Major in Theatre, Set Design C - Colorado State

The B.A. in Theatre, Set Design Concentration at Colorado State University prepares students to design sets for various performance mediums through a combination of classroom instruction and practical application in main stage productions. The program focuses on developing design skills, aesthetic awareness, and collaboration, while fostering a portfolio that showcases students' creative design and technical work. Graduates are equipped for careers as set designers and technicians in theatre, film, and live productions.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The B.A. in Theatre, Set Design Concentration at Colorado State University is a program that explores the creative concepts of set design for various performance mediums, including theatre, musicals, opera, dance, and film. Students gain theoretical knowledge in the classroom and studio, reinforced through practical application in main stage productions. The program emphasizes the development of skills essential for set designers and craftspeople, including:

Design and Build: Students learn to design and build sets and scenery for stage, dance, film, and industry.
Research and Vocabulary: They acquire knowledge of primary research methods, industry vocabulary, and best practices.
Aesthetic Styles: Students explore diverse aesthetic styles in set design.
Synthesis of Skills: They integrate design, drafting, modeling, painting, computer-assisted design, and emerging technologies.
Collaboration: The program fosters an understanding of the Set Designer as a collaborative artist and creative visionary.
Portfolio Development: Students build a portfolio of creative design and technical work.

Outline:

The program is structured across four years, with a specific course schedule and modules for each year.

Freshman Year:

Semester 1:
CO 150 College Composition (GT-CO2)
TH 161 Stagecraft
TH 186 Theatre Practicum I - Crew Assignment
TH 192 First Year Seminar - Telling Your Story
One course from:
ART 100 Introduction to the Visual Arts (GT-AH1)
D 110 Understanding Dance (GT-AH1)
MU 100 Music Appreciation (GT-AH1)
Quantitative Reasoning
Semester 2:
TH 160 Drawing for Theatre
One course from:
ART 100 Introduction to the Visual Arts (GT-AH1)
D 110 Understanding Dance (GT-AH1)
MU 100 Music Appreciation (GT-AH1)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Sophomore Year:

Semester 3:
TH 242 World Theatre History I
TH 263 Costume Design I
TH 264 Lighting Design I
TH 265 Set Design I
Semester 4:
TH 243 World Theatre History II
TH 267 Scenic Painting
TH 286 Theatre Practicum II - Shop Assignment
Biological and Physical Sciences

Junior Year:

Semester 5:
One course from:
TH 301A Theatre Design and Production Seminar: Lecture Only
TH 301B Theatre Design and Production Seminar: Lecture and Lab
TH 301C Theatre Design and Production Seminar: Lab Only
One course from:
TH 345 Global Theatre
TH 355 Directing I
TH 382A Study Abroad - South Africa: Performing Arts and Culture
TH 479 Theatre in London: Travel Abroad
One course from:
TH 386A Theatre Practicum III: Production Crew
TH 386B Theatre Practicum III: Asst.
Advanced Writing
Upper-Division Electives
Semester 6:
TH 365 Set Design II
TH 386C Theatre Practicum III: Assistant Designer Applied
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Upper-Division Electives

Senior Year:

Semester 7:
TH 465 Dress and Decor
One course from:
TH 401A Theatre Design and Production Advanced Topics: Lecture
TH 401B Theatre Design and Production Advanced Topics: Lecture and Lab
TH 401C Theatre Design and Production Advanced Topics: Lab
One course from:
TH 486A Theatre Practicum IV: Lead Production/Technical
TH 486B Theatre Practicum IV: Lead Designer - Conceptual
Historical Perspectives
Upper-Division Electives
Semester 8:
TH 460 Design Portfolio and Professional Preparation
TH 486C Theatre Practicum IV: Lead Designer - Applied
One course from:
TH 344 Global Dramaturgies
TH 487 Theatre Internship
Upper-Division Electives

Assessment:

Portfolio Review: Students must undergo a portfolio review each spring, where their work is evaluated and guidance is provided for future goals.
Concentration Specific Courses: These courses may not be double-counted in multiple Theatre concentrations.

Teaching:

Practical Application: The program emphasizes practical application of theoretical knowledge through main stage productions.
Faculty Guidance: Students receive guidance from CSU Theatre faculty during portfolio reviews.

Careers:

Set Designers: Students can pursue careers as set designers for theatre, musicals, opera, or dance.
Set Technicians and Craftspeople: They can also work as set technicians and craftspeople for stage, dance, live productions, television, and film.

Other:

Portfolio Review Requirement: A successful portfolio review with CSU Theatre faculty is required for admission to the B.A.
Scholarship Audition: The portfolio review also serves as a scholarship audition.
Program Total Credits: The program requires a minimum of 120 credits, with at least 42 being Upper-Division (300- to 400-level).

Major in Theatre, Set Design Concentration

Program Overview