Undergraduate Programs
Technical Direction
Today’s professional theater environment requires a comprehensive grasp of all modern management and technological tools available to those working behind the scenes.
An advanced understanding of resource management, communication and facilitation of every aspect of the creative process is an integral part of Technical Direction training, both in the classroom and in hands-on production experiences.
Curriculum
The Technical Direction Program provides the technologists of the future with an intensive, undergraduate conservatory curriculum designed to synthesize academic development and production experience.
In the first three semesters, students develop communication, problem solving and collaboration skills. Students declare a specific discipline of study after their third semester in the program.
Production experiences supplement classroom learning by introducing TD students to a range of collaborators, theatrical environments and resource management.
The School of Drama’s position within a world class research university provides collaborative opportunities across many fields of study and practices. The goal of the Technical Direction Program is to prepare students to become leading professionals in the entertainment industry.
Opportunities
Students in the Technical Direction Program are assigned production responsibilities designed to develop their skills and build their leadership, management, and collaborative expertise. Our production facilities and scene shop are modeled on a professional shop.
Students are assigned leadership roles in the scene shop, which progress through project management positions. They may be involved in several productions concurrently, managing several teams.
Each production opportunity is chosen based on a student’s abilities and vocational aspirations. Faculty advisors support and monitor each student’s progress throughout the course of the program.
Unique Platforms
All School of Drama students have to opportunities to participate in the following:
DANCE/LIGHT
Dance/Light is a performance opportunity for students across all disciplines to collaborate in the creation of original dance and movement pieces.
PLAYGROUND
A Festival of Independent Student Work: Playground is the annual School of Drama, three-day performance festival showcasing independent, student-produced work across multiple disciplines.
VISITING ARTISTS PROGRAM
The Visiting Artists Program brings distinguished national and international guests to campus to work with students across all disciplines.
SHOWCASE
The School of Drama Showcase presentations in New York and Los Angeles are designed to give all graduating students from all disciplines the opportunity to meet with and present work to leading arts and entertainment professionals. When conditions warrant, this Showcase may be augmented by virtual online networking events.
Faculty
News & Alumni
Your Future
Graduates of the Production Technology and Management Option (PTM) are sought after as leaders in their disciplines across all areas of the performing arts.
In-depth study and practice of industry standards and union guidelines enable graduates to transition seamlessly into the professional world. The School of Drama’s Visiting Artist Program provides students with an in-depth understanding of professional practice through classes, workshops and productions with leading industry professionals.
Recent graduates have found employment with Tait Towers and Chicago Scenic Studios, On- and Off-Broadway, with Cirque Du Soleil, with regional theaters and opera companies across the country, and in many facets of the television and film industry.
