The Design and Technology Program gives intensive, real-world opportunities to students with an interest in working behind the scenes in the performing arts. Production Design and Stage Management students work closely with talented, experienced faculty, production staff, and guest artists, in the classroom and on the stage. In fact, the direct, personal mentorship of students by the faculty and staff is an important aspect of the program.

Department stage managers work closely with professional directors and designers, and take on critical responsibilities in the production process for all Mainstage and other shows.

The number of students in the Stage Management concentration is limited to allow ample production opportunities for all students. The curriculum is structured to give stage management students a broad familiarity with all phases of the production process, as well as a knowledge of the field of theatre in general.

Although many Design and Tech students choose to focus just on working behind the scenes, others elect to study acting, dance performance, or directing, or to pursue another major in addition to theatre. While Production Design students often focus on one particular area of design — lighting, scenery, costumes, or sound — they receive training in all of these.

Courses are taught in modern, well-equipped facilities, using state-of-the-art equipment. Productions are staged in our extensive performance facilities, including two large theatres and two studio theatres, all fully and professionally equipped.

While the Design and Technology concentrations are part of the Theatre Program, students work on both theatre and dance productions, and study the design techniques and production management strategies of both. Design and Tech students have gone on to success in both fields, as well as cinema, television, corporate and trade show design, and other fields.