B.A. Theatre Arts, Emphasis in Design and Technology
The B.A. Theatre Arts, Emphasis in Design and Technology degree provides a well-rounded student experience for the designer and technician interested in the three industries of theatre, television, and film. Not only does the program provide a solid foundation, but it also allows the flexibility for a student to focus on an area of interest, such as scenic design/production design, lighting design, costume design and technology, projection design, technical direction, and many others. In addition to providing many varied electives from which to choose, the emphasis also allows for exciting growth opportunities, such as an internship or study abroad experience. Very few universities offer this special combination of theatre, television, and film experience under one roof! Joining the unique emphasis of Design and Technology will enable the student to gain many marketable skills and become in demand after graduation.
Cal State Apply window: October 1 - November 30
To apply for undergraduate admission to SDSU, you need to apply online at CalState Apply.
At the time of the application, select your Pre-Major as “Theatre - Design and Technology (662554 or 662552).”
For deadlines for the upcoming term(s), please refer to the university’s Office of Admissions website and How and When to Apply page.
Upon initial admittance to the Theatre Arts program, students who declare an Emphasis in Design and Technology are designated as “pre-majors”. To be advanced from pre-major into the major and officially “enter the emphasis” of Design and Technology, each student must complete the following:
- Theatre 240 (or transfer equivalent of this course) must be completed with a grade of C or higher;
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.4 or higher
- Submit a portfolio of design work and a current list of classes taken at a designated faculty review by the student’s junior year of study.
A transfer student who wishes to qualify for major status may do so at the end of his or her first semester, and should include a letter of support from the student’s previous college or university if no design work is available.
For more information contact the Theatre Advisor:
Preparation for the Major: Lower Division Requirements
- TFM 160 - Cinema as Art, 3 units
- THEA 100 - The Art of Theatre, 3 units
- THEA 115 - Acting for Non-majors, 3 units
- THEA 130 - Acting I, 3 units
- THEA 120 - Heritage of Storytelling, 3 units
- THEA 240 - Theatre Design and Technology I, 3 units
Major: Upper Division Requirements
- THEA 325 - Script Analysis , 3 units
- THEA 359 - Directing I, 3 units
- THEA 440 - Scenic Design 1 or TFM 350 - Staging and Art for Television and Film, 3 units
- THEA 442 A or B - Practicum in Theatrical Production (Scenery or Costumes), 2 units
- THEA 446 A or B - Practicum in Performance (Running Crew-Sets, Lights) or (Running Crew-Costumes), 2 units
- THEA 447 - Lighting Design I , 3 units
- THEA 452 - Costume Design I, 3 units
- THEA 460 A - History of Theatre, 3 units
- THEA 530 A - Period Dress and Décor, 3 units
- THEA 449 - Portfolio Preparation and Exit Interview, 1 units
- THEA 460 B - History of Theatre, 3 units
- THEA 530 B - Period Dress and Décor, 3 units
Elective Area 1:
Select (6) units from the following courses
- THEA 335 - Stage Management-Theory , 3 units
- THEA 490 - Theatre Internship, 3 units
- THEA 559 - Scene Design II , 3 units
- THEA 547 - Lighting Design II, 3 units
- THEA 548 - Sound Design for the Theatre, 3 units
- THEA 552 - Costume Design II, 3 units
- THEA 561 - Projection Design and Integrated Media, 3 units
- TFM 550 - Art Direction for Television and Film, 3 units
- TFM 551 - Production Design for Television and Film, 3 units
- TFM 558 - Costume Design for Television and Film , 3 units
- TFM 559 - Digital Design for Film and Stage, 3 units
- THEA 540 - Scenic Design II, 3 units
International Experience Option
An international experience may be substituted for (3) units from Elective Area 1.
With your advisor’s approval, you may select from:
- an SDSU faculty-led trip from the College of Extended Studies
- CSU/SDSU Study Abroad Program
- ISEP Exchange Program (such as Birmingham City University)
- SDSU Semester Abroad Program (such as Kent, Canterbury)
- SDSU Study Travel Program
- Theatre Independent Study Abroad, offered by an accredited institution
Elective Area 2
Select (4) units from the following courses
- THEA 349 - Theatrical Makeup, 2 units
- THEA 440 - Internships, 3 units
- THEA 539 - Theatre Rendering, 2 units
- THEA 541 - Scene Painting , 2 units
- THEA 542 - Studio Skills for Theatre: Model Making , 2 units
- THEA 544 - Advanced Stage Technologies, 2 units
- THEA 545 - Mechanical Drawing for the Theatre , 2 units
- THEA 546 - Computer Systems for the Theatre , 2 units
- THEA 549 - Lighting and Sound Technology, 2 units
- THEA 551 - Advanced Media Design, 2 units
- THEA 554 A - Costume Design Technology , 2 units
- THEA 554 B - Costume Design Technology II , 2 units
- THEA 556 - Digital Communication for Lighting Design, 2 units
- THEA 557 - 3D Fabrication for Entertainment Design, 2 units
- THEA 564 - Costume Topics , 1-3 units
- TFM 490 - Internship, 3 units
- THEA 550 - Software for Theatre Design, 2 units
This checklist does not include your General Education requirements. A minor is not required for this major. For additional curriculum details, please consult the University Catalog.
For more information contact the Theatre Advisor:
