BFA in Design and Technology in Dekalb United States | Northern Illinois University

This program offers coursework and practical theater training in design and production, covering areas like costumes, lighting, and set design. Students explore theater arts' artistic, social, and cultural significance while honing their creative and technical abilities. The curriculum includes design studies (such as drawing and painting) alongside theater history, period styles, and directing courses. Specialized instruction in theater technology (like scene painting and pattern drafting) as well as computer-aided design (CAD) and digital rendering is available. The BFA in design and technology strives to offer pre-professional training within a liberal arts framework, preparing students for careers in theater, media, and related entertainment industries. The School of Theatre and Dance features dedicated workshops and lab spaces where students can practice their design and technical skills. The Stevens Building contains a scene construction workshop, lighting lab, and costume production area, along with storage for costumes, props, and sets. Design and technology students frequently take on supervised roles in school productions, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Internships and external programs with theater companies, arts organizations, and performance venues expand students' knowledge and connect them with professional theater networks. This combination of academic study and real-world practice equips graduates for successful careers in theater production and related entertainment fields, whether in costume, lighting, or scenic design.