Program Overview

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with a concentration in lighting design/technical production is designed to educate and train students as theatre professionals in performance, costume design/technical production, lighting design/technical production, scenic design/technical production, or stage management.

Program Description

Student participation in both credit- and noncredit-bearing department activities is required. Students matriculating in School of the Arts degree programs are bound by the policies and procedures stipulated in this bulletin and in any other current handbook or policy document adopted by the individual programs. Students may choose from a variety of BFA concentrations to further specialize their studies.

Career Opportunities

For more than 67 years, Theatre VCU has prepared students for careers in professional and academic theatre. Hundreds of alumni scattered across the United States and Canada now successfully practice what they began as students at VCU. With 25 faculty and staff and a combined graduate and undergraduate student population averaging 280, Theatre VCU is one of the largest theatre training programs in the southeastern United States.

Change of Major Requirements

Completion of the Art Foundation Program is a prerequisite for entry into all fine art and design departments. Typical application deadlines are:

• November 1 (for spring applicants)
  • April 1 (for fall applicants)

Career Prospects

Bachelor-level job titles include:

• Assistant Art Director
• Lighting Designer
• Master Electrician
• Museum Technicians and Conservators
• Production Designer (Film, TV)
• Production Sound Technician (TV, Film)
• Scenic Artists and Propmakers
• Set and Exhibit Designers
• Sound Designer
• Stage Technician Graduate and professional level job titles include:
• Professional Designer
• Scene/Costume Shop Manager
• Theatre Administrator
• High School/College Teacher

Professional Associations and Resources

• American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations
• Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE)
• International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
• Southeastern Theatre Conference
• United Scenic Artists Local USA 829
• University Resident Theatre Association