College of the Arts
School of Theatre and Dance - Theatre Division
www.kent.edu/theatredance

Examples of Possible Careers*

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Jakyung Seo | jseo1@kent.edu | 330-672-2055
• Speak with an Advisor
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor

Fully Offered

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

*Note

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Description

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design, Technology and Production fosters the artistic development of theatre designers, technicians and artisans. Students study both traditional theatre practices and new methods, materials and technologies. Students must demonstrate continued progress through annual portfolio reviews, course work and production responsibilities. In addition, students are expected to complete a significant production assignment each semester.

Students will be able to apply design and technology concepts for the school’s theatrical and dance productions. Kent State’s Center for the Performing Arts houses three theatres, performance and rehearsal space, a scene shop, a costume shop and laboratories for costumes, drafting, lighting and scenery. In addition, the School of Theatre and Dance oversees the outdoor venue Porthouse Theatre.

The B.F.A. degree program prepares students for M.F.A. degree study, as well as such occupations as scenic designer, costume designer, lighting designer, sound/projection designer, prop master, scenic artist, stage manager, production manager, wardrobe supervisor, technical director and stage technicians.

Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campus to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. Check with a regional campus admissions office to determine application requirements, as they may differ among campuses.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version), minimum 75 MELAB score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 48 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score; or by completing the ESL level 112 Intensive Program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Transfer Students: For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate ability to conceptualize and realize a design aesthetic consistent with the overall artistic concepts of a production.
2. Demonstrate ability to understand and articulate basic elements and principles of design theory.
3. Demonstrate ability to understand and articulate basic elements and principles of composition related to line, shape, color, texture and sound.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the aesthetic use of color.
5. Demonstrate understanding of aesthetic use of sound.
6. Demonstrate ability to communicate design ideas and realities to other personnel involved in the production, including directors, other designers, stage managers and actors.
7. Demonstrate ability to produce and communicate design ideas with freehand drawings.
8. Demonstrate ability to provide formalized, accurate production models and drawings by hand and/or through the use of current industry standard software programs.
9. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the total design process, including the progression of raw materials through multiple design "shops" and the roles that various craftspeople play in the creation of a finished product.
10. Acquire knowledge of federal, state and local health and safety codes, best practices and industry standards as they relate to theatrical venues and production elements.
11. Prepare and present a professional resume and a portfolio of design- and technology-related work that demonstrate one's abilities, strengths, processes and experiences.
12. Acquire experiences in the design/technology aspects of theatre in a variety of formal and informal settings.

University Requirements

All students in a bachelor's degree program at Kent State University must complete the following university requirements for graduation.

NOTE: University requirements may be fulfilled in this program by specific course requirements. Please see Program Requirements for details.

Kent Core Requirements

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

Progression Requirements

• In order to continue and graduate with the B.F.A. degree, students are expected develop skills equal to entry-level positions in the profession or as expected for admission into a M.F.A. degree program.
• Students on academic probation may not participate in any School of Theatre and Dance productions.
• Students may be immediately dismissed from the program for failure to maintain a minimum 2.500 major GPA. B.F.A. degree students should strive to maintain a 3.000 overall GPA.
• Students must pass yearly portfolio reviews and are expected to participate in at least one mainstage production per semester (this may be in addition to any production design assignment).

Graduation Requirements

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.