Overview

The Performing Arts - Theatre Design and Technology programme at Western Kentucky University offers an immersive professional training environment for aspiring designers and technicians. This Bachelor of Fine Arts degree combines rigorous academic study with extensive hands-on experience in world-class production facilities.

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances creative theory with practical application across multiple disciplines. The department operates as a living laboratory, providing a vibrant space where creativity meets technical precision. You will work alongside expert faculty to master the complexities of modern theatrical production.

Why Performing Arts - Theatre Design and Technology at Western Kentucky University?

The institution provides exceptional facilities, including a dedicated costume shop, a professional scene shop, and the electrics shop located in the Russell Miller Theatre. These spaces allow students to learn safe and modern techniques for hanging instruments, fabric modification, and set construction.

Distinctive teaching features include the Faculty-Undergraduate Student Engagement (FUSE) grants, which support active research and artistic performances. Students also have unique opportunities to experience professional theatre through organised trips to major cultural hubs such as Louisville, New York City, and London.

The production season is remarkably intensive, typically offering between 15 and 20 different productions annually. This includes mainstage theatre, dance concerts, and student-created works. Such a high volume of performance ensures that every student has ample opportunity to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 29030 per year
National fee: USD 27000 per year
Local fee: USD 12072 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of a 24-credit hour core taken by all performing arts students, supplemented by a 50-credit hour concentration. Modules may include:

Theatre
Dance
Costumes
Makeup
Scenery
Properties
Lighting
Sound
Stage Management
Draping Dyeing
Fabric Modification
Mask Making
Millinery Work
Costume Craft Techniques
Set Design
Electrics
Dramaturgy
Musical Theatre History

Careers with Performing Arts - Theatre Design and Technology

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the global entertainment industry, ranging from local theatre companies to major international productions. Alumni have achieved significant success, including winning Tony Awards for sound design and pursuing advanced diplomas at prestigious institutions like the Cinema Makeup School.

Potential career paths include becoming a professional set designer, master electrician, costume technician, or stage manager. The versatile skills gained during the programme allow graduates to work in theatre, film, television, and themed entertainment sectors across the globe.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Fundamentals of Theatre
History of Art since 1300
Stage Design
Costume Technology
Stage Electrics
Stage Management

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bowling Green, United States

Disciplines

Design Drama View 1333 other Bachelors in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A completed application (open WKU application for admission)
Minimum academic requirements: Freshmen: 2.5 GPA / Transfer:* 2.0 GPA
*Students with 24 or more earned hours of college credit
English proficiency requirements
$75 non-refundable application fee
Official Academic Records from schools attended with grades and any degrees/diplomas/certificates received. Should also include a literal English translation.
Financial Evidence of Support must be provided to obtain an I-20
Students transferring from within the US will need to fill out the Transfer-In Form

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29030 USD / year

≈ 29030 USD / year
Out-of-State

27000 USD / year

≈ 27000 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12072 USD / year

≈ 12072 USD / year

Living costs

Bowling Green

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Performing Arts - Theatre Design and Technology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bowling Green

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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