B.A. in Theatre Arts, Technical Theatre: Scenery/Costume/Lighting Design Option

Overview

The Department of Theatre Arts offers a B.A. in Theatre Arts with three options: a versatile Theatre Arts B.A., and focused options in Technical Theatre: Scenic/Costume/Lighting Design and Performance: Acting. Each B.A. degree program offers exposure across a broad range of highly transferable skills in the dramatic arts supporting future employment in theatre, film and television, education, live entertainment, and events.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts, Technical Theatre: Scenery/Costume/Lighting Design Option provides opportunities to gain exposure and expertise across a broad range of highly transferable skills in the dramatic arts with an emphasis on design and technical crafts. The curriculum includes study in traditional and contemporary areas including Acting, Technical and Design Crafts, Theatre History, Literature and Criticism, Directing, and Playwriting.
 
Specialized technical and design courses include Lighting, Scenic, Costumes, Stage Management, Theatrical Makeup, and Sound Design.
 
Students have opportunities to direct, design, act, and assist in all areas with the student-run Theatre Threshold, and the professionally-modeled California Repertory Company.
 
Design/Technical students can complete professional internships and are prepared for a variety of potential professional opportunities including entry into graduate design programs, design and technical work in theatre, film, television, entertainment, and events, and transferable skills for diverse opportunities.

We have three theatres for the students to create their art. Along with fully-staffed shops and state of the art automated lighting, video, and sound equipment, our technical students have access to the tools that are currently being used in the profession. In addition, our collaboration with other schools in the College of the Arts offer students training in CAD, 3D Printing, Architectural Lighting, Film and Electronic Arts, and Fine Art.

 

 

Our department offers many opportunities for designers and technicians. Information to learn more about who to ask regarding mainstage opportunities is available.

Our student-produced theatre company, Theatre Threshold, produces 28 shows a year and is always looking for designers and technicians. Our Theatre Threshold page can help you learn more and guide you on how to get involved.

Artists in Black is our student association for technical majors and any other student interested in design, tech, and stage management. It was founded in 2012 to:

  • Assist incoming and transfer designers, technicians, and stage managers with acclimating to the department
  • Mentor designers, technicians and stage managers who are working on Theatre Threshold shows
  • Provide a forum for technical students to discuss curriculum concerns
  • Create a more connected community among the technicians, designers, and stage managers
  • Provide a job posting forum for technical theatre related internships and career opportunities
  • Coordinate technical theatre related workshops and events

Please feel free to reach out to us at any time. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas that may benefit technical theatre students, please email Artists in Black. 

* Artists in Black is a subcommittee of the Student Association of Theatre Arts (SATA)

Theatre Arts faculty and staff are highly successful in placing our students in discipline specific professional internships in the LA area, nationally and internationally. Due to our location we are in the hub of the Southern California entertainment business.

Local internships have taken place at institutions including Disney, LA Opera, South Coast Repertory, International City Theatre, Long Beach Playhouse, The Chance Theatre, LA Fringe Festival, The Elephant Theatre, The Antaeus Theatre Company, Four Clowns, The Garage Theatre, LA’s Center Theatre Group, Pasadena Playhouse, Casting Companies, Artist Agencies and many more.

Our students have worked nationally and internationally with our faculty members in locations including NYC, Colorado, Utah, St. Petersburg Russia, Tokyo, Tanzania, Costa Rica and Norway. 

For curriculum, please refer to the CSULB Catalog.