The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Technical Production prepares students to work in a field that covers every backstage element that goes into a live performance. The program provides pre-professional training within a liberal arts course of study. Graduates typically pursue careers in design, technical direction, costuming, or as a master electrician, sound engineer, or stage manager.
BFA In Design and Technical Production Program Distinctions
The BFA in Design and Technical Production Program trains students in all areas of design and tech, so students graduate as adaptable problem solvers with a broad range of experience. This approach has directly built an influential pipeline of alumni who readily hire UNCG graduates on Broadway, in Hollywood art departments, and at major corporate entertainment agencies.
The program functions out of fully equipped, professional-grade spaces that replicate commercial shops with access to a fully operational scene shop, a dedicated costume shop and wardrobe studio, and a specialized light lab.
Students work on shows in three main performance venues:
- UNCG Auditorium—the largest, premier hall on campus with 1,642 seats. Originally built in 1927, this classic proscenium-style theatre features an orchestra pit with a double lift and advanced acoustics. It serves as the primary stage for massive, technically demanding musical theatre, opera, and dance productions.
- Taylor Theatre—a 409-seat proscenium venue that serves as the administrative and creative anchor for the School of Theatre. The facility includes a full fly and rigging system, an orchestra pit, a green room, and an auxiliary scene shop.
- Pam and David Sprinkle Theatre—an intimate, flexible studio theater with 140 seats located on the first floor of the Brown Building. It operates as both a studio classroom for acting and directing courses and a performance space for weekly student-driven workshops, new plays, and intimate showcases
UNCG School of Theatre Accreditations and affiliations include:
- National Association of Schools of Theatre
- Southeastern Theatre Conference
- United States Institute for Theatre Technology Inc.
- North Carolina Theatre Conference
- Theatre Communications Group
The Design and Technical Production Student Experience
Students in the BFA Design Tech major benefit from collaborations with other departments throughout the University, including Art, Media Studies, Interior Architecture, and Communication Studies.
BFA students are assigned design and production positions for shows throughout the season. Assignments are based on individual career goals. As a student progresses, the responsibilities and challenges of each assignment increase, culminating in a major project during the senior year.
“I’ve learned a lot about collaborating with performers and getting their take on things. It’s important to make sure they feel comfortable in things like breathing and moving. And it’s been great having acting-focused people be excited about this project, because it makes the late hours worth it.”
–Sophie Shahan ’24, BFA in Drama, Design and Technical Production
Our Design and Technical Production Alumni
Graduates include Tony winners; Broadway stage managers; designers, and technicians; and faculty and staff at colleges, and universities. Notable Design and Technical Production include:
- Bonnie Becker: Production Stage Manager (“School of Rock,” “Billy Elliot,” “Legally Blonde”)
- Julie DeVore: Assistant Production Manager (“School of Rock”)
- Joseph Forbes: Broadway Scene Designer (“The Producers,” “Hairspray,” “Book of Mormon”)
- Marcy Bethel Frank: Costume Design (“In the Next Room,” “American Idiot”)
After Graduating with your BFA in Drama, Design and Technical Production
A BFA in Design and Technical Production is a highly versatile, hands-on degree that prepares you for immediate employment in theatre, film and television, and commercial event production. Because the degree teaches advanced project management, engineering, and spatial design, your skills are highly transferable to industries outside of traditional theatre.
Potential careers include:
- Master Electrician
- Technical Director
- Costumer
- Sound Engineer
- Stage Manager
- Scenic Artist / Prop Master
- Set Dresser / Scenic Carpenter
- Event Producer / Technical Director
- Exhibit Designer
“The program here allowed me to combine different aspects of who I am, which was gratifying. I was able to use my acting, my drawing, and my directing.”
–Bianca Robinson ’22, BFA in Drama, Design and Technical Production
How to Apply to the BFA in Design and Technical Production Program
Students interested in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Technical Production should complete UNCG’s undergraduate admission process and the School of Theatre application/audition process. BFA in Design and Technical Production applicants must interview for admission with faculty prior to enrollment. For continued enrollment in the program, students will participate in BFA reviews at the end of each semester and must demonstrate acceptable academic and artistic growth to the faculty.
Frequently Asked Questions About A BFA In Design and Technical Production
Program Details
Degree Type: Bachelor's
College/School: College of Visual and Performing Arts
Program Type: Majors & Concentrations
Class Type: In Person
Catalog Name: Drama, B.F.A. Design and Technical Production Concentration
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Contact Us
School of Theatre
Jennifer Vellenga
Director
jgvellenga@uncg.edu