Theatre Design & Technology Major
Theatre Design & Technology
B.F.A. Performing Arts: Theatre Design & Technology
The world of theatre design and technology is a rich and fascinating one that involves costumes, makeup, scenery, properties, lighting, sound, and stage management. Our BFA in Theatre Design & technology instills adaptable creativity that expands across disciplines, robustly preparing students to encounter the challenges and artistic opportunities that make a successful career in theatre design and technology.
The BFA in Theatre Design and Technology is 74 credit hours in total. The degree has two components, the core and the concentration. The core comprises 24 credit hours and is taken by all BFA–Performing Arts students. The concentration in Design and Technology is comprised of 50 credit hours. No minor or second major is required.
The Department of Theatre & Dance is fortunate to be able to offer recruiting scholarships from two funds. These scholarships are for incoming students planning to major in Acting, Musical Theatre, Theatre Design & Technology or any other aspect of Theatre.
The costume shop for the WKU Department of Theatre & Dance is a fun and vibrant place where students have the chance to become involved with all aspects of the costuming process, from design to production. Creative opportunities include designing costumes for departmental productions. You will learn draping dyeing, fabric modification, mask making, millinery work, and other costume craft techniques.
The WKU Scene Shop is a hands-on work space where students are involved in all aspects of designing and constructing the sets for WKU Theatre & Dance productions. Upper-level students are also awarded the opportunity to take the lead in individually designing scenery and props for both MainStage and studio productions.
An excellent stage manager is essential to any successful theatre or dance production. Students at WKU learn to work closely with directors, actors, dancers, and designers to help bring about a cohesive work of art. After completing the appropriate course work, students have the opportunity to hone their skills by stage managing one of our many MainStage and studio productions.
Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Truscott graduated in 2019 with a BA in Theatre. After graduation, Lizzy moved to Los Angeles, California and began Cinema Makeup School! Last week, she received her Artist Diploma of completion for finishing her program! Her final project was to create a silicone version of her head. The sky is the limit for you Lizzy, we are so proud of you!
From our faculty directed mainstages, to our student directed studio and TYA seasons, to our New Works Festival, you’ll have all kinds of opportunities to learn by doing. Our department is your laboratory. At Western Kentucky University, we believe that what you learn in the shops, the studios, and onstage is every bit as important as what happens in the classroom. Our intensive production season provides plenty of hands on experience.
- 4 Mainstage Theatre productions, including at least one musical
- A Theatre for Young Audience Series of 2 or 3 productions
- A Next Stage Series of student created works
- A Rising Artist Series of showcases and works in progress
- 2 Mainstage dance concerts
- 3 Student-choreographed dance concerts
Students collaborate closely with department faculty in all kinds of ways:
Production
Students are collaborators on our faculty directed mainstage shows not only as actors
and crew but as designers, stage managers, dramaturgs, and assistant directors.
FUSE (Faculty-Undergraduate Student Engagement) Grant Projects:
FUSE grants support undergraduate students' intellectual development by fostering
active engagement in the areas of research, creative and scholarly activities, and/or
artistic performances.
Teacher Assistants
Students learn about teaching and enrich their own knowledge by serving as Teaching
Assistants for Theatre classes including University Experience, Musical Theatre History,
Fundamentals of Theatre, and multiple courses in our Acting sequence.
See more on our alumni page!
From Louisville to London to New York, we offer a range of options for experiencing professional theatre! Whether attending College Days weekend at the nationally renowned Humana Festival of New Plays at Actor’s Theatre of Louisville or spending a week in London or New York City, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience professional theatre!
Our capstone course allows students to demonstrate their expertise in their area of study. Check out these recent examples:
B.A. majors must complete a minor or a secondary major.
Does the business side of the arts interest you? Are you thinking of opening a dance studio, working in the development office of a theatre company, or starting a youth theatre program? The Minor in Arts Administration is an introduction to field.
Dance majors and minors gain technical and performance experience in the genres of ballet, jazz, modern, and tap dance, explored in both concert and commercial dance forms.
If musical theatre performance is your passion, consider the B.F.A. in Performing Arts: Musical Theatre, combining training in acting, singing, and dancing.
Get involved backstage or onstage with the Minor in Theatre
We want to help you find your passion and make that passion a reality.