Theatre (Design and Production), BA

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Have you ever watched a concert, a play or musical and wondered, "How did they do that?" Are you a cosplayer who wants to refine techniques and use of technologies? Come, and learn all the methods and techniques used in your favorite live productions.

The BA program in theatre with a concentration in design and production provides students a rigorous academic and hands-on theatre education with an emphasis on design and production for entertainment. The concentration uses cutting edge technologies to produce the highest-level production. Within the context of a comprehensive liberal arts education, the program prepares students for both advanced graduate study in the field and for careers in entertainment design and production.

The program offers specialty coursework in the following areas:

  • costume construction
  • costume design and technology
  • digital fabrication
  • lighting design and technology
  • media design and technology
  • properties construction
  • scenic art
  • scenic design and technology
  • sound and media systems design
  • sound design and technology
  • stage management
  • technical direction
  • rigging

At A Glance

Theatre (Design and Production), BA

Required Courses

A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.

While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.

Application requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:

Affording college

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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact, more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of financial assistance every year.

Admission requirements

Students interested in the BA in theatre are admitted directly into the major by indicating their degree preference on their ASU admission application.

Students interested in the BA in theatre, BA in theatre with a concentration in acting, or BA in theatre with a concentration in design and production will enter as BA theatre majors. Once students begin to complete classes at ASU in the BA theatre program, they may apply to a concentration in either acting or design and production.

Career outlook

The bachelor's degree program in theatre provides an excellent broad-based foundation in the performing arts and entertainment industries for those who want to work as designers or technicians. It also prepares students for further training at graduate schools or conservatories. Additionally, the program's liberal arts emphasis prepares graduates for a variety of occupations.

Example careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:


Career*growth*median salary
Actors 11.6%*
Multimedia Artists and Animators8.4%$70,530
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 12%$66,930
Audio and Video Equipment Technicians 12.9%$42,190
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance 12.5%$59,300
Sound Engineering Technicians6.3%$55,810
Program Directors 12.2%$71,620
Set and Exhibit Designers 10.3%$53,090
Technical Directors/Managers 12.2%$71,620
Producers 12.2%$71,620

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

  • Bright Outlook
  • Green Occupation