BA in Theatre - Design in Honolulu United States | University of Hawaii at Manoa

The UHM Design Program offers an intimate, culturally diverse learning environment focused on practical experience, diverse design and teaching options, one-on-one guidance from faculty actively engaged in professional work, and collaborative opportunities with local theaters. MFA candidates typically specialize in one of three design fields—scenic, lighting, or costume design—while optionally pursuing secondary concentrations. We champion experiential learning that extends beyond traditional classroom settings. Seeing is valuable, but doing is transformative. Few institutions of comparable scale can match UHM's dynamic production calendar, which creates abundant chances to implement classroom knowledge in fully realized performances. Dedicated students who fully engage with their training will complete the program with impressive professional portfolios and resumes. The Theatre and Dance department enables students to explore and create designs across multiple theatrical styles. Explore our website to discover our specialized theater programs, all supported by our design curriculum that exposes students to diverse genres while building practical expertise.
Our faculty members balance teaching with active professional careers, maintaining industry connections that enrich classroom instruction with current, real-world perspectives. Their ongoing professional work ensures they remain at the forefront of their fields while bringing authentic experience to student mentorship.

MFA design students frequently gain valuable teaching experience—essential for careers in educational theater—through supervised shop instruction, undergraduate mentorship, and potential roles as guest lecturers or course instructors.

The program's distinctive multicultural approach gives our graduates a competitive edge. Alumni have secured positions nationwide as designers, technicians, and educators at regional theaters, semi-professional companies, and respected academic institutions.