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Theatre Technical & Design

EIU Theatre gives students hands-on experience behind the scenes, combining creativity, craftsmanship and technical skills. The Technical & Design emphasis develops practical and artistic production skills through classroom learning and real production work. Students participate in scenic and costume design, lighting, sound, stage management, technical direction and props. Productions include musicals, classic and contemporary plays, and guest artists who provide professional perspectives.

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Theatre Technical & Design

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 55 in Major
Careers
Drama,, Postsecondary, Set, Designers, Actors
Theatre Technical & Design students at EIU

Why Study Theatre Technical & Design at EIU?

  • Move quickly from classroom concepts to meaningful production assignments in an undergraduate-focused program
  • Explore scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, digital design and stage management before refining your direction
  • Build portfolio-ready work as a designer, technician, stage manager, artisan or crew leader.
  • Learn safe, collaborative production practices through small classes and close faculty supervision
  • Create in dedicated theatres, scene and costume shops, a drafting/computer lab and other specialized spaces
See it for yourself Schedule a Visit
"From the moment I stepped onto campus, every professor, staff member, and student I encountered treated me with such genuine warmth and respect, as if I were already a valued member of their community. Despite not having officially joined the EIU family, I immediately felt a deep sense of belonging. The atmosphere was one of comfort and inclusivity, where everyone seemed genuinely invested in my success and well-being."
Abbey McCord
Theatre Technical & Design | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Theatre Technical & Design at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Design or support scenery, costumes, lighting and sound for departmental and student productions
  • Serve as a stage manager, master electrician, board operator, crew head, carpenter, stitcher or scenic artist
  • Complete technical theatre labs that connect shop, rehearsal and performance responsibilities
  • Work with guest designers and directors and adapt to different professional processes.
  • Develop a senior thesis project and portfolio materials that demonstrate your process and completed work
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Theatre Technical & Design students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Technical and Design emphasis in the B.A. in Theatre prepares you to shape the visual, physical and technical world of theatre. It is a fit if you enjoy building, drawing, problem solving and making a production work behind the scenes.

Program 4-Year Sequence
View in Catalog
$49,236
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Art, Drama, & Music Teachers,…
  • Set & Exhibit Designers
  • Actors
  • Producers & Directors
  • Media Programming Directors
  • Talent Directors
  • Media Technical Directors/Managers
  • Dancers
  • Choreographers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Bright OutlookBright Outlook careers are ones with a promising future. They're expected to grow quickly, to have lots of job openings, or to be brand new and emerging. A career earns the label if it meets any one of these: projected growth of 5% or more, at least 75,000 projected openings, or New & Emerging status.
Grow Rapidly: Jobs in this career are expected to grow 5% or more over the next several years, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit ArtisticArtistic interest typeYou like to create. This could mean visual art, performance, writing or music, or using design to shape objects and materials.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Nicholas Shaw
Head of Theatre Division/Professor
neshaw@eiu.edu
2084 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-6003
Nicholas Shaw Message Nicholas

Message Nicholas

or email neshaw@eiu.edu directly
Christopher Gadomski
Senior Instructor/Technical Director
cgadomski@eiu.edu
2045 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-6003
Christopher Gadomski Message Christopher

Message Christopher

or email cgadomski@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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