The Theatre School's Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in theater technology trains students for theater 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.
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 theater 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.
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
Alumni enjoy technical careers in theater production, film, television, commercial scenic production, touring theater and concerts and many other areas of entertainment. Roles include controls integrator at TAIT Towers, carpentry/rigging at Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, production technician at The Rose Theatre Kingston in London, carpenter at Chicago Scenic Studios, assistant technical director at Oregon Shakespeare Festival and assistant flyman for the "Life of Pi" tour.
BFA Theatre Technology Curriculum
First Year
Second Year
Third Year
Fourth Year
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 theater 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.
Featured Faculty
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 fourth edition of "Stage Rigging Handbook" with Jay O. Glerum.