B.F.A. in Theatre Design and Technical Production

“This program is a superstar in undergraduate theatre education. Western Michigan University is considered an elite program, with some of the highest quality students in the nation.” —Brant Pope, chair, Department of Drama and Dance, University of Texas-Austin

The Bachelor of Fine Arts program in design and technical production accepts up to 15 students each year, allowing for small classes and one-on-one interaction with the faculty. A comprehensive curriculum is offered in scenery, costumes, lighting, and sound. The curriculum is designed to give students a general overview of all aspects of theatre production, as well as advanced course work in specific areas. A minor in costume design is also available.

Students work as designers and technicians on fully produced, faculty-directed productions in three different theatre spaces using state-of-the-art equipment. Technical assistantships and work-study assignments are also available in all production areas and provide additional opportunities for hands-on, practical experience. Masterclasses with nationally recognized, professional artists are provided to expand the academic experience beyond the classroom even further. 

Students study their craft in a state-of-the-art Design Studio with 24 CADD workstations at custom-designed drafting tables. A large scene shop is located on-site and is equipped for metal and wood construction. The department also maintains a costume shop with dye facilities, a lighting lab, automated fixtures, and digital audio and projection systems. Our advanced facilities ensure that students are exposed to the most current technology.

ALUMNI

Professionally, our alumni work at all levels of the industry including educational theatre, civic theatre, regional theatres Off-Broadway, and even on Broadway in productions including Avenue Q, Jersey Boys, South Pacific, Sundays in the Park With George, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and Phantom of the Opera. We have additionally placed students in related industries with companies like Pixar, Cirque de Soleil, Auerbach Pollock Friedlander and Meyer Sound Laboratories.