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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
"I didn't expect to get real experience this early, but by my sophomore year I was already working on projects that felt like actual marketing work. It made me feel confident that I'm ready for what comes next."
Alex Wilcoxon
Marketing | Junior
Alex Wilcoxon, Marketing 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 & Design emphasis prepares students to shape the visual, physical and technical world of theatre. Students build skills in design, stage management, technology, craftsmanship and production through coursework and hands-on labs. Through production assignments, portfolio-building opportunities, guest designers, faculty guidance and professional facilities, students prepare for careers, internships, apprenticeships or advanced study.

View in Catalog
$49,236
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • 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 Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Artistic

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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