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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Theatre Design/Technology BFA
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If you aspire to work behind the scenes in live event production, the Theatre Design/Technology BFA program is ideal. It offers structured, intensive training in state-of-the-art facilities. The program emphasizes practical application supported by lectures. Students receive comprehensive training in all aspects of production, including Scene, Lighting, Costume, Sound, and Projection Design, as well as Stage Management and Technical Direction. We provide opportunities to learn in the classroom and apply that learning through hands-on experiences in the production of plays, musicals, and dance concerts. Graduates are well-prepared for job placement in the entertainment industry, with many securing positions in theatre and live events, and others advancing to top graduate programs.
Visit the Theatre academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.
Visit the Theatre and Dance department page for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.
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Admission Criteria
Admission for the Theatre Design/Technology BFA requires an audition. Please visit the Audition Registration to schedule an audition. Prerequisite Courses (13 credits)
Theatre Design/Technology Core (57 credits)
Two Upper Level Design courses (6 credits)
Two Dramatic Literature courses (6 credits)
One Mind/Body course (3 credits)
Notes
*Please note that there is a course fee associated with introductory and advanced design courses. UB Seminar courses cannot count towards major requirements. Total Credits Required for Major: 85
Additional Degree Requirements Include:
- Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
- Elective courses as needed to complete the 120 credit hour total
Total Credits Required for Graduation: 120
Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes. Academic Requirements
Minimum 2.333 (C+) in all courses that fulfill a major requirement. Practical application of coursework is an integral part of the Theatre Design/Technology BFA. At a minimum, BFA students must complete four practicums, which include various design and technical assignments for departmental productions. Students apply for design positions each semester; those who are assigned a production will support those practicum with mentored seminars and laboratory time. All BFA students must choose one supplemental field of study in which to complete their three additional electives, as noted in the requirements below. Theatre BFA students also maintain their place in the program through periodic evaluations and reviews by faculty members. Regularized mentorship prepares the student for graduate study or a professional career. Program Distinction
A student in this major is eligible for Program Distinction upon degree conferral if the criteria are met. Criteria are found under Academic Honors in the Policy and Procedure section of this Catalog. Program Distinction is noted on the official transcript. Curricular Plan
A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit. All students are encouraged to use this plan in conjunction with other academic planning resources such as your academic advisor, the HUB Academic Advisement Report , My Planner and Path Finder tool. In addition to following this course roadmap, all other admission and academic requirements of this major as listed in the Undergraduate Catalog must be met in order to successfully complete this degree.
YEAR 1
Fall Semester Spring Semester
YEAR 2
Fall Semester Spring Semester
YEAR 3
Fall Semester Spring Semester
YEAR 4
Fall Semester Spring Semester
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED: 120 Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement. Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of: - Scenographic Practice (Theatrical Design: Costumes, light, projection, sets, and sound)
- Visual Imagination - Simultaneity of analytical and abstract thinking used to produce art in response to a text. Fearlessness in artistic expression based on ability to clearly articulate a design concept
- Graphic Communication Clarity of design ideas expressed through visuals: drafts, renderings, and models, light plots, etc.
- Research Methods - Period Styles; Use of resources (print & digital) effectively to support a design idea
Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of Theatrical Production (Fabrication and Engineering of Elements and Systems for the Stage) - Materiality
- Craftsmanship
- Ability to move the theoretical to reality multiple solutions to a technical problem are explored
- Identifying high and low technical solutions to design aesthetic challenges and assessing the value of one over the other
- Understandings; the role of aesthetics in the engineering and fabrication of garments and structures, appreciating the importance of function (as in physical requirements) and appearance (as to appropriately communicate a design idea to an audience)
Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of organization and time management. - Ability to bring thought to action
- Interpersonal dynamics: ability to listen and be heard
- Situation assessment and ability to formulate questions
- Supporting an ensemble and honoring the importance of the individual (essential cog in the production engine)
- Ability to create a prompt book, show bible, working drawings, and signal paths
Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of collaboration. Establishing good working relationships such as: - Between director/choreographer and design team in the creation of an original staged work
- Between the performer, space, sound and light in order to convey theme/story/idea
- Between designer and technician (a shop)
- Working outside your comfort zone; ability to dovetail your thinking to someone else’s point of view
- Visual storytelling
Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of production theory and protocol. - Industry standards as set forth by: Actors’ Equity Association, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, League of Resident Theatres, United Scenic Artists, the United States Institute for Theatre Technologies, Broadway and National Tours
- Observation learning as industry professionals cross-pollinate with students in lab environments
(HEGIS: 10.07 DRAMATIC ARTS, CIP: 50.0501 Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General) |
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