BFA - Design/Tech

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design/Technical Production degree option provides students with a thorough background in theatrical design, construction, related technology, and stage management. The specific topics of study include drafting, stagecraft, costume construction, costume pattern drafting, millinery, tailoring, computer imaging, CAD, scenic painting, rendering and advanced technical theatre as well as design courses in costumes, lighting, scenery and sound. Students have production assignments in all areas through all four years culminating in a significant senior year experience that may include designing, technical direction, management, or assistant designing. Graduates from the design and technology BFA program are well prepared for advanced graduate training or employment in the profession.

Application Requirements

Freshmen, Transfer and Change of Majors

• Admission to the University of Arizona
• College of Fine Arts application
• Submit a portfolio of your work that demonstrates artistic ability or technical skills relevant to theatrical design and production. This may include photographs, drawings, paintings, audio recordings, any artwork or technical drawings. The portfolio need not have more than twelve items. The portfolio may be original work, reproductions, or in a commonly supported digital format. The application portfolio can be presented in person to a faculty or staff member of the Design/Tech division either on campus or at one of the recruitment sites. It may also be sent by mail or electronically to the School of Theatre Arts application site. Portfolios sent by mail are not guaranteed return to you.
  
  The portfolio is used to evaluate the basic drawing, drafting or painting skills for some students. For other students it may indicate construction skills. The portfolio indicates organizational skills for all student applicants. The portfolio is evaluated by the presentation and neatness of the material, quality of the content and appropriateness of the submitted material towards training in theatrical design and production.
• A résumé indicating any previous experience in theatrical production, community activities and academic achievements. The résumé is evaluated in terms of relevance of the student's experiences in preparation for training in theatre design and production.
• Two letters of recommendation from teachers, advisors or any adult (not from your immediate family). Letters of recommendation are evaluated by the following criteria: The familiarity of the evaluator with University-level training in theatre design and production, the apparent knowledge the evaluator has of the student, the amount and the quality of contact the evaluator has had with the applicant.
• A 500-word statement written by you telling us why you wish to study in theatre design or production. The statement is evaluated on the following criteria: The interest and awareness the applicant has of theatrical design and production. The apparent understanding the applicant has of university-level training in theatrical design and production. The reasons the applicant offers as to why he or she wishes to study at the School of Theatre Arts.
• Transfer and Change of Major students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all completed coursework.

For Retention after the First Portfolio Review

• Meet all University of Arizona academic standards for continuing status.
• Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA in all Theatre Arts courses.
• Successfully participate in a portfolio review.
• Make satisfactory progress towards fulfilling degree requirements.

For Retention after the Freshman Year

• Meet all University of Arizona academic standards for continuing status.
• Complete the freshman theatre core (T AR 111, 113, 116, 118, 121, 145, and 149) with a 3.0 GPA.
• Successfully participate in a portfolio review at the end of each semester.