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School of Theatre Arts

Theatre Design & Technology

Design Tech logoDesign and Technology at IWU is among the United States’ leading undergraduate programs committed to holistic and rigorous training in theatrical design, technical theatre, and production stage management.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design & Technology is a practice-based, all-encompassing pre-professional curriculum including applied training in costuming, hair and makeup, lighting, scenic, sound, and production stage management. During their time at IWU, students will have multiple opportunities to design, build, and stage manage during our active season boasting six large-scale productions. Alumni leave IWU with a robust portfolio and the professional experience that sets them apart.

ETCP employerIn 2022, Illinois Wesleyan University earned recognition from the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) as one of five universities in the country to be an ETCP Recognized Employer. Eligibility for this designation acknowledges that industry standards and hiring practices are being followed. In 2021 we were recognized as the number one design tech program in Illinois. (Prepler, 2021)

 

Students can opt to specialize in a discipline, but are required to take advanced course work in at least three of the following:

Costume Design

In addition to coursework in costume history and design, costume-focused students work on all performances throughout the season, including costume design and construction, draping, dressing, wig styling, and hair and make-up design.

Scenic Design

The student focusing on set design learns hand drafting, computer drafting in Vectorworks, model building, and set construction, with a rotation of specialty classes in topics such as puppetry, scene painting, and properties. Students additionally participate in personalized seminars in design and technology for the theatre.

Lighting Design

The student interested in lighting will gain hands-on experience in design and drafting using Lightwright and Vectorworks software. In addition, lighting-focused students learn to hang and focus a light plot and work as electricians, board operators, and programmers on main stage and lab shows.

Stage Management

Students specializing in stage management take coursework in all disciplines of theatre design and technology to be able to communicate effectively with creative collaborators as they execute productions. IWU stage managers learn basics of lighting, sound, scenic design, and costumes in addition to mastering how to call plays, musicals, and dance concerts. Stage managers additionally run rehearsals and manage the production calendar.

 

Major Sequence in Theatre Design & Technology

20 units required for the major to include:

  1. THEA 105Y and/or THEA 106Y Theatre Laboratory I & II (11 enrollments)
  2. All of the following:
  3. One from the following:
  4. One from the following:
  5. One from the following:
  6. Three from the following:
  7. Two from the following:
  8. Four from the following:
  9. One from the following:

 

Minor Sequence in Theatre Design & Technology

A minimum of 6.5 units to include:

  1. THEA 105Y or THEA 106Y Theatre Laboratory I & II (five enrollments) [waived for Theatre Arts majors]
  2. One from the following:
  3. THEA 220 Introduction to Theatre Design (one of the following may be substituted if THEA 220 has been previously taken)
  4. One from the following: 
  5. Four from the following: (one must be at the upper level)

Students interested in declaring a Minor in Theatre Design & Technology should arrange an appointment with the Director of the School of Theatre Arts at the earliest convenience. 

Theatre Design & Technology Course Plan Course Descriptions Apply to SoTA

Armie Thompson headshot

Armie Thompson - Associate Professor of Theatre Arts

Department - School Of Theatre Arts

(309) 556-3317