multi-color theater lights

Theatre Design & Technology

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Overview

The B.F.A. in Theatre Design and Technology is a pre-professional degree offered in three emphasis areas:

  • costume design
  • lighting design
  • set design

You'll put classroom studies into hands-on practice in all areas. Beginning your first semester, work hands-on in a lab setting to build and paint scenery, create costumes from beginning sketches to a fitted garment, and prep stage lights and props. Fulfill show positions such as carpenter, master electrician, or wardrobe and makeup crew — all while taking an active part in mounting the department’s plays and musicals.

Upon completion of the program, Nazareth graduates are skilled and employable. In addition to a four-year resumé and a topnotch portfolio, you'll build professional credits and critical contacts for this networking-heavy industry.

In the state-of-the-art Arts Center and Callahan Theater, receive training through practical daily experience in our shops. Hone your skills in your area of emphasis and enjoy the opportunities to explore other areas of technical theatre.

Highlights

  • Professional internship opportunities before your senior year.
  • Study in all the design areas with small class sizes for optimal student/instructor time.
  • You can tailor the program to include any area of design specific interest, technical theatre courses, theatre history, play analysis, fundamentals of acting, and art history.
  • Have opportunities to work in design or leadership roles on department productions.
  • Option: Train with professionals on London’s West End through short-term study abroad.
  • You are encouraged to attend industry conferences and pursue related summer work, while regularly using faculty referrals.
  • Learn from faculty members who work professionally in their fields and attend and present at professional conferences to keep current with trends and technology.

Program Details

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Course Offerings »

Related Programs

Outcomes

Provide portfolio

A portfolio review is required for this major. View portfolio details and register.

Fully immersed

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Choose your area of focus: costume design, lighting design, set design

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Get start to finish experience in carpentry, electrical, wardrobe, and makeup

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Start working behind the scenes on performances during your first semester

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Study abroad in London's West End with theatre professionals

Example internships/field experiences

  • Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. (ETC)
  • Geva Theatre Center
  • Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival

$4,000

UP TO $4,000 TO INVEST IN YOU
Unique to Nazareth, our SPARK Grant provides $1,500 for you to pursue internships, research, and study abroad, plus up to $2,500 in a tuition scholarship for summer SPARK-eligible experiences that earn credit. SPARK stories »

student working on theater stage lighting rig
stage crew assembling set on theater stage
students sewing in backstage costume shop

Your life's work

Careers

  • Production designer
  • Theatre technician
  • Scenic artist
  • Wardrobe supervisor
  • Master electrician
  • Prop master
  • Stage manager
  • Sound design
  • Technical director

Employers

  • Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
  • National tours of My Fair Lady and Grinch
  • Euroco Costumes
  • Busch Gardens

Graduate schools

  • Juilliard
  • Yale University
  • Boston University
  • Tisch (NYU School of the Arts)
Alumna Becca Pickett, technical theatre major, lighting, set & costume design degree program

Alumni Spotlight

Becca Picket '10, freelance stage manager, NYC; member, Actors' Equity Association

"Naz helped me prepare for my journey by allowing me the opportunity to work on any aspect of a production as often as I could. Most importantly, the theatre department taught me how to always be willing and ready to work."