Behind any successful theatrical production or live performance event is a production team with the artistic drive to envision it and the technical skills to make it a reality. The B.F.A. program in Theatre Design, Technology and Management at Penn State offers students professional training and the skills to succeed in this fast-paced environment. Classes in Theatre Design, Technology and Management are taught by award winning faculty currently working in the industry and up to date with the latest technology and the best practices in the profession.
During your time at Penn State you will have endless opportunities to explore every aspect of theatre production both in the classroom and on stage, and you will be given the tools and the training to meet your potential and excel as a professional in your chosen field.
Are you ready to design your future? We are here to help you succeed.
Theatre Design, Technology and Management students at Penn State have access to state-of-the-art facilities where they will gain hands-on experience in every aspect of theatre design and production.
Students can choose the Design & Technology option or the Stage Management* option in this degree. Within the Design & Technology option, students may specialize in costume, lighting, scenic design, sound design or technical direction. Education in each area is led by world-class faculty with extensive experience in the industry and a deep understanding of evolving aspects of the profession.
Students in the Stage Management* option will take a full range of classes in every area of production including acting, design, music fundamentals and directing, and through classwork and hands-on experiences become excellent collaborators, outstanding managers and effective leaders.
In addition to the exceptional Penn State general education curriculum, B.F.A. students in Theatre Design, Technology and Management will handle challenging production assignments and exciting design opportunities which are a fundamental component of their educational experience in our programs.
The Design, Technology and Management program at Penn State is a highly respected incubator for theatre design and technology professionals and stage managers with the skills to succeed in today’s job market.
Our program has one of the largest student chapters of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). Students can attend the Institute’s annual conference, where industry leaders gather to shape the future of the field and where students can network with other professionals and a large network of successful Penn State School of Theatre alumni.
Students working toward a B.F.A. degree in Theatre Design, Technology and Management will benefit from small class sizes and specialized one-to-one training from our revered faculty. Our programs offer outstanding preparation, individualized mentorship, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
The B.F.A. Program in Theatre Design, Technology and Management will prepare you to enter the professional world and shape the future of theatre production or live performance. We invite you to explore our two-degree options here:
– Theatre Design & Technology option
– The Stage Management option
Contact: Milagros Ponce de Leon
Head, B.F.A. Theatre Design and Technology
Welcome to our studios and spaces! Each of these 360º views is a portal of sorts into the learning, performance, and design spaces in the School of Theatre!
You can click-and-drag to control the view in the frame, and there are embedded ‘links’ within the viewer that enable you to move among physical locations. By clicking the arrow icon at the footer of the viewer window, you can access the tour navigation menu, including the full screen (and you really should check these out full screen).
Our alumni work in every area of theatre and live entertainment design, production, and management across the country.
Learn from world-class faculty with extensive industry experience.
From the start, you’ll get hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities.
Get involved in Penn State’s active student chapter of USITT.
You’ve gotta work hard to play hard. Sure, some people can skirt by without working as hard as others, but that will only take them so far.
Brinie Wallace is currently an ensemble member in the North American tour of The Book of Mormon after premiering the musical in Australia. She says her Penn State education reinforced in her the need to be “present and persistent” in the musical theatre profession, so you are ready to take on whatever challenges come your way.
Samuel Yates, assistant professor of theatre, has been awarded the American Society for Theatre Research's (ASTR) annual Research Fellowship to begin developing a new project, "'Mend your speech': Elizabeth Inchbald, Communication
