2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Dec 05, 2025

2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Design/Technology, BFA (DESTECH-BFA)

CIP Code: 500502

Program Description

The Department of Theatre, Dance, and Motion Pictures is devoted exclusively to the training and education of undergraduate students in the areas of dance, motion pictures, and theatre. These programs lead to the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. Students who wish to study theatre choose from the BA degree in Theatre Studies, or BFA programs in Acting, Acting/Musical Theatre, and Design/Technology/Stage Management.

The Department of Theatre, Dance, and Motion Pictures is empowered by the Ohio Revised Code to require particular preliminary training or talent for admission to specific programs, and each of the five B.F.A. degree programs has specific criteria for admission to each level of training. Students who wish to be admitted as majors in Acting, Acting/Musical Theatre, or Dance must successfully pass an audition or interview. The department has an open admissions policy for first-term students who wish to major in the B.A. programs. Transfer students are admitted into B.F.A. programs on the basis of a successful audition, interview, or portfolio presentation.

Each B.F.A. program has set criteria for selectively retaining students in the programs. These include a requirement that students earn a GPA of at least 2.00 to continue in the B.F.A. programs; most of the programs require a higher minimum GPA for graduation. The policies are spelled out in the curriculum sections of the department web page. Students are required to consult regularly with an academic adviser. All students who return after an absence of three or more consecutive semesters must reapply to the faculty for readmission to the program, and at the discretion of the faculty they may be required to satisfy program requirements in effect at the time of readmission.

The Theatre Design and Technology B.F.A. program in the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures provides strong and comprehensive hands-on training in all traditional areas of entertainment design and production. As a program that only offers a B.F.A. degree, we are solely focused on educating undergraduate students. Theatre Design and Technology majors can concentrate in costumes, lighting, properties, scenery, scenic art, sound, stage management, or technical direction. Our students receive training in a wide variety of production types, preparing them for jobs in the broad field of entertainment design and production. The four-year sequence of classes, in conjunction with assignments on departmental productions, offers students a strong balance of practical and theoretical work.

Our graduates are well prepared to move into the profession as collaborative, versatile artists and/or craftspeople. Through a series of annual portfolio reviews, students learn to present themselves and their work effectively to potential employers. The program has a high placement rate for graduates in various careers, graduate schools, and professional internships.

Program Admission Requirements

The B.F.A. program in Theatre Design/Technology/Stage Management requires a formal interview and portfolio presentation prior to acceptance into the program.

Program Learning Objectives

Students enrolled in this program will learn to:

A high level of competency and responsibility in one or more areas of theatre design, technology, and/or and stage management, including:
Competency in key leadership role, such as stage managing, designing, or supervising building of main stage productions.
Proficiency in theatre design, theatre technology, or stage management.
Knowledge of technical theory, application and craft in their area of focus.
Critical thinking and problem solving ability.
Knowledge of theatre history and dramatic literature.
Skills in integrated drawing, drafting, painting, presentation and construction skills, as well as proficiency in selected computer design and graphics software.
A pragmatic understanding of the business side of the theatrical design and technology professions.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of their learning experience, graduates of this program can:

Demonstrate a high level of competency and responsibility in one or more areas of theatre design, technology, and/or and stage management, including:
Demonstrate competency in key leadership role, such as stage managing, designing, or supervising building of main stage productions.
Demonstrate proficiency in theatre design, theatre technology, or stage management.
Demonstrate knowledge of technical theory, application and craft in their area of focus.
Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving ability.
Demonstrate knowledge of theatre history and dramatic literature.
Demonstrate skills in integrated drawing, drafting, painting, presentation and construction skills, as well as proficiency in selected computer design and graphics software.
Demonstrate a pragmatic understanding of the business side of the theatrical design and technology professions.

For More Information

Program Requirements

Design Concentration

I. Wright State Core: 36 Credit Hours

As a part of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree at Wright State University, all students must complete the Wright State Core, a general education curriculum. Most programs require 36 hours in the Core, some programs may require additional hours.

Specific Core classes in some of the Elements may be required by some majors. When this occurs, the specific Core courses required will be listed below. In Elements where a specific course is not required, students can choose any course from the Wright State Core Program Requirements.

First-Year Seminar: 3 Credit Hours

All students must successfully complete a First-Year Seminar during their first year. Transfer students who transfer 24 or more credit hours (post high school graduation) are exempt from this requirement and will need to satisfy three additional credit hours in the Additional Core Courses category.

LA 1020 - First-Year Seminar: College of Liberal Arts Credit Hour(s): 3

Element A - English Composition: 6 Credit Hours

First-Year Writing Course (3 credit hours)

All students must successfully complete ENG 1100.  Based on Writing Placement level, some students may be required to enroll in a corequisite course (DEV 0100). 
ENG 1100 - Academic Writing and Reading Credit Hour(s): 3
Second-Year Writing Course (3 credit hours)
ENG 2100 - Research Writing and Argumentation Credit Hour(s): 3

Element B - Mathematics, Statistics, and Logic: 3 Credit Hours

Students will select one Element B course from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements list. Based on Math Placement Level, students may need additional prerequisite or corequisite coursework in mathematics prior to enrollment in the course chosen.

Element C - Arts and Humanities: 6 Credit Hours

Students will select two Arts and Humanities courses, with different course prefixes from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements. One course must fulfill the History requirement.

History Requirement (3 credit hours)

Choose 1 course from the list below:
HST 1100 - Western Civilizations to 1500 Credit Hour(s): 3 (GI)
HST 1200 - The West and the World since 1500 Credit Hour(s): 3 (GI)
HST 1500 - Introduction to Greek and Roman Culture Credit Hour(s): 3 (GI)
Arts and Humanities Course (3 credit hours)

Required:
TH 2140 - Theatre in Western Culture Credit Hour(s): 3

Element D - Social and Behavioral Sciences: 6 Credit Hours

Students will select two Social and Behavioral Sciences courses, with different course prefixes from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements.

Element E - Natural Sciences: 7 Credit Hours

Students will select two Natural Science courses, from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements. At least one course must contain a laboratory.

Additional Core Courses: 5 Credit Hours

Students will select up to 5 additional credit hours from Elements A-E from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements to reach the 36 minimum hours required in the Core. Unless specified by the student’s major, these are selected by the student. When a major has required courses in this area, the specific Core course(s) required will be listed below.

Required:

ART 2140 - Themes in Visual Culture Credit Hour(s): 3 (GI)

Additional Core Requirements

Within the 36 credit hours of the Wright State Core students must successfully complete the following:

One Global Inquiry (GI) course

Two Inclusive Excellence (IE) courses

One to two Integrated Writing (IW) courses. To meet degree requirements all students must complete a minimum of 3 IW courses by choosing either (a) 1 in the Core and 2 in the major or (b) 2 in the Core and 1 in the major. Students should check their major program requirements for courses that fulfill Integrated Writing.

Students who do not make choices within the 36 required hours of the Core to fulfill the GI, IE, and IW requirements will take additional Core hours beyond the minimum of 36.

II. Major Requirements: 39 Credit Hours

TH 1020 - Stagecraft Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 1240 - Theatre Graphics I: Fundamentals Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 1510 - Introduction to the Performance Process Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 2190 - Stage Lighting I Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 2250 - Theatre Graphics II: Media and Color Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 2260 - Theatre Graphics II: Drafting Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3010 - Introduction to Theatrical Design Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3210 - Scene Painting I Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3250 - Set Design Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3260 - Costume Design Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3280 - Decorative Style through the Ages Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3800 - Theatre History and Literature I Credit Hour(s): 3 (IW)
TH 3810 - Theatre History and Literature II Credit Hour(s): 3 (IW)

III. Major Practicum Requirements: 28 Credit Hours

TH 2100 - Theatre Technology Credit Hour(s): 2
taken 4 semesters at 2 credits = 8 Hours
TH 3200 - Applied Theatre Technology I Credit Hour(s): 3 to 5
taken 2 semesters at 3 credits = 6 hours
TH 3760 - Design Studio Credit Hour(s): 2
taken 2 semesters at 2 credits = 4 hours
TH 4200 - Applied Theatre Technology II Credit Hour(s): 2 to 5
taken 2 semesters at 2 credtis = 4 hours
TH 4240 - Advanced Design Studio I Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 4250 - Advanced Design Studio II Credit Hour(s): 3

IV. Major Concentration Requirements: 13 - 15 Credit Hours

Set Design: 15 Credit Hours

TH 3220 - Scene Painting II Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3290 - Costume History Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre I Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 4330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre II Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 4360 - Theatre Graphics II: Rendering Credit Hour(s): 3

OR

Lighting Design: 15 Credit Hours

TH 2020 - Sound Design Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3190 - Stage Lighting II Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3320 - Automated Lighting Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre I Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3510 - Stage Management Credit Hour(s): 3

OR

Costume Design: 13 Credit Hours

TH 1200 - Make-up for the Theatre Credit Hour(s): 1
TH 2290 - Fabric Dyeing and Modification Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3290 - Costume History Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3340 - Costume Construction Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3360 - Pattern Drafting and Draping Credit Hour(s): 3

OR

Sound Design: 14 Credit Hours

TH 2020 - Sound Design Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3320 - Automated Lighting Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre I Credit Hour(s): 3
Music course (decided w/advisor) Credits / Units: 3
TH 4340 - Theatrical Rigging Credit Hour(s): 2

V. General Electives: 2-4 Credit Hours

Students must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours for a baccalaureate degree. If the total number of credit hours in the WSU Core (general education program) and the major requirements do not total at least 120 credits, students will choose additional courses (general electives) to meet the minimum required 120 credit hours. Students may choose from any undergraduate course in the Academic Catalog for which they meet the course prerequisites and for which they do not already have earned credit.

The number of General Eelectives by concentration is as follows:

Set Design concentration: 2 credit hours - TH 3190 Stage Lighting II - recommended
Lighting Design concentration: 2 credit hours
Costume Design concentration: 4 credit hours - TH 3190 Stage Lighting II or TH 3350 Costume Crafts - recommended
Sound Design concentration: 3 credit hours

Total: 120 Credit Hours

Graduation Planning Strategy

A Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS), also known as a four-year guide, is an academic tool showing one example of how a program can be completed in a certain amount of time. All Wright State undergraduate majors can be completed in four years with careful planning. Some programs may require summer coursework. Time to degree is dependent on many factors including student placement in mathematics and writing courses, CCP and AP coursework, transfer coursework, and other variables.

These guides are valid for this year’s Academic Catalog only and are subject to change. These guides are a recommendation only and your actual program may vary. Students should consult with their academic advisor on a regular basis and create a personalized plan to degree completion.

Design Technology, Set Design (GPS)

Design Technology, Lighting Design (GPS)

Design Technology, Sound Design (GPS)

Technology Concentration

I. Wright State Core: 36 Credit Hours

First-Year Seminar: 3 Credit Hours

Element A - English Composition: 6 Credit Hours

First-Year Writing Course (3 credit hours)

All students must successfully complete ENG 1100.  Based on Writing Placement level, some students may be required to enroll in a corequisite course (DEV 0100). 
ENG 1100 - Academic Writing and Reading Credit Hour(s): 3
Second-Year Writing Course (3 credit hours)
ENG 2100 - Research Writing and Argumentation Credit Hour(s): 3

Element B - Mathematics, Statistics, and Logic: 3 Credit Hour

Element C - Arts and Humanities: 6 Credit Hours

Students will select two Arts and Humanities courses, with different course prefixes from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements. One course must fulfill the History requirement.

History Requirement (3 credit hours)

Choose 1 course from the list below:
HST 1100 - Western Civilizations to 1500 Credit Hour(s): 3 (GI)
HST 1200 - The West and the World since 1500 Credit Hour(s): 3 (GI)
HST 1500 - Introduction to Greek and Roman Culture Credit Hour(s): 3 (GI)
Arts and Humanities Course (3 credit hours)

Required:
TH 2140 - Theatre in Western Culture Credit Hour(s): 3

Element D - Social and Behavioral Sciences: 6 Credit Hours

Students will select two Social and Behavioral Sciences courses, with different course prefixes from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements.

Element E - Natural Sciences: 7 Credit Hours

Students will select two Natural Science courses, from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements. At least one course must contain a laboratory.

Additional Core Courses: 5 Credit Hours

Required:

ART 2140 - Themes in Visual Culture Credit Hour(s): 3 (GI)

Additional Core Requirements

Within the 36 credit hours of the Wright State Core students must successfully complete the following:

One Global Inquiry (GI) course

Two Inclusive Excellence (IE) courses

One to two Integrated Writing (IW) courses. To meet degree requirements all students must complete a minimum of 3 IW courses by choosing either (a) 1 in the Core and 2 in the major or (b) 2 in the Core and 1 in the major. Students should check their major program requirements for courses that fulfill Integrated Writing.

Students who do not make choices within the 36 required hours of the Core to fulfill the GI, IE, and IW requirements will take additional Core hours beyond the minimum of 36.

II. Departmental Requirements: 55 Credit Hours

TH 1020 - Stagecraft Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 1240 - Theatre Graphics I: Fundamentals Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 1510 - Introduction to the Performance Process Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 2100 - Theatre Technology Credit Hour(s): 2
at least one semester in each of four shops = 8 hours
TH 2250 - Theatre Graphics II: Media and Color Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 2260 - Theatre Graphics II: Drafting Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3010 - Introduction to Theatrical Design Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3200 - Applied Theatre Technology I Credit Hour(s): 3 to 5
taken for a total of 10 credits
TH 3210 - Scene Painting I Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3800 - Theatre History and Literature I Credit Hour(s): 3 (IW)
TH 3810 - Theatre History and Literature II Credit Hour(s): 3 (IW)
taken for a total of 10 credits
TH 4200 - Applied Theatre Technology II Credit Hour(s): 2 to 5

III. Concentration Requirements

Scenery Technology: 26 Credit Hours

TH 2190 - Stage Lighting I Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 2200 - Stagecraft Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3250 - Set Design Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3280 - Decorative Style through the Ages Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3290 - Costume History Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre I Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 4290 - Advanced Theatre Crafts Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 4330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre II Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 4340 - Theatrical Rigging Credit Hour(s): 2

OR

Costume Technology: 25 Credit Hours

TH 1200 - Make-up for the Theatre Credit Hour(s): 1
TH 2290 - Fabric Dyeing and Modification Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 2190 - Stage Lighting I Credit Hour(s): 3 OR
TH 3250 - Set Design Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3260 - Costume Design Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3280 - Decorative Style through the Ages Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3290 - Costume History Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3340 - Costume Construction Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3350 - Costume Crafts Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3360 - Pattern Drafting and Draping Credit Hour(s): 3

OR

Scene Painting & Properties: 27 Credit Hours

TH 2290 - Fabric Dyeing and Modification Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3220 - Scene Painting II Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3250 - Set Design Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3280 - Decorative Style through the Ages Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3290 - Costume History Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre I Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 4330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre II Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 4360 - Theatre Graphics II: Rendering Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 2190 - Stage Lighting I Credit Hour(s): 3 OR
TH 3260 - Costume Design Credit Hour(s): 3

OR

Lighting & Sound Technology: 20 Credit Hours

TH 2020 - Sound Design Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 2190 - Stage Lighting I Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3320 - Automated Lighting Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3330 - Computer Graphics for Theatre I Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 4290 - Advanced Theatre Crafts Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 4340 - Theatrical Rigging Credit Hour(s): 2
TH 3250 - Set Design Credit Hour(s): 3 OR
TH 3260 - Costume Design Credit Hour(s): 3

IV. General Electives: 2-9 Credit Hours

The number of General Electives by concentration is as follows:

Scenery Technology concentration: 3 credit hours
Costume Technology concentration: 4 credit hours
Scene Painting & Properties concentration: 2 credit hours
Lighting & Sound Technology concentration: 9 credit hours - TH 3190 Stage Lighting II recommended

Total: 120 Credit Hours

Graduation Planning Strategy

Design Technology, Scenery Tech (GPS)

Design Technology, Costume Tech (GPS)

Design Technology, Scene Paint and Props (GPS)

Design Technology, Lighting & Sound (GPS)

Stage Management Concentration

I. Wright State Core: 36 Credit Hours

First-Year Seminar: 3 Credit Hours

Element A - English Composition: 6 Credit Hours

First-Year Writing Course (3 credit hours)

All students must successfully complete ENG 1100.  Based on Writing Placement level, some students may be required to enroll in a corequisite course (DEV 0100). 
ENG 1100 - Academic Writing and Reading Credit Hour(s): 3
Second-Year Writing Course (3 credit hours)
ENG 2100 - Research Writing and Argumentation Credit Hour(s): 3

Element B - Mathematics, Statistics, and Logic: 3 Credit Hour

Element C - Arts and Humanities: 6 Credit Hours

Students will select two Arts and Humanities courses, with different course prefixes from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements. One course must fulfill the History requirement.

History Requirement (3 credit hours)

Choose 1 course from the list below:
HST 1100 - Western Civilizations to 1500 Credit Hour(s): 3 (GI)
HST 1200 - The West and the World since 1500 Credit Hour(s): 3 (GI)
HST 1500 - Introduction to Greek and Roman Culture Credit Hour(s): 3 (GI)
Arts and Humanities Course (3 credit hours)

Required:
TH 2140 - Theatre in Western Culture Credit Hour(s): 3

Element D - Social and Behavioral Sciences: 6 Credit Hours

Students will select two Social and Behavioral Sciences courses, with different course prefixes from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements.

Required:

EC 2040 - Principles of Microeconomics Credit Hour(s): 3
Select an additional Social and Behavioral Sciences courses, with a different course prefix (not EC) from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements.

Element E - Natural Sciences: 7 Credit Hours

Students will select two Natural Science courses, from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements. At least one course must contain a laboratory.

Additional Core Courses: 5 Credit Hours

Required:

ART 2140 - Themes in Visual Culture Credit Hour(s): 3 (GI)

Additional Core Requirements

Within the 36 credit hours of the Wright State Core students must successfully complete the following:

One Global Inquiry (GI) course

Two Inclusive Excellence (IE) courses

One to two Integrated Writing (IW) courses. To meet degree requirements all students must complete a minimum of 3 IW courses by choosing either (a) 1 in the Core and 2 in the major or (b) 2 in the Core and 1 in the major. Students should check their major program requirements for courses that fulfill Integrated Writing.

Students who do not make choices within the 36 required hours of the Core to fulfill the GI, IE, and IW requirements will take additional Core hours beyond the minimum of 36.

II. Major Requirements: 58 - 64 Credit Hours

TH 1020 - Stagecraft Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 1470 - Acting Aesthetics Credit Hour(s): 2
TH 1480 - Acting Aesthetics Credit Hour(s): 2
TH 2020 - Sound Design Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 2100 - Theatre Technology Credit Hour(s): 2 (Take 10 credit hours) (Must do one semester in each shop and administration)
TH 2190 - Stage Lighting I Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 2260 - Theatre Graphics II: Drafting Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3010 - Introduction to Theatrical Design Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3200 - Applied Theatre Technology I Credit Hour(s): 3 to 5 (Must take 1 semester of TH 3200 for 5 credit hours)
TH 3500 - Directing Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3510 - Stage Management Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3520 - Stage Management II Credit Hour(s): 3
TH 3800 - Theatre History and Literature I Credit Hour(s): 3 (IW)
TH 3810 - Theatre History and Literature II Credit Hour(s): 3 (IW)
TH 4100 - Stage Management Practicum Credit Hour(s): 1 to 3 (6-12 hours required)
TH 3250 - Set Design Credit Hour(s): 3 OR
TH 3260 - Costume Design Credit Hour(s): 3

III. Related Requirements: 12 Credit Hours

COM 1040 - Introduction to Human Communication Credit Hour(s): 3
DAN 1070 - Ballet for the Actor I Credit Hour(s): 2
DAN 1240 - Jazz for the Actor I Credit Hour(s): 1
ENG 3000 - Business Writing Credit Hour(s): 3
MUS 1140 - Fundamentals of Musicianship I Credit Hour(s): 3

IV. General Electives: 8-14 Credit Hours

Students are encouraged to consider adding a minor, certificate, or microcredential.

Total: 120 Credit Hours

Graduation Planning Strategy

This GPS is valid for this year’s Academic Catalog only and is subject to change. This GPS is a recommendation only and your actual program may vary. Students should consult with their academic advisor on a regular basis and create a personalized plan to degree completion.

Design Technology, Stage Management (GPS)