Design/Technology, BFA

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Program Description:

The Department of Theatre, Dance, and Motion Pictures is devoted exclusively to the training and education of undergraduate students in the areas of dance, motion pictures, and theatre. These programs lead to the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. Students who wish to study theatre choose from the BA degree in Theatre Studies, or BFA programs in Acting, Acting/Musical Theatre, and Design/Technology/Stage Management.

The Department of Theatre, Dance, and Motion Pictures is empowered by the Ohio Revised Code to require particular preliminary training or talent for admission to specific programs, and each of the five B.F.A. degree programs has specific criteria for admission to each level of training. Students who wish to be admitted as majors in Acting, Acting/Musical Theatre, or Dance must successfully pass an audition or interview. The department has an open admissions policy for first-semester students wishing to major in the B.A. programs in Theatre Studies and Motion Pictures History, Theory, and Criticism, and the B.F.A. programs in Design/Technology/Stage Management and Motion Pictures Production. Transfer students are admitted into B.F.A. programs on the basis of a successful audition, interview, or portfolio presentation.

Each B.F.A. program has set criteria for selectively retaining students in the programs. These include a requirement that students earn a GPA of at least 2.0 to continue in the B.F.A. programs; most of the programs require a higher minimum GPA for graduation. The policies are spelled out in the curriculum sections of the department web page. Students are required to consult regularly with an academic adviser. All students who return after an absence of three or more consecutive semesters must reapply to the faculty for readmission to the program, and at the discretion of the faculty they may be required to satisfy program requirements in effect at the time of readmission.

Degree Requirements- Theatre Design/Technology/Stage Management:

Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree:

The Theatre Design and Technology B.F.A. program in the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures provides strong and comprehensive hands-on training in all traditional areas of entertainment design and production. As a program that only offers a B.F.A. degree, we are solely focused on educating undergraduate students. Theatre Design and Technology majors can concentrate in costumes, lighting, properties, scenery, scenic art, sound, stage management, or technical direction. Our students receive training in a wide variety of production types, preparing them for jobs in the broad field of entertainment design and production. The four-year sequence of classes, in conjunction with assignments on departmental productions, offers students a strong balance of practical and theoretical work. 

Our graduates are well prepared to move into the profession as collaborative, versatile artists and/or craftspeople. Through a series of annual portfolio reviews, students learn to present themselves and their work effectively to potential employers. The program has a high placement rate for graduates in various careers, graduate schools, and professional internships. 

Program Learning Outcomes:

High level of competency and responsibility in one or more areas of theatre design,  technology, and/or and stage management, including:

• Competency in key leadership role, such as stage managing, designing, or supervising building of main stage productions. 
• Proficiency in theatre design, theatre technology, or stage management.
• Knowledge of technical theory, application and craft in their area of focus.
• Critical thinking and problem solving ability.
• Knowledge of theatre history and dramatic literature.
• Skills in integrated drawing, drafting, painting, presentation and construction skills, as well as proficiency in selected computer design and graphics software.
• Pragmatic understanding of the business side of the theatrical design and technology professions.

For more information visit:

• Design Technology, BFA
• Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures
• College of Liberal Arts

Design Concentration

Program Requirements:

I. WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY CORE: 38 HOURS

ELEMENT 1: COMMUNICATION: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 2: MATHEMATICS: 3 HOURS

ELEMENT 3: GLOBAL TRADITIONS: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 4: ARTS AND HUMANITIES: 3 HOURS

Required:

• TH 2140 - Theatre in Western Culture Credit Hour(s): 3

ELEMENT 5: SOCIAL SCIENCES: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 6: NATURAL SCIENCES: 8 HOURS

ADDITIONAL CORE COURSES: 6 HOURS

Required:

• ART 2140 - Themes in Visual Culture Credit Hour(s): 3

II. DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS: 67 HOURS

• TH 1020 - Stagecraft Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 1240 - Theatre Graphics I: Fundamentals Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 1510 - Introduction to the Performance Process Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2100 - Theatre Technology Credit Hour(s): 2 (Taken for a total of 8 credits)
• TH 2190 - Stage Lighting I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2250 - Theatre Graphics II: Media and Color Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2260 - Theatre Graphics II: Drafting Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3010 - Introduction to Theatrical Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3200 - Applied Theatre Technology I Credit Hour(s): 3 to 5 (Taken for a total of 6 credits)
• TH 3210 - Scene Painting I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3250 - Set Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3260 - Costume Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3280 - Decorative Style through the Ages Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3760 - Design Studio Credit Hour(s): 2
• TH 3800 - Theatre History and Literature I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3810 - Theatre History and Literature II Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 4200 - Applied Theatre Technology II Credit Hour(s): 2 to 5
• TH 4240 - Advanced Design Studio I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 4250 - Advanced Design Studio II Credit Hour(s): 3

PLUS:

SET DESIGN: 15 HOURS

• TH 3220 - Scene Painting II Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3290 - Costume History Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 4330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre II Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 4360 - Theatre Graphics II: Rendering Credit Hour(s): 3

OR

LIGHTING DESIGN: 12 HOURS

• TH 2020 - Sound Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3320 - Automated Lighting Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3510 - Stage Management Credit Hour(s): 3 OR
• TH 4360 - Theatre Graphics II: Rendering Credit Hour(s): 3

OR

COSTUME DESIGN: 13 HOURS

• TH 1200 - Make-up for the Theatre Credit Hour(s): 1
• TH 2290 - Fabric Dyeing and Modification Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3290 - Costume History Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3340 - Costume Construction Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3360 - Pattern Drafting and Draping Credit Hour(s): 3

OR

SOUND DESIGN: 11 HOURS

• TH 2020 - Sound Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3320 - Automated Lighting Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 4340 - Theatrical Rigging Credit Hour(s): 2

III. RELATED REQUIREMENTS

SOUND DESIGN FOCUS ONLY: 3 HOURS

• Music course (decided w/advisor) Credit Hour(s): 3

IV. ELECTIVES: 0-3 HOURS

TOTAL: 120 HOURS

Graduation Planning Strategy

The Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) has been created to illustrate one option to complete degree requirements within a particular time frame. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to adjust this plan based on credit already earned, individual needs or curricular changes that may not be reflected in this year’s catalog.

Design Technology, Lighting Design (GPS) 

Design Technology, Set Design (GPS) 

Design Technology, Sound Design (GPS) 

Technology Concentration

Program Requirements:

I. WRIGHT STATE CORE: 38 HOURS

ELEMENT 1: COMMUNICATION: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 2: MATHEMATICS: 3 HOURS

ELEMENT 3: GLOBAL TRADITIONS: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 4: ARTS AND HUMANITIES: 3 HOURS

Required:

• TH 2140 - Theatre in Western Culture Credit Hour(s): 3

ELEMENT 5: SOCIAL SCIENCES: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 6: NATURAL SCIENCES: 8 HOURS

ADDITIONAL CORE COURSES: 6 HOURS

Required:

• ART 2140 - Themes in Visual Culture Credit Hour(s): 3

II. DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS: 55 HOURS

• TH 1020 - Stagecraft Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 1240 - Theatre Graphics I: Fundamentals Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 1510 - Introduction to the Performance Process Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2100 - Theatre Technology Credit Hour(s): 2
• TH 2250 - Theatre Graphics II: Media and Color Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2260 - Theatre Graphics II: Drafting Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3010 - Introduction to Theatrical Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3200 - Applied Theatre Technology I Credit Hour(s): 3 to 5

• (Taken for a total of 10 credits)

• TH 3210 - Scene Painting I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3800 - Theatre History and Literature I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3810 - Theatre History and Literature II Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 4200 - Applied Theatre Technology II Credit Hour(s): 2 to 5

PLUS:

SCENERY TECHNOLOGY: 26 HOURS

• TH 2190 - Stage Lighting I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2200 - Stagecraft Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3250 - Set Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3280 - Decorative Style through the Ages Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3290 - Costume History Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 4290 - Advanced Theatre Crafts Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 4330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre II Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 4340 - Theatrical Rigging Credit Hour(s): 2

OR

COSTUME TECHNOLOGY: 25 HOURS

• TH 1200 - Make-up for the Theatre Credit Hour(s): 1
• TH 2290 - Fabric Dyeing and Modification Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3260 - Costume Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3280 - Decorative Style through the Ages Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3290 - Costume History Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3340 - Costume Construction Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3350 - Costume Crafts Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3360 - Pattern Drafting and Draping Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2190 - Stage Lighting I Credit Hour(s): 3 OR
• TH 3250 - Set Design Credit Hour(s): 3

OR

SCENE PAINTING: 27 HOURS

• TH 2290 - Fabric Dyeing and Modification Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3220 - Scene Painting II Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3250 - Set Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3280 - Decorative Style through the Ages Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3290 - Costume History Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 4330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre II Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 4360 - Theatre Graphics II: Rendering Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2190 - Stage Lighting I Credit Hour(s): 3 OR
• TH 3260 - Costume Design Credit Hour(s): 3

OR

PROPERTIES: 27 HOURS

• TH 2290 - Fabric Dyeing and Modification Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3220 - Scene Painting II Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3250 - Set Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3280 - Decorative Style through the Ages Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3290 - Costume History Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 4330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre II Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 4360 - Theatre Graphics II: Rendering Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2190 - Stage Lighting I Credit Hour(s): 3 OR
• TH 3260 - Costume Design Credit Hour(s): 3

OR

LIGHTING & SOUND TECHNOLOGY: 20 HOURS

• TH 2020 - Sound Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2190 - Stage Lighting I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3320 - Automated Lighting Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 4290 - Advanced Theatre Crafts Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 4340 - Theatrical Rigging Credit Hour(s): 2
• TH 3250 - Set Design Credit Hour(s): 3 OR
• TH 3260 - Costume Design Credit Hour(s): 3

III. ELECTIVES: 0-8 HOURS

TOTAL: 120 HOURS

Graduation Planning Strategy

The Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) has been created to illustrate one option to complete degree requirements within a particular time frame. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to adjust this plan based on credit already earned, individual needs or curricular changes that may not be reflected in this year’s catalog.

Design Technology, Costume Tech (GPS) 

Design Technology, Lighting & Sound (GPS) 

Design Technology, Scene Paint and Props (GPS) 

Design Technology, Scenery Tech (GPS) 

Stage Management Concentration

Program Requirements:

I. WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY CORE: 38 HOURS

ELEMENT 1: COMMUNICATION: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 2: MATHEMATICS: 3 HOURS

ELEMENT 3: GLOBAL TRADITIONS: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 4: ARTS AND HUMANITIES: 3 HOURS

Required:

• TH 2140 - Theatre in Western Culture Credit Hour(s): 3

ELEMENT 5: SOCIAL SCIENCES: 6 HOURS

Required:

• EC 2040 - Principles of Microeconomics Credit Hour(s): 3

ELEMENT 6: NATURAL SCIENCES: 8 HOURS

ADDITIONAL CORE COURSES: 6 HOURS

Required:

• ART 2140 - Themes in Visual Culture Credit Hour(s): 3

II. DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS: 61-67 HOURS

• TH 1020 - Stagecraft Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 1470 - Acting Aesthetics Credit Hour(s): 2
• TH 1480 - Acting Aesthetics Credit Hour(s): 2
• TH 2020 - Sound Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2100 - Theatre Technology Credit Hour(s): 2 (Take 10 credit hours) (Must do one semester in each shop and administration)
• TH 2190 - Stage Lighting I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2200 - Stagecraft Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 2260 - Theatre Graphics II: Drafting Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3010 - Introduction to Theatrical Design Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3200 - Applied Theatre Technology I Credit Hour(s): 3 to 5 (Must take 1 semester of TH 3200 for 5 credit hours)
• TH 3500 - Directing Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3510 - Stage Management Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3520 - Stage Management II Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3800 - Theatre History and Literature I Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3810 - Theatre History and Literature II Credit Hour(s): 3
• TH 3990 - Studies in Selected Subjects Credit Hour(s): 1 to 3
• TH 4100 - Stage Management Practicum Credit Hour(s): 1 to 3 (6-12 hours required)
• TH 3250 - Set Design Credit Hour(s): 3 OR
• TH 3260 - Costume Design Credit Hour(s): 3

III. RELATED REQUIREMENTS: 12 HOURS

• COM 1040 - Introduction to Human Communication Credit Hour(s): 3
• DAN 1070 - Ballet for the Actor I Credit Hour(s): 2
• DAN 1240 - Jazz for the Actor I Credit Hour(s): 1
• EC 2040 - Principles of Microeconomics Credit Hour(s): 3 (EC 2040 is part of the Wright State Core and can be used for Element 5 - Social Science)
• ENG 3000 - Business Writing Credit Hour(s): 3
• MUS 1140 - Fundamentals of Musicianship I Credit Hour(s): 3

IV. ELECTIVES: 3-9 HOURS

3-9 hours of Electives
or
(CELIA) Arts Management Certificate 
LA 4000  (1-3 Hours)
MKT 2500, URS 4300, URS 4340  
1-3 hours of Electives

TOTAL: 120 HOURS

Graduation Planning Strategy

The Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) has been created to illustrate one option to complete degree requirements within a particular time frame. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to adjust this plan based on credit already earned, individual needs or curricular changes that may not be reflected in this year’s catalog.

Design Technology, Stage Management (GPS)