The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design is structured to provide an intensive study of the art and discipline of design for theatre.
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate and articulate a sophisticated understanding of how design works as a collaborative process that requires close co-operation between the designers, the director, technical team and performers on a theatrical production.
- Demonstrate familiarity with all three design disciplines (costume, lighting or scenic design).
- Demonstrate a fluent knowledge of technical theatre and theatrical drawing; including, rendering, and drafting.
- Articulate knowledge of art and theatre history and dramatic theory.
- Completed a professional-ready portfolio of work that can be used to seek admission to graduate school, or to seek work in the professional theatre.
- Successfully complete a capstone experience consisting of either a fully supported design opportunity or a professional internship.
Students can focus their study in the areas of costume, lighting, and scenic design, but at all times we stress the collaborative nature of the design process; and students must be familiar with all three design disciplines. The BFA in Theatre Design requires discipline-wide study in technical theatre, performance, theatre history, and text analysis; and it deepens that learning through sequenced classes in design and the collaborative process. There are ample opportunities for design students to work on departmental productions, from the bare-bones workshop level to fully budgeted main stage shows. Through advanced capstone classes and a reflective portfolio process, the BFA student is provided with the opportunity to synthesize this learning in preparation for a career in professional theater or study at the graduate level.
In the classroom, students work with a faculty of working professionals who bring their pragmatic approach to the art, craft, and business of theatre. In fact, many of our Theatre Design students work with faculty members on projects outside the department as assistants or in a technical capacity, thus gaining valuable freelance experience in the business.
BFA students are expected to participate in departmental productions as well as Senior Showcase and must maintain a portfolio that charts their growth and accomplishments as designers. Faculty members will regularly meet with the student to discuss progress and suggest directions for growth. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their major and demonstrate continued development in order to continue in the BFA program.
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