Theatre Design and Technology

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Wilkes University’s Theatre Design and Technology program is for students interested in scenic, costume, lighting or sound design. As a student at Wilkes, you will gain the preprofessional training needed to make your future in the performing arts a reality.

Program Snapshot

Program Type	Format	Credit Hours
Major	On Campus	120

Why Study Theatre Design and Technology at Wilkes?

As a Theatre Design and Technology student at Wilkes, you’ll explore all facets of design and technical theatre through classes, labs and production work. This bachelor of arts degree is an intensive preprofessional program that combines conservatory-style training in theatre design and technology with a robust liberal arts curriculum.

Students take intensive studio classes in all aspects of technical design and production with plenty of hands-on experience at every step of the way. With small class sizes, each student receives individual support from the instructors and their cohort of artistic peers.

Our program is recognized by the American College Theatre Festival sponsored by the Kennedy Center. Students will also have an opportunity to attend the United States Institute for Theatre Technology or Southeastern Theatre Conference conferences for networking, career exploration and job interviews.

What Will You Learn as a Theatre Design and Technology Student?

Develop your skills as a technical designer and director while being a collaborative part of the production process.
Navigate sound, lighting and mixing technology, as well as scenic carpentry, properties, costumes, scenic art (painting) and stage management.
Collaborate with directors and actors while developing your artistic style, vision and direction.
Grow as a professional and prepare to enter the industry through feedback sessions, resume and portfolio development, interviewing and more.

Upcoming Audition Dates

Once you’ve been accepted to Wilkes, you need to schedule a portfolio presentation and interview for admission to the Theatre Design and Technology program and eligibility for scholarship awards.

Find out more about requirements for the Theatre Design and Technology interview and contact us for your time slot.

Schedule Your Interview

Program Highlights

Hands-On Learning

With a small faculty-to-student ratio and more than 10 productions each year, you’ll have ample opportunities to practice your craft from your first days on campus.

Creative Space

Our Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts is home to well-equipped scene, costume and paint shops. It features high-tech boards and smart LED lights.

Networking Opportunities

Network at industry conferences and events, including the American College Theatre Festival sponsored by the Kennedy Center.

We build the sets, we do the lighting, we do everything working towards the show. A lot of other schools don’t get that experience and it really gives you an appreciation for everything that happens backstage.
Kristopher Tjornhom

mainstage productions, including 2 musicals each year

black box productions each year

478

seats in the Darling Theatre of the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts

Where will you perform?

Wilkes University Theatre stages four main stage productions each year, two musicals and two non-musicals, plus multiple black box productions.

Our main performance space, the Darling Theatre in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, features a 34-foot-deep proscenium stage and 480 seats.

The theatre boasts a hydraulic orchestra pit, state-of-the-art lighting, a 36-line set and a scene shop with the most modern safety standards, as well as extensive costume and prop facilities.

You can create smaller, innovative work in our intimate black box theatre or explore a range of movement styles in our dance space.

The Darte Center, also known to the Wilkes community as the DDD, also hosts several rehearsal rooms for you to get your work up on its feet. As a musical theatre major at Wilkes, you have plenty of space outside the classroom to hone your talents.

Careers & Outcomes

The entertainment field is one of the largest industries in this country and offers a wide variety of opportunities that both include and extend beyond the stage and screen production space.