BA in Theatrical Design and Technology

The major is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in theater, but who are not interested in performing. Students can choose to concentrate on one or more of the following areas: Scenery, Costumes, Lighting, Sound, and Technical Direction.

The training is divided between classwork and practical production work including their own fully realized designs for department productions! The training and design opportunities are enhanced by the new, state-of-the-art proscenium theater. It is a 350-seat proscenium, with a full fly system, digital projection, and a large complement of LED/animated lighting fixtures.

The program is headed by Professor Daniel C. Walker. Walker has had a decades-long, award-winning career in professional theater and academia. Over that time, he has designed for many of the equity theatres in Michigan, as well as being part of the staff at Theatre Nova, Performance Network, and the Purple Rose Theater. He has taught at numerous colleges/universities, including Eastern Michigan University, and Albion College (where he was chair).

Program Distinctions

• Students have numerous opportunities to work in PAID production positions in the theater (the majority of production work is executed by students, not staff);
• Design majors have at least one opportunity to actually realize their designs, not just create them on paper;
• Frequent opportunities for students to do technical and design work outside the University while working on a degree.