Theatre Technology

Bachelor of Fine Arts

The Theatre School

BFAEntertainment and Performing ArtsDigital FluencyCritical ThinkingIn-Person
Admission to the Conservatory
An audition or an interview (depending on your program) is required for admission to The Theatre School; students must submit an application ​to DePaul University (naming their intended major) before they can begin the audition or interview process.
Visit the Theatre School
The Theatre School hosts both in-person and online events for prospective theatre students. Due to high demand, we unfortunately cannot accommodate walk-ins.

Become an expert in theatre technology

The Theatre School’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre Technology is designed to prepare you for work in theatre and entertainment in today’s evolving production industry. In this program, you will learn how to collaborate with designers and production teams to bring creative visions to life by developing the technical skills needed for roles such as technical director, rigger, draftsperson, props specialist, scenic carpenter, and theatrical craftsperson.

Your training will reflect the professional workflow of theatre technicians, helping you gain hands-on experience translating artistic designs into safe and practical technical plans for performance environments. You will learn how to build physical structures that support storytelling while maintaining safety and quality standards.

As a student in the Theatre Technology program, you will work closely with directors, designers, and fellow technicians as you help create sets, props, and performance environments for theatre and entertainment productions. Our program is built around a human-centered, safety-focused, and sustainable approach to technical theatre training, helping prepare you to become a future leader in the production industry.

Classes

Coursework

  • Technical Drawing I & II
  • Principles of Design
  • Construction and Rigging I & II
  • Production Management Seminar
  • Design/Technology Electives
  • Technical Production Practice I, II, & III
  • Internship

Career Options

Career
  • Technical Director
  • Assistant Technical Director
  • Draftsperson/Scenic Drafter
  • Scenic Carpenter
  • Props Artisan/Props Director
  • Rigger
  • Theatre Technician
  • Production Technician (Film/TV)
  • Event Production Specialist
  • Concert or Festival Event Technician/Crew
  • Shop Supervisor
  • Production Carpenter
Featured Faculty

Students learn from distinguished and award-winning faculty who are professional technicians, artists, and designers both in the classroom and through individual guidance and advising. Shane Kelly, the program head, is an internationally recognized rigger, production manager, and technical director. He is the co-author of the 4th Edition of Stage Rigging Handbook with Jay O. Glerum.

Shane Kelly
Design Technical
Head of Theatre Technology
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