Undergraduate

The qualitative focus of the production program is to present the most effective and affective dance and theatre performances possible.  It also provides a laboratory for students and the opportunity for practical application of classroom exercises and theories. 

Today’s theatre design and production depend heavily on the complex electronic and mechanical systems used in professional theatre, film, and television production.  The production curriculum is designed to meet the diverse aesthetic and technological demands of contemporary society.  This curriculum provides academic instruction and professional training for careers in costume, scenery, and lighting. 

Students enrolled in theatre production: costume, lighting, scenery, sound, and digital media will complete course work in all three areas.  Selected independent study, advanced electives, and production assignments in THE 4950 focus on the specialization.

A portfolio is required for admission to all production majors.  For more information, consult the School of Theatre and Dance Undergraduate Advisor, Kevin Austin.

BFA Theatre Production Components

A. TECHNICAL    

1. Demonstrate skills in recording and communicating design plans through mechanical drawing, pattern drafting, model building, plotting, and rendering.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of management skills relative to time, cost, space, personnel, and safety. 

3. Demonstrate knowledge of basic machinery, equipment, tools, hardware, and materials used to realize theatre designs. 

4. Demonstrate current technological and media literacy. 

B. DESIGN    

1. Demonstrate the principles of two-dimensional and three-dimensional design aesthetics as applied to the theatre arts of set, light, and costume. 

2.       Demonstrate sensitivity to, knowledge of, and aptitude for the art, craft, and process of moving the script onto the stage. 

3.       Demonstrate the ability to apply a conceptual approach to production; organizing, developing, and guiding the creative collaboration with designers, performers, and technicians. 

4.       Demonstrate the unique collaborative skills necessary to assimilate and realize the visions of playwright, performer, director, and designer in performance. 

5.       Demonstrate the ability to articulate the creative process as production. 

6.       Understand traditional and innovative techniques appropriate for varying production formats. 

Graduate 

The Graduate Costume Design program includes study in costume design, drawing and rendering, technical applications such as pattern drafting and draping, costume crafts, costume and theatre history, literature, and criticism to provide a strong foundation for effective communication and teamwork. Every effort is made to provide the student with a minimum of one design opportunity per academic year.