Theatre Design and Technology

Wilkes University’s Theatre Design and Technology program is for students attracted to scenic, costume, lighting or sound design. As a student at Wilkes, you will gain the preprofessional training you will need to bring a career in theatre to realization.

Program Snapshot

Program Type Format Credit Hours
Major On Campus 120

Why Study Theatre Design and Technology at Wilkes?

As a Theatre Design and Technology student at Wilkes, you’ll explore all facets of design and technical theatre through classes, labs and production work. This bachelor of arts degree is an intensive preprofessional program that combines conservatory-style training in theatre design and technology with a broad liberal arts education.

Students take intensive studio classes in all aspects of technical design and production. We are committed to small class sizes, individual support for each student, and our program’s mission to create a skilled, accomplished theatre artist. We follow state-of-the-art safety protocols.

Network at industry conferences and events, including the American College Theatre Festival sponsored by the Kennedy Center. Students also have an opportunity for sponsorship to the United States Institute for Theatre Technology or Southeastern Theatre Conference conferences for networking, career exploration, and job interviews.

What Will You Learn as a Theatre Design and Technology Student?

  • The theatre design and technology program is for students interested in the areas of theatre design, technical direction, scenic carpentry, sound technology, sound mixing, properties, scenic art (painting), lighting technology and stage management.
  • Develop resumes, portfolios and interviewing skills.

Contact Us

Vandy Scoates
Assistant Professor, Performing Arts
vandy.scoates@wilkes.edu
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Upcoming Audition Dates

Once you’ve been accepted to Wilkes, you need to schedule a portfolio presentation and interview for admission to the Theatre Design and Technology program and eligibility for scholarship awards.

Find out more about requirements for the Theatre Design and Technology interview and contact us for your time slot.

Schedule Your Interview

Auditions

Program Highlights

Hands-On Learning

With a small faculty-to-student ratio and more than 10 productions each year, you’ll have ample opportunities to practice your craft from your first days on campus.

Creative Space

Our Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts is home to well-equipped scene, costume and paint shops. It features high-tech boards and smart LED lights.

Networking Opportunities

Network at industry conferences and events, including the American College Theatre Festival sponsored by the Kennedy Center.

We build the sets, we do the lighting, we do everything working towards the show. A lot of other schools don’t get that experience and it really gives you an appreciation for everything that happens backstage.

Kristopher Tjornhom '20
4

mainstage productions, including 2 musicals each year

6

black box productions each year

478

seats in the Darling Theatre of the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts

Careers & Outcomes

The entertainment field is one of the largest industries in this country and offers a wide variety of opportunities that both include and extend beyond the stage and screen production space.

Job Titles

  • Screenwriter
  • Playwright
  • Voice and speech trainer
  • Drama therapist
  • University professor
  • Lighting designer
  • Set designer
  • Costume designer
  • Sound designer
  • Acting in film and commercials
  • Casting director
  • Wardrobe supervisor
  • Carpenter and scenic artist
  • Company manager
  • Print modeling
  • Agent
  • Stage manager
  • Voiceover artist
  • Box officer manager
  • Stitcher/draper
  • Wedding/event planner

Employers

  • The Eagle Theatre - New Jersey
  • The Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center - Connecticut
  • Charleston Stage - South Carolina
  • Showplace Ice Cream Parlor - New Jersey
  • Thin Air Theatre Company - Colorado
  • Disney World - Florida
  • NiCori Studios and Productions - New Jersey