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Theater Design and Technology B.F.A.

The bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree program in theater design and technology combines classroom and hands-on learning experiences.

If you are interested primarily in design, you can specialize in one or more areas, including set design, costume design and lighting design. If your interest is in the technical aspects of theater, you can explore scene construction or painting, lighting, properties, costumes or sound design.

You will have the opportunity to design Department of Drama main stage productions and work collaboratively with faculty directors and designers—and with the professional staff and company of Syracuse Stage — to see your designs realized by a professional production team. You may also observe or act as an assistant to guest designers for Syracuse Stage. As a senior, you may be eligible for an internship in the Syracuse Stage technical production shops.

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You will work from our newly expanded and renovated Theater Design Center, which includes three design studios, crafts rooms, a LightBox, CAD lab and a design library. Our theater complex provides opportunities to work in a variety of performance spaces, including a 500-seat proscenium; a 250-seat theater that can be configured as a proscenium, thrust or avenue stage; and our intimate Loft Theater.

Students who wish to explore a curriculum that combines technical theater with a more traditional arts and sciences program of study may wish to consider the bachelor of science (B.S.) degree program in drama with a technical theater emphasis.

Program Highlights

Curriculum

The 130-credit curriculum includes major and academic requirements as well as drama, studio and academic electives. As one of our students, you will be assigned a professional academic advisor who will guide you through your academic career and help you navigate class schedules, course selection and more.

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Global Study

You can participate in study abroad or study away programs through VPA or Syracuse Abroad. Theater design and technology majors often choose to study abroad at Syracuse University's centers in Florence, Italy (where you may participate in internships through theater or opera venues in addition being exposed to the city’s rich cultural resources) or in London, England (via our World Partner program with Rose Bruford College in the spring semester of your third year. Within the United States, you may study in New York City via the Tepper Semester or in Los Angeles via the VPA LA Semester program in the spring semester of your fourth year. In addition, the Sorkin in LA Learning Practicum provides a select group of seniors with a week-long, “hit-the-studios-running” immersion into the heart of America’s film and television industries.

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Career Exploration

In addition to the opportunities offered by the drama department, all theater design and technology majors have access to career advisors and services through the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Office of Academic and Career Advising. The office connects VPA students with networking opportunities, mentors and more.

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