Program Overview

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Theatre Design & Production

Follow your passion and learn the art of theatrical storytelling through the visual arts of theatre design and production.

In the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Production program, you will follow your passion and learn the art of theatrical storytelling. Through a diverse curriculum, you will be challenged to find your inner artist and develop skills and hands-on experience that will enable you to start your professional career.

The B.F.A. degree prepares you to work professionally in both design and technical positions in many different areas in the industry as well as related fields. You will discover what it means to be a proficient, working member of a production team in the entertainment industry.

Emphases

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Production allows students to specialize in one of six emphases:

• Scenic Design
• Lighting Design
• Costume Design
• Stage Management
• Technical Production
• Sound Design & Reinforcement

Theatre Design & Production Program

In the Theatre Design & Production program at Shenandoah University, students work with the equipment and resources found in major performing arts centers around the nation.

Minor in This Program

Shenandoah Conservatory offers minors in Music, Theatre, and Dance for all Shenandoah University students. Acceptance into conservatory minors must be approved by the Division/Department Chair, and some minors require an audition.

• Declaring a minor:
  • Shenandoah students work with their Academic Advisor to declare a minor.
  • Academic Advisors will continue to work with students to ensure that they fulfill all of the requirements to complete the minor.

Internship Possibilities

The Career & Professional Development staff helps Shenandoah students search and apply for internships related to their major and career goals. Internships differentiate you as an applicant in your future job searches, provide hands-on experience in your field, allow you to sample different career paths for your major, and help you find a specific position that fits your passion before graduation.

Career & Salary Possibilities

Shenandoah’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Production is a pre-professional training program that prepares you for entry into the industry or to pursue a graduate degree. The degree prepares you to work professionally in both design and technical positions in professional and educational theatre, cruise ships, theme parks, sales and production companies, creative display design, historical renovation, museum installation, mural and faux finishers, and industrial design and production.

Classes

In addition to enabling students to become arts advocates in a global society, this degree hones practical skills found in daily applications outside of the discipline. These skills translate to a wide range of non-arts related industries.

Our small class sizes allow for one-on-one, hands-on mentoring. Over the course of your four years in the program, you will gain actual experience in major production responsibility within your emphasis, including multiple chances to work with professional artists in seeing productions through from start to finish.

You will learn:

• How to create and develop a resume and a website portfolio to showcase your individual design and production work
• Analysis and problem-solving skills
• The historical and cultural context needed to analyze dramatic literature and its performance and production
• The technical savvy and skills needed to communicate artistically, including theatrical rendering, construction techniques, computer skills, how to manage a budget, and craft and collaboration skills

Performance Opportunities and Ensembles

Shenandoah Conservatory produces more than 300 performances each year. Enroll in a dynamic curriculum and start preparing for a meaningful career in the arts. You will practice your craft in front of audiences and develop a plan for your professional launch into the industry that focuses on your personal desires and aspirations.

Meet the Faculty

Experience the world-renowned Shenandoah Conservatory. Study with master teachers – more than 100 professionals in music, theatre, dance, and arts management.

Shenandoah Conservatory’s prestigious faculty is dynamic, creative, and passionately committed to the highest levels of artistic excellence.

Related Programs

Students interested in this program should also look into these other majors, graduate degrees, minors, and certificates.

• Film Studies
• Business Administration
• Entrepreneurship
• Theatre
• Dance
• Music

Most students in this program choose to continue their education by earning a graduate degree:

• Performing Arts Leadership & Management

Application and Audition Information

Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.

Submit your application, review required admissions materials, and find our admissions standards.

Admission to Shenandoah Conservatory is highly competitive. Not only must students be academically admissible, they must also complete and pass the mandatory audition/portfolio review and interview process. Audition dates are limited and may fill and close well in advance of the audition date.

Study Abroad

Make studying abroad the highlight of your college experience! Whether you go for a year, a semester, or just a few weeks, you will never forget learning in another culture! The Center for International Programs is here to help you plan your study abroad experience. Start your planning early to ensure the courses you complete abroad count toward your degree and you graduate on time.

Fast-Track to Arts Management

Accelerated PALM Program

The Master of Science in Performing Arts Leadership and Management is designed to provide future performing arts executives and artistic leaders with the industry skills required in the 21st century. The accelerated program in Performing Arts Leadership and Management is available for current Shenandoah Conservatory undergraduates who, upon completion of their undergraduate degree, wish to obtain a Master of Science in Performing Arts Leadership and Management in just one year.