Mar 18, 2026  
2026-2027 General Catalog [Effective Fall 2026] 
    
2026-2027 General Catalog [Effective Fall 2026]

Theatre Design and Production (BFA)

Location(s): Main Campus


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Program Information

  • BFA students are expected to complete course-based performance assessment and must maintain a major-level GPA of 3.0 (B average) in theatre-based courses and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C average).
  • The program is committed to student success and therefore will admit students who have the skill and, most importantly, the commitment to be successful in this professional degree program. All student candidates for the degree must interview and undergo either a portfolio review. This review process is conducted by a faculty panel.
  • The department requires every BFA Theatre Design and Production student to complete an annual jury and portfolio review with a panel made up of the Design and Production faculty and staff.
  • BFA students will complete a significant internship during their course of study. This important practical component to the degree helps ensures students are ready to enter their chosen profession.
  • All students complete a Capstone which will develop original scholarship that critically evaluates and analyzes their creative practice through a written and oral defense presentation to faculty within their discipline.
  • Exit interviews will be held for all graduating seniors.
  • Every student is required to abide by the policies and procedures set up in the Departmental Student Handbook.

Admission Requirements

The BFA admission process seeks evidence that each applicant possess the talent, artistic and collaborative sensibility, and most importantly, a strong sense of commitment to be successful in the program. Candidates for the BFA degree will interview with faculty and undergo a portfolio review. Students may interview for entry into the BFA program upon admission to the University, or after completing their freshman year in Theatre Arts. Students in their sophomore, junior, or senior year are not eligible for admission to the BFA program without chair approval.

General Education Requirement (28+ Credits)


See General Education  for course options.

  • Core Course Requirements (12+ Credits)
  • Breadth Area Requirements (16+ Credits)

Theatre Design and Production Curriculum (90 Credits)


Theatre Design & Production Requirements (59 Credits)


Design & Production Advanced Production Coursework (6 Credits)


Complete 6 credits from the following:

Design & Production Advanced Concentration Coursework (6 Credits)


Complete 6 credits from the following:

Design & Production Capstone (3 Credits)


Complete one of the following pathways with approval of advisor:

Design & Production Support Courses (7 Credits)


Complete 7 credits with approval of advisor from the following:

Free Electives and University Requirements


Students’ total free elective credit is determined by their General Education courses taken, degree type selected (if applicable), additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Some students and/or programs may not have any free electives.

For a bachelor’s degree, students must earn

  • A minimum of 120 total credits;
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in both SUU coursework and combined transfer/SUU coursework;
  • 40 upper-division credits , 20 of which are earned from SUU (students may need to select additional upper-division courses not included in their major requirements in order to reach this minimum 40); and
  • 30 credits completed  through SUU.

Total Credits, BFA Degree: 120


Program Learning Outcomes


Students completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Production will be able to:

  • Analyze dramatic texts and theatre history to inform design choices and production strategies.
  • Implement design concepts within production constraints using industry best practices for safety and technical execution.
  • Create original design concepts that interpret the script and unify the production’s aesthetic vision.
  • Demonstrate career readiness by applying professional project management strategies, collaborative behaviors, and industry standards to production work.
  • Communicate complex production ideas effectively through rendering, drafting, written and oral presentations.

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