BFA in Theatre Design/Technology

Students engage in in-depth study across all major areas of production, including Scenic, Lighting, Costume, Sound, and Projection Design, as well as Stage Management and Technical Direction. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge through active participation in the production of plays, musicals, and dance concerts.

Through applied learning and individualized mentorship, student designers, technicians, and stage managers take an active role in producing the department’s season. Each collaborative production is student-designed and staged in one of UB’s state-of-the-art performance venues, including the proscenium-style Drama Theatre, the adaptable Black Box Theatre, and the distinctive Katharine Cornell Theatre.

Students regularly participate in national organizations such as the Kennedy Center American Theatre Festival (KCACTF) and the United States Institute for Theatre Technology USITT, where many have received recognition for their realized work.

Outside the classroom, students gain paid experience working on live events at the UB Center for the Arts and collaborate with faculty and professionals in regional theatres. Many also pursue internships across the country, building strong portfolios and industry connections before graduation.

Students develop powerful communication, organization and leadership skills applicable to many careers. Graduates of the program are highly sought after in the job market, earning roles with regional theatres, national touring productions, theme parks, cruise lines, television and film industries, major live event companies, and educational institutions.  Alumni have worked with organizations such as Bandit Lites, Chicago Flyhouse, Disney Parks, Glimmerglass Festival, Hangar Theatre, Lighting Design Group, Parson-Meares LTD, Tait Towers, TheaterWorks USA, and Sante Fe Opera. Others have gone on to pursue advanced degrees at prestigious institutions across the country, furthering their expertise in specialized areas of design and technology.

Students considering the BFA in Theatre Design/Technology program must be accepted by the University academically and be admitted to the program via a departmental interview and portfolio review. Admitted BFA students must retain their place through periodic evaluations and reviews by faculty members. Students interested in the BFA program can interview prior to starting at UB. However, many students begin in the BA program and choose to transition upon completing introductory courses and gaining further production experience.

Students interested in studying design/technology can also do so through our BA in Theatre program as well as our Theatre Minor. Recommended introductory courses for any interested student are: 

TH 106: Intro to Technical Theatre (take with either TH 135 or TH 136 practicum)
TH 203: Visual Imagination
TH 101: Intro To Theatre  

Course Fees 

Some courses offered in the Design/Technology program require course fees. Details for course fees can found within each course description.

Get Involved 

Students interested in production work but who may not wish to pursue a major in design and technology can still get involved. Contact the department at td-theatredance@buffalo.edu for information on how. 

Send us a general inquiry at: td-theatredance@buffalo.edu. Or reach out to: