Theatre Design (BFA)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Theatre Design and Technology program provides students a solid theatre education experience. Students take a series of design and support courses in all theatrical production areas. Scene painting, stage lighting, stage management and CAD courses are many of the courses available to design and production majors. The program also stresses active involvement in all aspects of production work outside the classroom. Design students serve as assistants to faculty designers and are given the opportunity to design main stage productions.

FACULTY The Department of Theatre Arts is comprised of seven full-time faculty members, 6 have earned the highest degrees in their fields. All full-time faculty are engaged in teaching classes from the introductory to advanced levels. The inclusive nature of the curriculum means that students will have the opportunity to take classes from every member of the Department of Theatre Arts as they pursue their degree.

ACADEMIC PREPARATION There are no prerequisite high school courses or requirements needed for enrollment in the theatre program, but students should have a well-rounded academic high school curriculum. Previous involvement in high school and/or community theatre is strongly recommended.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS Students interested in pursuing B.F.A.. degrees in Musical Theatre, Acting, Directing, and Theatre Education at Drake University must prepare an audition for entrance into the program. Prospective B.F.A. Design/ Technical students must prepare a portfolio for entrance into the program.  Visit the theatre department webpage to view audition and/or portofolio requirements.

GROUP AUDITION/PORTFOLIO REVIEW DAY SCHEDULE Admission and scholarship auditions are offered for incoming, fall-term, first year students. Audition dates are in January and February. To register for an admission and/or scholarship audition, contact Megan Martin at megan.martin@drake.edu or visit the theatre department audition webpage.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MAJOR A minimum of 67 credit hours is required in theatre arts coursework; however, a maximum of 76 theatre credits will be accepted for the degree.

DRAKE CURRICULUM The Drake Curriculum, required of all undergraduates, is designed to help students meet personal and professional goals as they acquire fundamental knowledge and abilities in ten Areas of Inquiry, including communication, critical thinking, artistic experience, historical consciousness, information and technology literacy, international and multicultural experiences, scientific and quantitative literacy, values and ethics and engaged citizenship. Students work closely with their academic advisers to craft a program of study in general education that prepares students for civic and professional leadership.

The Drake Curriculum also requires first-year seminars, which foster development of critical thinking and written and oral communication skills through a topical focus; and a Senior Capstone, in which students demonstrate the capacity to bring information, skills and ideas to bear on one project.

INTERNSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES The Theatre Arts department constantly receives news of internships in every aspect of theatre, including design and production. Theatre students have recently interned with the prestigious Utah Shakespeare Festival, with the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, and with the Berkeley Rep in California. These internships offer students opportunities to make contacts 
within the industry and to experience first-hand the use of their education in the professional theatre.

CAREER OPTIONS Typical career paths for theatre arts graduates include regional theatre, teaching, TV and film. Many find employment in the design and creation of lighting, costumes, and sets for professional companies in these fields. Recent graduates have gone on to work in Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, and Los Angeles. A number also have entered and completed graduate programs throughout the country.

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