COURSE CURRICULUM

The Theatre Design/Tech degree at the University of North Texas offers a professionally oriented, hands-on education that prepares students for a wide range of careers in technical theatre and production. The Department of Dance and Theatre maintains fully equipped performance spaces, including the 409-seat University Theatre and the 160-seat Studio Theatre, along with extensive technical facilities such as costume and scenic shops, storage areas, and production support resources that allow students to participate in a full annual season of theatrical work. A distinctive feature of the program is its emphasis on undergraduate involvement in high-level production roles, where qualified students may perform lead roles, direct public productions, and take responsibility for stage management as well as the design and execution of scenery, costumes, lighting, makeup, and wigs. This immersive structure allows students to build professional-level experience while still in school. The curriculum also helps students develop transferable skills in communication, collaboration, leadership, and organization, which are valuable in many industries beyond theatre. Students may further enhance their education by combining theatre studies with related disciplines such as journalism or law, leading to specialized career paths including theatre criticism or entertainment law. In addition to coursework, students have opportunities to participate in faculty-led professional projects, audition for local theatre groups, and engage with campus organizations that support networking and creative development. Scholarships based on merit and talent are also available to support student achievement. Career opportunities for graduates include acting for stage and film, directing, stage management, technical design roles such as lighting, costume, makeup, props, and set design, as well as positions in arts administration, marketing, box office management, theatrical photography, and theatre education at the elementary or secondary level. Core courses in the program include rehearsal and performance practice, scenic painting, scenic design, costume construction, theatrical makeup, and professional development in design and technical theatre, providing both artistic training and practical industry preparation.