Cirque du Soleil (Vegas), Production Technician at The Rose Theatre Kingston (London), Carpenter at Chicago Scenic Studios, Assistant Technical Director at Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Assistant Flyman, Life of Pi Tour, to name a few!

BFA Theatre Technology Curriculum

First Year Theatre Technology
The first year curriculum is taken in collaboration with other design and technical students and is an immersion into the culture of production and design. Students explore thinking metaphorically and abstractly with an appreciation of design and technology as an aesthetic distinct from other art forms. Classes include basic construction, materials, and a technical drawing progression. Students complete three production crew assignments in our production season and have access to the shops to hone their skills and receive guidance and critique from professional faculty and staff.
Second Year Theatre Technology
In the second year, students begin to focus on the specifics of construction and rigging scenery for the theatre. Students continue their technical drawing progression and complete elective coursework in other design or technical areas such as lighting, projection, and sound. Students work throughout the year on productions as carpenters, lead carpenters, props artisans, and assistant technical directors, solidifying their work on small-scale shows in preparation for increased responsibility in subsequent year.
Third Year Theatre Technology
Third-year students start to develop a specific focus while continuing to hone their skills in the areas of technical direction and project management. Students work as lead carpenters, drafters, riggers, assistant technical directors, and technical directors for the production season, working collaboratively with designers to implement and construct their designs and serving as a cohesive component of the collaborative team.
Fourth Year Theatre Technology
In year four, students further develop their abilities and prepare to enter the profession. Coursework includes the preparation and study of managerial roles in theatre. Students work in leading roles in the production season and are encouraged to complete a professional internship to expand their network and forge career pathways. In addition, students may complete a professional internship of their choosing or participate in the Study Abroad Program in collaboration with The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London (optional and additional cost).

Liberal Studies

In addition to the major's requirements, students complete 52 quarterly credit hours (13 courses) in the university's Liberal Studies Program. Courses are taken in theatre history, writing, quantitative reasoning and technological literacy, philosophical inquiry, religious dimensions, scientific inquiry, understanding the past, multiculturalism in the United States, and electives. These liberal studies courses are scheduled during the first three years of the program.

Theatre Technology

BFA Theatre Technology Curriculum

First Year Theatre Technology

Second Year Theatre Technology

Third Year Theatre Technology

Fourth Year Theatre Technology

Liberal Studies

Learn more about...

The Theatre School

Admission

The Merle Reskin Theatre

Administration

Resources