School of Theatre dress rehearsal of Argonautica.

: School of Theatre dress rehearsal of Argonautica.

Theatre, B.F.A.

B.F.A. in Theatre

Design your future. Own the experience.

Behind any successful theatrical production or live performance event is a production team with the artistic drive to envision it and the technical skills to make it a reality. The B.F.A. program in Theatre Design, Technology and Management at Penn State offers students professional training and the skills to succeed in this fast-paced environment.

Classes in Theatre Design, Technology and Management are taught by award winning faculty currently working in the industry and up to date with the latest technology and the best practices in the profession.

During your time at Penn State you will have endless opportunities to explore every aspect of theatre production both in the classroom and on stage, and you will be given the tools and the training to meet your potential and excel as a professional in your chosen field.

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Theatre student sitting behinds a technical control board in the Penn State TAPS facility.

Earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre at Penn State

Are you ready to design your future? We are here to help you succeed.

Theatre Design, Technology and Management students at Penn State have access to state-of-the-art facilities where they will gain hands-on experience in every aspect of theatre design and production.

Students can choose the Design & Technology option or the Stage Management* option in this degree. Within the Design & Technology option, students may specialize in costume, lighting, scenic design, sound design or technical direction. Education in each area is led by world-class faculty with extensive experience in the industry and a deep understanding of evolving aspects of the profession.

Students in the Stage Management* option will take a full range of classes in every area of production including acting, design, music fundamentals and directing, and through classwork and hands-on experiences become excellent collaborators, outstanding managers and effective leaders.

In addition to the exceptional Penn State general education curriculum, B.F.A. students in Theatre Design, Technology and Management will handle challenging production assignments and exciting design opportunities which are a fundamental component of their educational experience in our programs.

Degree Options

The B.F.A. Program in Theatre Design, Technology and Management will prepare you to enter the professional world and shape the future of theatre production or live performance. We invite you to explore our two-degree options:

Costume Design

Exceptional education in costume design and costume technology through class- room and hands-on production work
Built on the design principles of text and character analysis, with class projects exploring uses of color, texture, silhouette, and scale
Training in sewing techniques, draping, and flat pattern making, plus two semesters of fashion history
Accomplished undergraduate students are offered a realized costume design assignment in the School of Theatre season

Lighting Design

Intensive pre-professional program with all students gaining a wide range of design and technical experiences; the School of Theatre season is designed almost entirely by undergraduate lighting design students
Extensive hands-on and classroom training and internship opportunities prepare students to pursue graduate study or enter the professional world right after graduation
In addition to working in our venues, lighting design students have 24-hour access to the School of Theatre Lighting Lab, which is one of the most advanced and well-equipped facilities of its kind

Scenic Design

Exceptional pre-professional training program with the mission of preparing students for a successful career in the live entertainment industry
Extensive design and production opportunities in the School of Theatre season
Students receive outstanding training in scenic art and props construction
Penn State scenic designers gain proficiency in contemporary digital media and traditional design presentation techniques

Sound Design

Coursework helps students develop the unique set of skills and talents required of sound designers
The sound design curriculum includes classes in the science of music, audio recording, live sound, and show control
Sound students design, engineer, load-in, and mix every show produced by the School of Theatre and have opportunities to work on productions for the wider University community
Penn State sound design alumni are currently mixing musicals on Broadway, touring nationally/internationally in music and theatre, writing music, and designing for theme parks

Technical Direction

Exceptional education in all aspects of scenic technology
Hands-on training in technical design, production management, wood working, metal working, rigging, automation, control systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and stage machinery
Teaching facilities include12,000-square-foot shop and state-of-the-art rigging lab
Program prepares students for careers in a variety of entertainment-related fields, including theme parks, commercial scene shops, and regional theatres

Contact: Milagros Ponce de Leon
Head, B.F.A. Theatre Design and Technology

One of the most established four-year stage management undergraduate degree programs in the country
Built on the principle of total immersion in the theatre
Coursework centers on the stage manager’s experience and training but also spans all of the design disciplines and craft classes in technical areas, as well as acting, directing, movement, and voice classes.
Penn State stage managers exit the program fully rounded in the theatrical experience and ready to join the profession

Next Steps

How to Apply for Admission (PDF) Admission Requirements Degree Requirements Suggested Academic Plan Accreditation Applying Academic Advising Contact Us!

Is a B.F.A. in Theatre a good fit for you?

The Design, Technology and Management program at Penn State is a highly respected incubator for theatre design and technology professionals and stage managers with the skills to succeed in today’s job market.

Our program has one of the largest student chapters of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). Students can attend the Institute’s annual conference, where industry leaders gather to shape the future of the field and where students can network with other professionals and a large network of successful Penn State School of Theatre alumni.

Students working toward a B.F.A. degree in Theatre Design, Technology and Management will benefit from small class sizes and specialized one-to-one training from our revered faculty. Our programs offer outstanding preparation, individualized mentorship, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

School of Theatre monster concept design on display.

See it in 360º

Welcome to our studios and spaces! Each of these 360º views is a portal of sorts into the learning, performance, and design spaces in the School of Theatre!

You can click-and-drag to control the view in the frame, and there are embedded ‘links’ within the viewer that enable you to move among physical locations. By clicking the arrow icon at the footer of the viewer window, you can access the tour navigation menu, including the full screen (and you really should check these out full screen).

Considering the B.F.A. in Theatre at Penn State? Consider this.

Our alumni work in every area of theatre and live entertainment design, production, and management across the country.

Learn from world-class faculty with extensive industry experience.
From the start, you’ll get hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities.
Get involved in Penn State’s active student chapter of USITT.

Alumni Spotlight

alumni spotlight

Emily Akers

Theatre, B.A. 2019

“My training at Penn State has helped me get to where I am today. I am back in my hometown of Brooklyn, NY working for a community Ed tech startup working as a community coordinator and digital content strategist. I would not have gotten here if it weren’t for the amazing mentors and faculty I had within the School of Theatre. Whether you plan on pursuing a career on stage or off, the professors you will work with are happy to help you find ways to flourish.”