Have you ever watched a concert, a play or musical and wondered "How did they do that?" Do you like to create visual worlds, paint, build, make costumes and solve problems? Join the design and production program to refine your techniques and expand your use of technologies.
This BA program in theatre with a concentration in design and production provides students a hands-on education with an emphasis on design and production for entertainment. The concentration utilizes cutting edge technologies to create unique worlds onstage and in the classroom. Within a broad-range of academic opportunities, the program prepares students for both careers in entertainment design and production and for graduate study in the field.
The program offers specialty coursework in the following areas:
- costume construction
- costume design and technology
- digital fabrication
- lighting design and stage electrics
- media design and technology
- properties construction
- scenic art
- scenic design and scenic art
- sound and media systems design
- sound design and technology
- stage management
- technical direction
At A Glance
Theatre (Design and Production), BA
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
Concentration Progress Review
Progress reviews occur at the end of each semester. For details and required materials, visit the Steps to Apply page.
Deadlines to Submit Materials
Spring 2023: November 16, 2022 (5 p.m. MST)
Fall 2023: April 6, 2023 (5 p.m. MST)
Interview Dates:
Spring 2023: November 30, 2022
1-5 p.m. in Nelson Fine Arts Center Green Room
Fall 2023: April 20, 2023
1-5 p.m. in Nelson Fine Arts Center Green Room
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
The bachelor's degree program in theatre with a concentration in design and production provides an excellent foundation in the performing arts and entertainment industries for those who want to work as designers or technicians, prepares students for further training at graduate schools or conservatories, and provides each student the unique opportunity to explore their own creative process and ability to collaborate with others. Additionally, the program's liberal arts emphasis prepares graduates for a variety of careers.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Actors | 3.1% | * |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | 4.1% | $77,700 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 5.6% | $69,690 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | 12.3% | $47,920 |
| Producers and Directors | 10% | $76,400 |
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | 11% | $106,920 |
| Sound Engineering Technicians | 6% | $53,520 |
| Media Programming Directors | 10% | $76,400 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | 1.2% | $58,180 |
| Media Technical Directors/Managers | 10% | $76,400 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation