undergraduate
Theatre design
Best schools with theatre design
What is a theatre design major?
This program instructs students in applying artistic, technical and dramatic principles and techniques to the communication of dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through technical theatre methods. This includes instruction in set design, lighting design, sound effects, theatre acoustics, scene painting, property management, costume design, and technical direction and production and use of computer applications to support these functions.
of students said hands-on experience was a highlight of this major.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
of students said balancing many projects & deadlines was a challenging aspect of the major.
How much do theatre design majors make?
This data isn't currently reported, but we're working on it!
How popular is theatre design as a major?
Each year, around 620 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 120 students obtain an associate degree in theatre design. In 2021, 661 students received a bachelor's degree and 128 students received an associate degree. This is 3% more theatre design majors than there were in 2020. Theatre design is a relatively uncommon major within performing arts.
Advice from theatre design majors
Share your experienceMy advice would be to say yes to the opportunities presented to you. A good college for theatre will have many opportunities to explore and creative. It not only help grow you as an actor but also help you form strong connections that will benefit you down the road.
A lot of people believe that it isn’t a viable career option, but connections are everything. If you remain good at what you do and pursue those connection, finding a job won’t be difficult at all.
If you are thinking about going into it, do it. It's better to try and change your mind than to always regret having not tried. Make sure that you understand how your program is set up and what types of prerequisites you have if you have a particular design interest. I love my program, though, because of how many opportunities it has provided me. They are also incredibly flexible to the point that I have a double major and minor while also balancing a full credit load, a work study, and having plenty of time for my social life.
Theater design is a great creative outlet for anyone that’s interested in theater. It has a great community so if you ever get stuck you can always ask the people around you for assistance. Always try your best even if you hate the thing that you’re creating. It’s better to have something than to have nothing.
Students pursuing a theatre design major need to make sure they are making time for their own hobbies and interests outside of their program. It is easy for students to get wrapped up in their school projects or shows they are working on and forget to make time for their own creative projects. It is good to be able to have a creative outlet for oneself where they can create whatever they want without any parameter's.
