Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design/Technology/Stage Management

Program Overview

Wright State University's Theatre Design and Technology program prepares students for backstage roles in theatre, opera, dance, and film through hands-on production work and coursework in design, technology, and stage management. The program emphasizes practical experience, with students involved in production from their first year and working with professional guest artists. Graduates are highly employable, with 90% finding jobs in their chosen field upon graduation.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design/Technology/Stage Management:

Wright State University's Theatre Design and Technology program is designed to prepare students for early career success in a variety of backstage roles. Through hands-on production work, students gain practical experience while also completing coursework in general theatre, including acting, dramatic literature, theater history, and theory. Artistic design classes in design, drawing, theatre graphics, decor, and costume history are also part of the curriculum, complemented by theatre technology classes in technical theory, application, and craft.

Outline:

Course Structure:

The four-year B.F.A. curriculum in Theatre Design and Technology includes:

• Year 1: General theatre coursework, including acting, dramatic literature, theatre history, and theory.
• Year 2: Continuation of general theatre coursework, with an emphasis on design and technology.
Students begin to specialize in one of three areas: design, technology, or stage management.
• Year 3: Advanced coursework in design and technology, with students taking courses in their chosen area of specialization.
Students continue to gain practical experience through production work.
• Year 4: Capstone project and portfolio development.
Students complete a major project that demonstrates their skills in design, technology, or stage management and build a portfolio of their work.

Course Schedule:

The course schedule for the Theatre Design and Technology program can be found in the Wright State University Academic Catalog.

Individual Modules:

The Theatre Design and Technology program offers a wide range of courses, including:

• Design: Drawing for the Theatre, Theatre Graphics, Costume History, Stage Design, Costume Design
• Technology: Technical Theatre Audio, Technical Theatre I, Technical Theatre II, Technical Theatre III, Computer-Aided Design for Theatre
• Stage Management: Stage Management I, Stage Management II, Stage Management III

Assessment:

• Portfolio Review: All Design and Technology majors must present their portfolios for an evaluation at the end of each year of study.
• Attendance and Class Participation: Students are expected to attend class regularly and participate actively in discussions and activities.
• Projects and Assignments: Students will be assigned regular projects and assignments to assess their understanding of the course material.
• Midterm and Final Exams: Midterm and final exams will be used to assess students' overall knowledge of the course material.
• Performance Evaluations: Students will be evaluated on their performance in production work, as well as in their other coursework.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The Theatre Design and Technology program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, workshops, and production work.
• Faculty: The Theatre Design and Technology faculty are all experienced professionals in their fields, who are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students.
• Unique Approaches: The Theatre Design and Technology program emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience.
Students are involved in production work from their first year, and they get to work with professional guest artists and designers on a regular basis.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the Theatre Design and Technology program are prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including:
• Theatre companies
• Opera and dance companies
• Television and film studios
• Performing arts centers
• Architectural design firms
• Themed entertainment organizations
• Cruise ships
• Concert touring companies
• Recording studios
• Opportunities: Wright State Theatre Design and Technology graduates average 90 percent employment in their chosen field upon graduation.
• Outcomes: Alumni of the program are working in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, and other major entertainment centers.
Alumni have also gone on to complete graduate degrees at distinguished institutions such as Yale and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.