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
Application Requirements
Admission interviews occur at the end of each semester. Students can register for the interview by completing undergraduate theatre application by the deadline. For a complete list of the application and eligibility requirements, visit the Steps to Apply page.
Interview Dates
Spring 2022: December 2, 2021
Fall 2022: registration information and date will be announced in early in the spring 2022 semester.
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
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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.
Admission requirements
Students interested in the BA in theatre are admitted directly into the major by indicating their degree preference on their ASU admission application.
Students interested in the BA in theatre, BA in theatre with a concentration in acting, or BA in theatre with a concentration in design and production enter as BA theatre majors. Once students begin to complete classes at ASU in the BA theatre program, they may apply to a concentration in either acting or design and production.
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