Design & Technical Theatre
Why Pursue Design & Technical Theatre?
While everyone sees what goes on at the front of the stage, those in the know understand that what happens behind the scenes is just as important to success as the performance itself. With every performance, there will be a need for people who make that performance work. Piedmont University will teach you how to encompass all aspects of design and stage technology to create a well-rounded theatre technician.
The result of our training allows you to provide audiences with quality productions of the highest caliber, to explore the full range of theatrical offerings from the classical to the contemporary, and to foster professionalism, creativity, and camaraderie. They are skills you can put to use in a multitude of settings, and the knowledge you build here will give you a strong starting point for your career.
How a Piedmont Design & Technical Theatre Concentration Helps You
- Learn what it takes to become a professional designer within the theatre.
- Prepare yourself for graduate school in theatrical design.
- Explore the studies that you want: Pick a focus area or explore multiple fields of design.
- Learn what it takes to provide audiences with the most enthralling theatre experience possible.
Career Opportunities
A design & technical theatre concentration from Piedmont opens doors and a wide range of professional pursuits. For instance, our graduates have gone on to build successful careers in:
A concentration in Design & Technical Theatre equips individuals with hands-on experience in set construction, materials, and artistic techniques essential for scenic artistry and carpentry. It also fosters collaboration and problem-solving skills critical for building and painting theatrical environments.
A concentration in Design & Technical Theatre provides practical training in prop design and fabrication, teaching skills in sculpting, crafting, and material use essential for creating detailed, functional stage properties. It also emphasizes creativity and collaboration within a production team.
A concentration in Design & Technical Theatre equips students with the technical knowledge and safety practices needed for stage rigging, including how to install, operate, and maintain fly systems and overhead equipment used in theatrical productions.
A concentration in Design & Technical Theatre prepares individuals for a career in set designing by developing their skills in spatial planning, visual storytelling, and technical drafting, along with hands-on experience in creating functional and visually compelling stage environments.
A concentration in Design & Technical Theatre supports a career in sound editing by providing training in audio technology, sound design, and production techniques, as well as opportunities to work on live performances and productions that enhance practical experience.
A concentration in Design & Technical Theatre helps prepare for a career in stage management by developing skills in organization, communication, and technical coordination through hands-on experience in live productions.
A concentration in Design & Technical Theatre supports a career as a stylist by cultivating an eye for visual detail, knowledge of costume and fashion history, and hands-on experience in creating cohesive looks for characters and performances.
A concentration in Design & Technical Theatre prepares individuals for a career in wardrobe supervision by providing expertise in costume construction, garment care, and team coordination essential for managing costumes during productions.
More About Design & Technical Theatre
Learn more about Design & Technical Theatre and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
At Piedmont University, you will receive a well-rounded, liberal arts education that focuses on shaping a critical mind – as well as learning the finer points of theatrical design and techniques. As part of the design & technical theatre concentration, you will be required to complete 10 courses that range from technical theater practicums to a history of theatre. You will also be able to select from a wide range of theatre-related electives.
Design and Technical Theatre Concentration
| THTR 4425 | Advanced Technical Theatre | 3 |
| CHOOSE THREE: | ||
| THTR 3305 | Introduction to Scenic Design | 3 |
| THTR 3317 | Lighting Design | 3 |
| THTR 3319 | Costume Design | 3 |
| THTR 3325 | Theatre Management | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 | |
View the complete course description for Theatre Arts below.
At Piedmont, we understand all aspects of the theatre, and we take seriously our role in helping to continue a longstanding tradition of graduating students who love performance with a passion. And that includes the technical aspects of theatre. That’s why we provide a scenographic approach to our technical education – an approach that encompasses all aspects of design and stage technology to create a well-rounded theatre technician.
Piedmont’s idyllic campus and surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for our students, who thrive in a small classroom environment – taught by professors with real-world experience and a passion for what they do. We take pride in our theatre programs – which also include theatre arts, musical theatre, and drama education. And we do everything we can to educate and support the dreams of our students.
Related Programs
Intrigued by design & technical theatre? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward becoming a Design & Technical Theatre student at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in Design & Technical Theatre.