Program Overview

Introduction to the B.F.A. in Theatre Program

The B.F.A. program in Theatre Design, Technology, and Management at Penn State offers two program options: Design and Technology, and Stage Management. This program provides leading-edge professional training, enabling students to develop the skills necessary to succeed in fast-paced production environments.

Program Overview

Classes in Theatre Design, Technology, and Management are taught by award-winning faculty currently working in the industry and up-to-date with the latest technology and best practices in the profession. During their time at Penn State, students will have endless opportunities to explore every aspect of theatre production, both in the classroom and on stage, and will be given the tools and training to meet their potential and excel as professionals in their chosen field.

Degree Options

The B.F.A. Program in Theatre Design, Technology, and Management will prepare students to enter the professional world and shape the future of theatre production or live performance. The program offers two degree options:

• Theatre Design and Technology
  • Costume Design: Exceptional education in costume design and costume technology through classroom and hands-on production work.
  • Lighting Design: Intensive pre-professional program with all students gaining a wide range of design and technical experiences.
  • Scenic Design: Exceptional pre-professional training program with the mission of preparing students for a successful career in the live entertainment industry.
  • Sound Design: Coursework helps students develop the unique set of skills and talents required of sound designers.
  • Technical Direction: Exceptional education in all aspects of scenic technology.
• Stage Management: One of the most established four-year stage management undergraduate degree programs in the country, built on the principle of total immersion in the theatre.

Program Details

Students in the Design and Technology option may specialize in costume, lighting, scenic design, sound design, or technical direction. Education in each area is led by world-class faculty with extensive experience in the industry and a deep understanding of evolving aspects of the profession. Students in the Stage Management option will take a full range of classes in every area of production, including acting, design, music fundamentals, and directing, and through classwork and hands-on experiences, become excellent collaborators, outstanding managers, and effective leaders.

Academic Experience

In addition to the exceptional Penn State general education curriculum, B.F.A. students in Theatre Design, Technology, and Management will handle challenging production assignments and exciting design opportunities, which are a fundamental component of their educational experience in the program. The program has one of the largest student chapters of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), and students can attend the Institute's annual conference, where industry leaders gather to shape the future of the field.

Facilities and Resources

Theatre Design, Technology, and Management students at Penn State have access to state-of-the-art facilities where they will gain hands-on experience in every aspect of theatre design and production. The School of Theatre's facilities include a 12,000-square-foot shop and a state-of-the-art rigging lab.

Career Opportunities

Our alumni work in every area of theatre and live entertainment design, production, and management across the country. Students will learn from world-class faculty with extensive industry experience and get hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities from the start. The program's active student chapter of USITT also provides opportunities for students to network with other professionals and successful Penn State School of Theatre alumni.

Conclusion

The B.F.A. in Theatre Design, Technology, and Management at Penn State is a highly respected incubator for theatre design and technology professionals and stage managers with the skills to succeed in today's job market. With its exceptional faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive curriculum, this program provides students with the ideal environment to develop their skills and achieve their goals in the theatre industry.