WHAT IS THE B.F.A. IN THEATRE PRODUCTION? 

A rigorous, highly individualized training program combined with a broad liberal arts education. Students are introduced to a variety of design and technology principles and concepts and scaffold on this foundation by choosing specialized courses in scenic design, scenic construction, properties, scenic art, costume design and technology, lighting design and technology, and sound design and technology. 

Theatre Production & Design students imagine, conceive, construct, and engineer every aspect of Mainstage productions and gain valuable management skills as they lead crews.  

WHO IS IT FOR? 

Naturally curious and passionate storytellers looking for a focused and intense four years of study. Ideal candidates are creative and collaborative explorers with a desire to tell stories of the human condition through hands-on experience with visual and aural mediums. 

WHAT WILL YOUR FOUR YEARS LOOK LIKE? 

YEAR ONE – FOUNDATIONS 

To encourage community and respect across disciplines, the entire first year Center for Theatre and Dance class takes foundational courses such as Introduction to Professional Theatre and Race & Theatre in The United States. 

Additionally, first year Theatre Production & Design students take core production and design classes including Theatrical Production Foundations, Theatrical Design Foundations and Studio Foundations for Design. 

From day one, Theatre Production & Design students are welcomed into the Center for Theatre and Dance’s Mainstage productions in roles on a crew, leading a crew, and designing and engineering productions. 

YEAR TWO – SKILL BUILDING 

Second year Theatre Production & Design students develop their skills through exploration of the finer points of production and design. Students explore their creativity with allied studio labs in model building, costume rendering, light visualization and documentation, and sound creation and editing. 

Students gain flexibility as theatre-makers and learn to tell stories of the human condition responsibly in classes like Theatre Production II, Cultural Context for Theatre, Theatrical Design, Advanced Theatrical Design, Design Skills, Advanced Design Skills, and The Actor’s Process. 

YEAR THREE – RESPONSIBILITY, CHANGE, AND LONDON 

Third year Theatre Production & Design students synthesize the techniques they have acquired and develop an increased sense of independence in applying those skills.  Students hone their leadership potential and advance their knowledge with courses like Theatre Production II, Advanced Technology, and their choice of electives. 

Third year students also have the opportunity, and are highly encouraged, to study abroad at the Ithaca College London Center, where they will immerse themselves in experiential coursework that features internship opportunities, performance classes, Stage Combat, lectures, discussions, weekly theatrical walks through London, and play-going. 

YEAR FOUR – SPRINGBOARD INTO THE PROFESSION 

Fourth year Theatre Production & Design students begin to transition into their careers with advanced and professional preparation classes such as Theatre Production IV, Theatre History, and Theatre Production & Design Seminar. 

Additionally, the entire fourth year class in the Center for Theatre and Dance attends Field Studies in New York City: a week of panels, workshops, and seminars with CTD alumni who are working in all aspects of the industry.