Mar 01, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

Theatre Design and Technology, B.F.A.


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Department Website

The BFA in Theatre Design and Technology serves students interested in theatrical design, technical production or stage management. Training in stagecraft, stage management and scenic, costume and lighting design may lead to advanced projects in these areas according to each student’s interests and capabilities.

Students must fulfill the Oakland University General Education Requirements, the General College of Arts and Sciences requirements, the College of Arts and Sciences Exploratory requirement, and the Major Requirements. Additionally, students must complete a sufficient number of free elective courses to meet the overall credit requirement for their degree. A minimum of 120 credits is required, although some degree programs may require a higher total credit count.

Theatre Design and Technology, B.F.A. majors are exempt from the College of Arts and Sciences College Exploratory requirement.

Schedule of Class


Specific offerings for each semester may be found in the Schedule of Classes.

General Education Requirements


In order to graduate on-schedule without taking additional courses, it is highly recommended that students meet with an Undergraduate Academic Adviser concerning the selection of all of their general education courses.

Each candidate for an Oakland University baccalaureate will need to satisfactorily complete approved courses in each of the following areas: Foundations, Explorations, and Integration. For details, refer to the General Education Requirements  section of the catalog.

Requirements for the major in theatre design and technology, B.F.A.


Admission to the Theatre Degree Programs

Admission to the theatre department at Oakland University (OU) is a two-tiered process. The first step in the process for all students is the entrance audition. These auditions are held several times a year and determine whether or not a student will be admitted to OU in any theatre degree programs. The second step is the major standing audition/portfolio review, which determines whether students may continue in the program, and which degree program they will pursue. More information on the major standing audition/portfolio review can be found below under “Non-credit requirements.”

Entrance portfolio review

Entrance portfolio review days are held several times each year. Students should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in their proposed area of specialization. The portfolio requirements and application are available on the School of Music, Theatre and Dance website.

  • Students seeking admission to Oakland University as theatre design and technology majors must participate in a portfolio review with the theatre faculty.
  • Students who are admitted and do not enroll within two semesters must re-apply.
  • Students who are admitted and leave school for at least two semesters must re-apply.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is intended for students who wish pre-professional and professional preparation in dance, musical theatre, acting, and theatre design and technology. Students must successfully complete the events attendance requirement and the senior interview (for more information, see below under “Non-credit requirements”). Students should consult with their theatre faculty advisor and departmental advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office to plan their degree program. Only major courses in which a grade of at least a C has been earned will count toward the major.

Requirements - minimum of 78 credits

Directing Course


History Courses


Theatre Design/Production Practica Courses


Theatre Electives - 15 credits


Elective coursework chosen from the subject areas AH, ART, Studio Art (SA), FLM and THA; THA 1000  is excluded

 

Non-Credit Requirements


  • Major standing - Students at the end of their second semester of study audition or present their portfolios to faculty to gain official entrance into the department. Students can pass and be placed into a major, be deferred and given another semester to attempt major standing, or be denied entrance into the department. 
  • Senior interview - Students in their last semester are required to write about their experiences in the department over the course of their study-both as a student and a theatre artist. They meet with faculty to assess their growth as a scholar and artist during their time at Oakland University.

Applicable Minors


All Minors are applicable to this major with the exception of the following Minor(s): Child Welfare, International Orientation for EGR/CS, and Sustainability Engineering.

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