Theatrical Design and Technology Major
Why pursue a degree in theatre design and technology at North Central College?
As a theatrical design and technology major, you’ll develop design and technical theatre expertise through hands-on experience staging campus productions. This program is designed to prepare you to succeed in any theatrical environment but is especially equipped to help you take on the nearby Chicago theatre scene in companies like Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Steppenwolf, The Other Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Greenhouse Theatre and more. At North Central, you’ll study with faculty who are accomplished and working in the Chicago theatre scene as well as Chicago-area professionals. You can dabble in or master all aspects of design and technology, including stagecraft, makeup, lighting, costuming, scenic design, stage management, and skills such as drafting, model-making and computer-aided design. A technical theatre background will prepare you for a professional theatre career as an electrician, programmer, director, carpenter, sound engineer, stage manager, wardrobe head, scenic painter and more.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Applying artistic, technical and dramatic principles to theatrical lighting, sound and design elements
- Designing sets, adjusting lighting or perfecting sound
- Spending time in and around theatrical spaces
then a degree in THEATRE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY might be for you.
Why study theatre design and technology at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- 2D Design
- Collaboration
- Costume Design
- Design Practicum
- Design Skills – drafting, model making and rendering
- Figure Drawing
- Fundamentals of Theatrical Design
- Processing
- Script Analysis
- Stagecraft
- Theatre History and Literature
- Theatrical Makeup
- Stage Lighting
- Scenic Design
- Stage Management
- Student Directed Series
Beyond the Classroom
As a Theatre Design and Technology major, you can:
- Attend workshops and classes with theatre professionals.
- Design for shows in our ambitious theatre season in collaboration with faculty and professional guest artists.
- Develop additional design and technology skills through art and interactive media studies.
- Tap into our faculty’s professional network, which extends throughout Chicago’s vibrant theatre community (and beyond).
Theatrical Design and Technology, B.A.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Theatre.
Core Courses
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THEA 100 - Script Analysis
THEA 100 - Script Analysis
4.00 credit hours
Introduces analytical methods for examining scripts of all forms and genres. Students learn to identify, describe and interpret various components of a script and to apply a critical vocabulary to evaluate how meaning is produced in dramatic texts.
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THEA 140 - Fundamentals of Theatrical Design
THEA 140 - Fundamentals of Theatrical Design
4.00 credit hours
Through the study and practice of common theatrical design elements, students learn to analyze, collaborate, and implement theatrical designs. Students explore basic theories and design principles including script analysis, research methodology, conceptual development, color theory, balance and proportion, visual composition, and other elements of design.
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THEA 141 - Stagecraft
THEA 141 - Stagecraft
2.00 credit hours
Fundamentals of scenic construction and scenic painting. Students gain knowledge of basic construction and painting techniques for stage scenery. Tool use and shop equipment are introduced along with the safety regulations that are essential and mandatory for running an effective scenic shop.
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THEA 144 - Makeup
THEA 144 - Makeup
2.00 credit hours
Introduces the principles and techniques of theatrical makeup, design and application. Equally appropriate for beginning design students and actors who have no prior design experience.
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THEA 304 - Theatre History and Literature I
THEA 304 - Theatre History and Literature I
4.00 credit hours
A study of the theatre and its literature from its ancient beginnings through the English Restoration. Students examine theatrical events, figures and dramatic works in their aesthetic, cultural and historical contexts and synthesize analytical writing and research skills with appropriate knowledge of course material.
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THEA 305 - Theatre History and Literature II
THEA 305 - Theatre History and Literature II
4.00 credit hours
Investigates influential texts, performances and theatrical movements following the English Restoration through to the present day, with critical attention to how accounts of history are created and remembered. Students examine theatrical events, figures and dramatic works in their aesthetic, cultural and historical contexts and synthesize analytical writing and research skills with appropriate knowledge of course material.
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THEA 449 - Portfolio Development
THEA 449 - Portfolio Development
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of the components of a professional portfolio and resume for students interested in theatre design, technology and management. Students develop portfolios of their own work as well as learn about the professional opportunities and career paths that are typically taken by theatre professionals.
Acting Courses
One of the following:
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THEA 101 - Introduction to Acting
THEA 101 - Introduction to Acting
4.00 credit hours
Designed for students with previous acting experience including high school and/or community theatre. This course consists of exercises in voice, movement, improvisation and text study. The course seeks to give the student an awareness of what acting is in both theory and performance. Presentation of scenes and attendance at productions are required.
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THEA 150 - Acting Fundamentals
THEA 150 - Acting Fundamentals
4.00 credit hours
Designed for dedicated theatre students with previous acting experience, this course consists of exercises in voice, movement, improvisation and character study. Provides students with necessary theory and performance skills required to pursue further specialized acting training.
Theatre Design Courses
Two of the following:
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THEA 241 - Introduction to Scenic Design
THEA 241 - Introduction to Scenic Design
4.00 credit hours
Introduction to the artistic and technical skillsets required of a theatrical scenic designer. Students learn how to identify location requirements of a play, create a dynamic environment and craft required props. Students develop these skillsets through a series of theoretical projects as they simultaneously begin to develop their own design aesthetic.
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THEA 242 - Introduction to Lighting Design
THEA 242 - Introduction to Lighting Design
4.00 credit hours
Introduction to the artistic and technical skillsets required of a theatrical lighting designer. Students identify seasonal and time of day requirements of a play, employ advanced color theory and craft a flexible but dynamic light plot. Students develop these skillsets through a series of theoretical projects as they simultaneously begin to develop their own design aesthetic.
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THEA 243 - Introduction to Costume Design
THEA 243 - Introduction to Costume Design
4.00 credit hours
Introduction to the artistic and technical skillsets required of a theatrical costume designer. Students learn to identify the period requirements of a play, create fully developed costume renderings and craft a costume tracking chart. Students develop these skillsets through a series of theoretical projects as they simultaneously begin to develop their own design aesthetic.
Theatre Technology Courses
One of the following:
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THEA 245 - Stage Management
THEA 245 - Stage Management
4.00 credit hours
Introduces the administrative skills sets of stage management, while exploring the relationship between the artistry and execution of producing plays and musicals. Students learn production protocols, create a prompt book and explore the forms and formats needed to maintain professional standards while working with directors, actors and the technical crew.
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THEA 345 - Drafting, Rendering and Model-Making
THEA 345 - Drafting, Rendering and Model-Making
4.00 credit hours
Develops the skills required for the communication of designs for a theatrical environment. The course focuses on hand drafting, the creation of 2D drawings that give detailed information regarding the layout and look of a scenic design. Model making techniques are also emphasized so that students learn to provide 3D information for a stage design. Rendering techniques are also mastered through concepts such as linear perspective, shade and shadow and watercolor rendering.
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THEA 445 - Advanced Topics in Design and Technology
THEA 445 - Advanced Topics in Design and Technology
4.00 credit hours
Occasional seminar topic allowing for advanced study of theatre design or technology. Special topics may include in depth exploration of a single technology or design medium like projection design, draping or mask-making, theatre automation or computer assisted design, among others. Topics may also explore interdisciplinary approaches to design for live performance or contemporary trends in design and technology.
Theatre Practicum
Six semesters of the following:
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THEA 115 - Practicum
THEA 115 - Practicum
0.00-1.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized theatre production. This course—designed for actors and crew members working on a theatre production—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
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THEA 116 - Practicum
THEA 116 - Practicum
0.00-2.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized theatre production. This course—designed for stage managers, designers, and those with larger production responsibilities—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
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THEA 117 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
THEA 117 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
0.00-1.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized musical theatre production. This course—designed for actors and crew members working on a theatre production—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
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THEA 118 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
THEA 118 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
0.00-2.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized musical theatre production. This course—designed for stage managers, designers, and those with larger production responsibilities—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
Note:
*Theatre Practicum may be taken for zero credit hours, or for credit in partial satisfaction of elective credits, up to College limits. These hours are in addition to, not part of, the hours required for the major.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Theatre Design and Technology Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Internships
Recent graduates in theatre interned at:
- Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier
- The Other Theatre Company
- Goodman Theater, Chicago
- American Theatre Company
- Greenhouse Theater Center, Chicago
Careers
Recent graduates in theatre are working at:
- Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier
- Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago
- Goodman Theatre, Chicago
- Peninsula Players Theatre, Door County, WI
- Montana Shakespeare, Jefferson City, MT
- Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, IL
- First Folio Shakespeare, Clarendon Hills, IL
- Drury Lane, Oak Brook, IL
- American Theatre Company, Chicago
- Polarity Ensemble Theatre, Chicago
- Royal Caribbean Productions
- Theatre Royal Haymarket, London, UK
- Theatre At The Center, Munster, IN
- Norwegian Cruise Lines
- Metropolis Theatre, Arlington Heights, IL
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