COURSE CURRICULUM

Wright State University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Technology is a professionally focused program that prepares students for careers in stage management, design, and technical production across theatre, film, television, and live entertainment industries. The degree emphasizes hands-on training through extensive production experience, allowing students to develop real-world skills in lighting, sound, set design, costume construction, drafting, and stagecraft while working in active campus productions alongside faculty who are practicing professionals in regional and national theatre industries. Students choose a concentration such as set design, lighting design, costume design, sound design, scenery technology, costume technology, scene painting and properties, lighting and sound technology, or stage management, each combining specialized coursework with a strong foundation in theatre history, design principles, and technical theory. Across all tracks, students complete core courses such as theatre graphics, stage lighting, theatrical design, and theatre history and literature, along with practicum-based classes that ensure continuous participation in production work over multiple semesters. The curriculum also integrates digital tools such as computer-aided design, graphics software, and modern production technologies, preparing students for the evolving demands of the entertainment industry. In addition to technical expertise, the program develops critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, leadership, and communication skills essential for managing complex productions. Students gain an understanding of the business side of theatre, including production management and professional practices, which enhances employability after graduation. The program is structured to ensure graduates are job-ready for careers in regional theatres, touring productions, opera companies, dance organizations, television studios, and major entertainment hubs such as New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Orlando. With strong production exposure, faculty mentorship, and specialized training pathways, the BFA in Theatre Design and Technology equips students with both creative artistry and technical precision, making it a comprehensive route into the professional performing arts industry.