University of Connecticut (Storrs)

Additional information

Degree Overview

The Design/Tech BFA program prepares candidates for entry-level positions in the areas of design, management, technology and craft professions in theatre and other parts of the entertainment industry. Upon completing this program, some students advance to graduate-level professional training at a variety of institutions throughout the country. Undergraduate Design/Tech majors have the opportunity to study and work in all areas, including Scenery Design, Construction & Rigging, Costume Design and Construction, Lighting Design, Properties Design & Construction, and Sound Design. Coursework combines with practical work on CRT productions. Advanced undergraduates with particular promise often serve as assistant designers or designers for CRT Studio Works productions.

Outstanding undergraduates have even worked as principal designers of CRT Mainstage productions. Informal assessments by the Design/Technical faculty in the student's freshman and sophomore years are helpful in providing feedback, sharpening focus and encouraging candidates with demonstrated an aptitude to continue in the program. Junior and senior BFA Design/Tech majors participate in portfolio reviews at the end of each semester and are encouraged to enter U/RTA (University and Regional Theatre Association) Final Competitions in New York City in January to compete for positions in Professional Regional Theatres and member graduate school programs throughout the country.

Unlike many fields of study in which students take few courses in their major during their early semesters, BFA Dramatic Arts Students begin intensive training in their chosen field immediately upon entering UConn. In a BFA program, approximately half of your college courses are in your chosen field of study. Most of the remaining credits you will take constitute the university's General Education Requirements in writing, math, history, humanities, science and social science. You will take from one to three general education courses per semester, depending on your semester standing.