The Occupational Information Network predicts that the demand for set and technical designers will increase by 14 to 19 percent from 2008 through 2018. A number of colleges in the United States offer programs in technical theater, preparing students to work as stage managers or set, lighting, sound and prop designers for live theatrical productions. Granting both associate and bachelor's degrees, these schools prepare students for entry into technical theater through classroom lectures and hands-on practice.
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Established in 1970, the University of Hawaii at Hilo is a public, four-year institution with approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Located on what is commonly referred to as Hawaii's Big Island, the college features a Bachelor of Arts degree in technical theater. Among the courses required for the major are dance, stage techniques, stagecraft, music theory and literature, painting or three-dimensional design, makeup and costuming and stage management. All students must complete a senior design project and participate in the design and execution of department-sponsored performance. In addition to federal and state financial aid programs, students at the University of Hawaii at Hilo may qualify for work-study placements to help offset the cost of tuition.
University of Hawaii at Hilo
200 West Kawili Street
Hilo, HI 96720
800-897-4456
Hawaii.edu
University of Rio Grande
Founded in 1876, the University of Rio Grande is a private, nonsectarian college approximately 100 miles from Columbus. The school features an enrollment of fewer than 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students and grants an associate degree program in technical theater that was developed in cooperation with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees technical theater labor union. Students receive hands-on practice working in the university's 493-seat auditorium. The curriculum covers set design, lighting and sound. Study abroad opportunities are available for all students at the university. Around 85 percent of all students receive some type of financial aid while attending the University of the Rio Grande, according to the "2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges."
University of Rio Grande
PO Box 500
Rio Grande, OH 45674
740-245-7208
rio.edu
University of Connecticut
In 2010, the University of Connecticut received the 66th place ranking among all universities in the United States from "U.S. News & World Report." Founded in 1881, the public college is home to more than 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students at its 4,104-acre campus located 25 miles from Hartford in the rural community of Storrs. The college grants a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in technical theater and design with students completing classes in lighting, scene design, costuming, sound, directing and scene construction. Students can also select elective courses in rigging and puppetry. Around 86 percent of freshmen and 74 percent of continuing undergraduate students benefit from some type of financial aid, reports the "2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges." The university also grants Master of Fine Arts degrees in costume design, lighting design, scenic design and technical directing.
University of Connecticut
2131 Hillside Road
Unit 3088
Storrs, CT 06269
860-486-3137
uconn.edu
Tags: technical theater, Hawaii Hilo, University Grande, University Hawaii, University Hawaii Hilo
