North Carolina A&T State University

What you'll study

Coursework and production assignments cover the full gamut of technical production skills. Core practical study areas and experiences include:

• Stagecraft and Elements of Play Production (students must earn at least a B in these courses to become technology candidates)
• Costuming (serving as costumer or costume master)
• Carpentry and scenic construction (master carpenter, shop foreman)
• Electrics and lighting (master electrician)
• Stage management (stage manager or assistant stage manager)
• Sound operation and design (sound technician)
• Properties management (properties master)
• Technical leadership roles (assistant technical director, technical director for senior project)

Students typically work on four to eight major departmental productions as technicians and are expected to serve in a variety of production positions to develop breadth and depth of skill. The program culminates in a senior thesis production project supervised by a technology area faculty member.

Entry requirements

To become a candidate for the B.F.A. with the Technology option, students must:

• Earn at least a B in Stagecraft and Elements of Play Production.
• Demonstrate attributes of a professional artist (talent, willingness to learn, discipline, commitment, cooperation), potential leadership, and an active involvement in theatre during the first year of residency.
• Pass a qualifying interview that includes a resume and portfolio review; selections must be approved by a technology and design faculty member prior to presentation.
• Design and/or technically direct a main stage production by the end of the senior year.
• Present portfolio and interview at two of a provided list of professional or regional forums (examples include M.F.A. programs, professional conferences, URTA, or theatre companies).

Career prospects

The program aims to prepare students as pre‑professional technicians capable of working in professional theatre contexts. Graduates leave with hands‑on experience across costume, carpentry, electrics, sound, props, stage management and technical direction, positioning them for entry‑level and advancing technical roles in regional, university, and professional theatre companies.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Students should consult the university and college scholarship offices for merit and need‑based aid; production participation and departmental recognition may also support portfolio advancement and competitive applications for external conferences and professional opportunities.