Overview

The Theatre Design and Technical Production programme at Western Michigan University provides students with a rigorous foundation in the artistic and technical aspects of modern stagecraft. This curriculum is designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application in professional-grade environments. Students engage deeply with various production elements to prepare for diverse roles within the performing arts industry.

Why Theatre Design and Technical Production at Western Michigan University?

The university limits intake to just 18 students annually, ensuring an intimate learning environment with significant one-on-one faculty interaction. Students train in a state-of-the-art design studio featuring 24 CADD workstations and custom drafting tables. These modern facilities allow for high-level technical exploration and creative development.

Practical experience is central to the department, which houses a large scene shop equipped for both wood and metal construction. Additional facilities include a dedicated costume shop with dye equipment, a specialised lighting lab, and advanced digital audio and projection systems. These resources ensure students are proficient with the latest industry technology.

Beyond traditional coursework, students work on fully produced, faculty-directed shows across three distinct theatre spaces. The programme also offers technical assistantships and work-study assignments to enhance practical skills. Master classes led by nationally recognised professional artists further bridge the gap between academic study and the professional world.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20525 per year
National fee: USD 20525 per year
Local fee: USD 16449 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Scenery
Costumes
Lighting
Sound
Theatre Production
Metal and Wood Construction
Digital Audio and Projection

Careers with Theatre Design and Technical Production

Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of technical and creative roles within the global entertainment sector. Recent alumni have secured positions as designers, gaffers, stage carpenters, and producers. Others have pursued careers as seamstresses, technicians, or specialist teachers within the field of performing arts.

The professional reach of the programme is extensive, with former students working in major opera houses and professional costume shops nationwide. Their expertise is showcased in Broadway productions, major regional theatres, and Las Vegas shows. Additionally, many graduates find success in the film and television industries, contributing to high-profile media projects.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Stagecraft

Theatre Design

Acting

Script Analysis

Scenic Design

Costume Design

Script Analysis for Production

Lighting and Sound Design

Directing

Theatre History

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Design Drama Production and Manufacturing Engineering View 118 other Bachelors in Production and Manufacturing Engineering in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

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

Copy of passport identification page

Proof of English language proficiency

Complete high school or post-secondary education transcripts

$100 non-refundable application fee

Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance

ACT or SAT Scores

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

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Out-of-State

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16449 USD / year

≈ 16449 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer Tuition: 3,768 International Summer Tuition: 4,711

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 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 Theatre: Design and Technical Production.

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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