Theatre Design and Production, BFA

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The Theatre Design and Production BFA program is designed to prepare knowledgeable, skilled graduates who will compete in an increasingly competitive field. Students will learn to assess, explain, and interpret the many roles and responsibilities inherent to the world of the professional theatre artist. They will also understand how to use the skills they have developed in other career paths related to their degree.

Admission Requirements
Admission to the program is by audition/interview only. Auditions/interviews begins with an online screening process that culminates in program admission being offered in early spring for the fall cohort.

See the auditions procedures Page http://www.cwu.edu/theatre/auditions.

Program Requirements
In addition to the department core courses, design and production BFA candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in theatre arts with a minimum grade of “B-” (2.7) in each of the design and production specialization courses.

Meeting this standard is reviewed as part of the annual jury.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

prepare a resume and portfolio;
ability to analyze a script for design elements; and
work successfully as a team-member within production holding a significant position; i.e.: designer, head carpenter, head electrician, cutter/first hand, stage manager or technical director or assistant to any of the above examples.

Theatre Arts Core Requirements

The Theatre Arts programs are designed to prepare knowledgeable, skilled graduates who will successfully compete in an increasingly competitive field. Students will also learn to assess, explain, and interpret the many roles and responsibilities inherent in the world of the professional theatre artist, and beyond. They will understand how to use the skills they develop in other career paths related to their degree.

Admission Requirements
BA students apply directly to the department through the one-step online application, after admitted to the institution.
No audition is required.

For a student new to the institution: The theatre arts application should be completed following admission to the university, and one week prior to enrolling in courses.
For a continuing CWU student: The theatre arts application can be competed at any time.

BFA students audition/interview through our online pre-screening web-based program, GetAcceptd.com. Information on the audition/interview process can be found at the department website.

Students seeking a theatre minor apply directly to the department through the one-step online application, after enrollment at the institution.

Theatre Arts Core Requirements

Students in all theatre arts programs must earn a grade of “C+” (2.3) or higher in theatre arts core requirement courses.

TH 107 - Introduction to Theatre Credits: (5)
TH 160 - Safety and Health for the Entertainment Professional Credits: (1)
TH 166 - Theory of Play Production Credits: (3)
TH 363 - Theatre History I Credits: (4)
TH 364 - Theatre History II Credits: (4)
TH 365 - Theatre History III Credits: (4)
TH 495 - Senior Research Project Credits: (3)
TH 489 - Career and Portfolio Preparation Credits: (3)

Lab Component - Credits: 3

All theatre students completing programs which share the theatre arts core requirements are required to complete at least three lab assignments.

Complete three credits of the following:

TH 393 - Theatre Laboratory Credits: (1)
TH 493 - Theatre Laboratory Credits: (1)

Production Component - Credits: 3

All theatre majors are required to complete at least one backstage assignment.

Choose one from the following:

TH 301 - Production Application Credits: (3)
TH 401 - Production Application Credits: (3)

Theatre Arts Core Total Credits: 33

Design and Production

The design and production builds specific skills in production from a strong foundation of general knowledge of technical theatre and the design aspect of theatre. Students choose from a range of courses, both introductory and advanced from writing and drawing, construction, and sewing.

To help students prepare for future employment or graduate school, all students are strongly encouraged to pursue practical experience through TH 490 - Cooperative Education (internship) as well as the production application courses, designed to put theory into practice as part of Central Theatre Ensemble’s regular on-campus season.