“This program is a superstar in undergraduate theatre education. Western Michigan University is considered an elite program, with some of the highest quality students in the nation.”
- Brant Pope, Chair, Department of Drama and Dance, University of Texas-Austin

The Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Design & Technical Production accepts up to fifteen students each year, allowing for small classes and one-on-one interaction with the faculty. A comprehensive curriculum is offered in scenery, costumes, lighting, and sound. The curriculum is designed to give students a general overview of all aspects of theatre production, as well as advanced course work in specific areas.

For a complete curriculum guide and list of course descriptions for Design & Technical Production, click here.

Students work as designers and technicians on fully produced, faculty-directed productions in three different theatre spaces using state-of-the-art equipment. Technical assistantships and work-study assignments are also available in all production areas and provide additional opportunities for hands-on, practical experience. Master classes with nationally recognized, professional artists are provided to expand the academic experience beyond the classroom even further.

Students study their craft in a state-of-the-art Design Studio with 24 CADD workstations at custom designed drafting tables. A large scene shop is located on site and is equipped for metal and wood construction. The department also maintains a costume shop with dye facilities, a lighting lab, automated fixtures, and digital audio and projection systems. Our advanced facilities ensure that students are exposed to the most current technology.

Alumni from the WMU Design and Technical Production program have gone on to study at the graduate level at distinguished institutions such as Yale, Carnegie Mellon University, Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, University of Missouri – Kansas City, Rutgers University, San Diego State University, and the University of California – Irvine. Professionally, our students work at Pixar and design on Broadway with Avenue Q, Jersey Boys, South Pacific, Sunday in the Park With George, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and Phantom of the Opera.

For further information on Department of Theatre majors or the minor, contact Sandy Duke, Academic Advisor, at sandy.duke@wmich.edu.