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Theatre Design, Technology and Production - B.F.A.

Bring your theatre production dreams to life!

With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, this program prepares you for a career in theatre production. Access industry-standard tools, experienced faculty and real-world opportunities. Enroll now and take the first step towards a career in theatre production.

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College of the Arts
School of Theatre and Dance - Theatre Division
www.kent.edu/theatredance

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"Kent State gave me the strong foundation to help me succeed in making my career goals a reality. What I value most from my time as a student are the strong relationships I built with my mentors and peers. This network continues to be a positive resource long after graduation."

– Kristine Haag, B.F.A., Design and Technology '03

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design, Technology and Productions - B.F.A.

The Design and Technology program prepares students for careers as professional theatre designers, technicians and artisans. Students receive training in traditional and new methods of theatrical design and technology, graduating as dynamic and creative theatre practitioners. The opportunity for intensive specialization is available to all students pursuing the Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Theatre Design Technology and Production. The Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Theatre Design Technology and Production seeks to develop individuals who are flexible, dynamic, and creative collaborators in the theatre arts. 

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Program Information for Theatre Design, Technology and Production - B.F.A.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design, Technology and Production fosters the artistic development of theatre designers, technicians and artisans. Students study both traditional theatre practices and new methods, materials and technologies. Students must demonstrate continued progress through annual portfolio reviews, course work and production responsibilities. In addition, students are expected to complete a significant production assignment each semester.

In the major, students apply design and technology concepts for the school’s theatrical and dance productions. Kent State’s Center for the Performing Arts houses three theatres, performance and rehearsal space, a scene shop, a costume shop and laboratories for costumes, drafting, lighting and scenery. In addition, the School of Theatre and Dance oversees the outdoor venue Porthouse Theatre.

The B.F.A. degree program prepares students for M.F.A. degree study, as well as such occupations as scenic designer, costume designer, lighting designer, sound/projection designer, prop master, scenic artist, stage manager, production manager, wardrobe supervisor, technical director and stage technicians.

Admissions for Theatre Design, Technology and Production - B.F.A.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students who have not attended another institution since Kent State and were not academically dismissed will complete the re-enrollment process through the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center. Former students who attended another college or university since leaving Kent State must apply for admissions as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.

Transfer Students: Students who attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED must apply as transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:  

  1. Articulate basic elements and principles of design theory and composition.
  2. Produce and communicate design ideas and accurate production models, paperwork and drawings by hand and/or through the use of current industry standard software programs.
  3. Describe the full process of design and production for a finished production, including the roles that various personnel play in the mounting of a finished production.
  4. Articulate and use best practices and industry standards related to safety for theatrical venues and production elements.
  5. Prepare and present a professional resume and a portfolio of design/production work that demonstrate one's cumulative accomplishments.
  6. Recognize and evaluate a diverse selection of contemporary and historical theatre repertory.
  7. Apply theories to and perform technical skills in a variety of realized stage productions.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
ARTH 22006ART HISTORY: ANCIENT TO MEDIEVAL ART (KFA) 3
ARTH 22007ART HISTORY: RENAISSANCE TO MODERN ART (KFA) 3
THEA 11100MAKING THEATRE: CULTURE AND PRACTICE 2
THEA 11521GRAPHICS FOR THE THEATRE 3
THEA 11725FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION 3
THEA 14092BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS INTRODUCTORY PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) (taken two times)2
THEA 21522LIGHTING DESIGN 3
THEA 21524COSTUME DESIGN 3
THEA 21528SOUND AND PROJECTION DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY 3
THEA 21622SCENE DESIGN 3
THEA 21736STAGE MANAGEMENT 3
THEA 31030GLOBAL THEATRE HISTORIES 3
THEA 32000BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS PORTFOLIO REVIEW (taken three times)3
THEA 34092BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS ADVANCED PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) (taken six times)10
THEA 41115LGBTQ THEATRE (DIVD) 3
or THEA 41130 THEATRE AND DRAMA IN AMERICA
THEA 41140AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY (WIC) 13
or THEA 41620 HISTORY OF PERIOD STYLES FOR THEATRE DESIGNERS (WIC)
THEA 41306PROFESSIONAL ASPECTS: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY 3
THEA 41736PRODUCTION AND STAGE MANAGEMENT 3
or THEA 42040 SHOP MANAGEMENT
THEA 41999CAPSTONE PROJECT (ELR) 3
THEA 42062PRESENTATION MEDIA 3
Theatre Design and Technology Electives, choose from the following:24
THEA 21523
COSTUME TECHNOLOGY
THEA 21621
SCENE PAINTING
THEA 31526
FLAT PATTERNING FOR THEATRE
THEA 41095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE
THEA 41140
AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY (WIC) 1
THEA 41521
ADVANCED LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY I
THEA 41522
DESIGN STUDIO: LIGHTING
THEA 41523
SOUND DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY I
THEA 41524
DESIGN STUDIO: COSTUME
THEA 41525
PROPS AND CRAFTS
THEA 41526
ADVANCED LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY II
THEA 41528
THEATRE SOUND REINFORCEMENT
THEA 41540
DRAPING FOR THE THEATRE I
THEA 41560
THEATRE FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY
THEA 41622
DESIGN STUDIO: SCENERY
THEA 41625
HISTORY OF COSTUME AND TEXTILES FOR THEATRE
THEA 41726
THEATRE MANAGEMENT
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Composition6
Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning3
Kent Core Humanities3
Kent Core Social Sciences (must be from two disciplines)6
Kent Core Basic Sciences (must include one laboratory)6-7
Kent Core Additional6
Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
1

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

Progression Requirements
  • In order to continue and graduate with the B.F.A. degree, students are expected develop skills equal to entry-level positions in the profession or as expected for admission into a M.F.A. degree program.
  • Students on academic probation may not participate in any School of Theatre and Dance productions.
  • Students may be immediately dismissed from the program for failure to maintain a minimum 2.500 major GPA. B.F.A. degree students should strive to maintain a 3.000 overall GPA.
  • Students must pass yearly portfolio reviews and are expected to participate in at least one mainstage production per semester (this may be in addition to any production design assignment).

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.500 2.000
Roadmap

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
THEA 11100 MAKING THEATRE: CULTURE AND PRACTICE 2
THEA 11521 GRAPHICS FOR THE THEATRE 3
THEA 11725 FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION 3
THEA 14092 BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS INTRODUCTORY PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 1
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Two
THEA 14092 BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS INTRODUCTORY PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 1
THEA 21528 SOUND AND PROJECTION DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY 3
THEA 21736 STAGE MANAGEMENT 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Three
ARTH 22007 ART HISTORY: RENAISSANCE TO MODERN ART (KFA) 3
THEA 21522 LIGHTING DESIGN 3
THEA 21524 COSTUME DESIGN 3
THEA 34092 BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS ADVANCED PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Four
ARTH 22006 ART HISTORY: ANCIENT TO MEDIEVAL ART (KFA) 3
THEA 32000 BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS PORTFOLIO REVIEW 1
THEA 34092 BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS ADVANCED PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 1
Theatre Design and Technology Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours14
Semester Five
THEA 21622 SCENE DESIGN 3
THEA 31030
or THEA 41130
 GLOBAL THEATRE HISTORIES
or THEATRE AND DRAMA IN AMERICA
3
THEA 34092 BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS ADVANCED PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 2
THEA 41306 PROFESSIONAL ASPECTS: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY 3
THEA 42062 PRESENTATION MEDIA 3
 Credit Hours14
Semester Six
THEA 31030
or THEA 41115
 GLOBAL THEATRE HISTORIES
or LGBTQ THEATRE (DIVD)
3
THEA 32000 BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS PORTFOLIO REVIEW 1
THEA 34092 BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS ADVANCED PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 2
THEA 41736
or THEA 42040
 PRODUCTION AND STAGE MANAGEMENT
or SHOP MANAGEMENT
3
Theatre Design and Technology Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Seven
THEA 34092 BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS ADVANCED PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 2
THEA 41999 CAPSTONE PROJECT (ELR) 3
Theatre Design and Technology Electives 9
 Credit Hours14
Semester Eight
THEA 32000 BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS PORTFOLIO REVIEW 1
THEA 34092 BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS ADVANCED PRACTICUM: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (ELR) 2
THEA 41140
or THEA 41620
 AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY (WIC)
or HISTORY OF PERIOD STYLES FOR THEATRE DESIGNERS (WIC)
3
Theatre Design and Technology Electives 9
 Credit Hours15
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Accreditation for Theatre Design, Technology and Production - B.F.A.

Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

Theatre Design, Technology, and Production Requirements

In addition to 36 credit hours taken in Kent Core requirements, Theatre Design Technology and Production majors can expect to take courses in making theatre, fundamentals of production, theatrical drafting, lighting design, scenic design, costume design, presentation media, sound design, theatre management, history of theatre and drama, and theatre technology. Students are required to participate in at least one Main Stage production every semester, complete practicum classes and maintain a portfolio to be reviewed and approved every academic year.

See requirements for the BFA Design Technology and Production Program

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Theatre Design, Technology and Production - B.F.A.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Theatre Design Technology and Production can expect to find employment in a wide array of performing arts venues and organizations in the areas of scenic design, lighting design, sound design, technical direction, costume design and stage management following graduation. Many students choose to enroll in graduate programs in a chosen specialty for further intensive study. 

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary

5.6%

faster than the average

116,300

number of jobs

$69,690

potential earnings

Lighting technicians and media and communication equipment workers, all other

4.9%

about as fast as the average

26,600

number of jobs

$70,980

potential earnings

Film and video editors

21.6%

much faster than the average

38,300

number of jobs

$67,250

potential earnings

Set and exhibit designers

1.2%

slower than the average

15,200

number of jobs

$58,180

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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