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College of Arts & Sciences

Theatre: Theatrical Design and Technology

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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 professionally enter into the Chicago industry. At North Central, you’ll study with faculty who are accomplished and working in the Chicago theatre scene as well as Chicago-area guest artists. Our students and graduates work and intern in nearby theaters and beyond such as Paramount Theatre, Arena Stage, Goodman Theatre, and Grand Stage.

You will explore multiple 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 a designer, electrician, programmer, props manager, sound engineer, stage manager, wardrobe head, scenic painter and more. Students graduate with a professional portfolio and website, and are welcome to take on a double major for expanded proficiency.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Applying artistic and technical principles to theatrical lighting, sound, costuming, and scenic design elements
  • Building a design portfolio from your production work
  • Consistently practicing what you learn in the classroom on stage, with multiple production opportunities each year

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:

  • Advanced Topics in Theatrical Design and Technology
  • Costume Design
  • Directing
  • Drafting, Rendering, Model Making
  • Fundamentals of Theatrical Design
  • Introduction to Dramaturgy
  • Lighting Design
  • Makeup
  • Portfolio Development
  • Scenic Design
  • Script Analysis
  • Sound Design
  • Stagecraft
  • Stage Management
  • Storefront Series
  • Theatre History and Literature

Pfeiffer Hall

Take a virtual tour of Pfeiffer Hall, home to the theatre program classes and faculty offices.

Virtual Tour

Beyond the Classroom

As a Theatre Design and Technology major, you can:

  • Assist and design for productions in our six show theatre season in collaboration with faculty professionals and guest artists.
  • Build a portfolio of creative work and articulate a personal vision.
  • Work with guest artists and professional faculty in workshops, productions, and traditional classroom environments.
  • Tap into our faculty and alumni industry network, which extends throughout Chicago’s vibrant theatre community (and beyond).

More Department information

Theatrical Design and Technology, B.A.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Theatre.

Core Courses

Acting Courses

One of the following:

Theatre Design Courses

Two of the following:

Theatre Technology Courses

One of the following:

Theatre Practicum

Six semesters of the following:

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 B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

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

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.

Theatrical Design and Technology Student Profile

Riley Wodka '24

North Central College’s department of theatre provides students ample opportunities to gain a diverse range of experiences and express their creativity, and the first production of the 2023 – 2024 season, “pool (no water),” is no exception.  

Riley Wodka is majoring in theatre: acting and theatrical design and technology at North Central. As part of several productions, she has already built a long list of acting and designing credentials. In “pool (no water)” Wodka had the rare opportunity to be both an ensemble lead and the sound designer.

Read more about Riley.

Riley Wodka

Riley Wodka (left) rehearsing a theatre production.