Szu-Feng Chen
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Theatre Major: Design & Theatre Technology Option B.A.
Theatre Major: Design & Theatre Technology Option B.A.
What is design and theatre technology?
If you want to be part of the magic of theatre – crafting the costumes, scenery, lighting, sound and set designs that transport audiences – design and theatre technology is for you. This option in the theatre degree program at UNH will prepare you for a wide range of careers as you study the history of theatre and technical elements of design, building skills in your area of interest.
Why study design and theatre technology at UNH?
In addition to our award-winning faculty, the UNH Department of Theatre and Dance offers more than 25 performance opportunities every year in musicals, plays or dance concerts. As a student in the design and theatre technology program, you may have the opportunity take on stage production design assignments for these productions. You’ll also be able to pursue independent studies and you’ll be eligible to apply for R.E.A.C.H., financial assistance provided to students who participate in internships with professional theatre or dance organizations. Our Cultural Stages program brings acclaimed playwrights, choreographers and other theatre artists from around the world to campus.
Potential careers
- Costume designer or technician
- Lighting designer or technician
- Master electrician
- Props manager
- Scenic designer
- Stage manager
- Technical director
Contact
Department of Theater and Dance
Paul Creative Arts Center
University of New Hampshire
30 Academic Way
Durham, NH 03824
Phone: (603) 862-2919
Fax: (603) 862-0298
Curriculum & Requirements
Design and theatre technology students who show significant progress and ability may earn the opportunity to demonstrate practical application of their studies through the department’s main stage production design assignments. Through classwork, production assignments and problem-solving, this option prepares students for both practical skills and aesthetic sensibilities needed for the creation of visual and technical elements for the performing arts. The challenging coursework provides both fundamental knowledge and critical thinking practice, which are skills that help students pursue a successful profession in theatre and related fields; the core principles of hard work, problem-solving and creativity are transferable to other career paths as well. UNH-trained graduates hold careers across the nation as designers, technical directors, stage managers, property masters, head electricians, and scenic artists.
Contact Szu-Feng Chen, Paul Creative Arts Center, (603) 862-4445, szu-feng.chen@unh.edu.
In the freshman and sophomore years, students should enroll for at least two major and two Discovery courses per semester. The minimum grade requirement for major courses is C- per course. Any grade lower than C- will not count toward the major. Under department policy, students who complete both COMM 401 American Sign Language I and COMM 502 American Sign Language II satisfy the bachelor of arts language proficiency requirement. All majors must take courses in the following areas: performance, design/theatre technology, and theory/history as well as fulfill between four and eight practicums and complete a capstone course. Although timing will vary with each option, it is strongly suggested that all introductory courses be taken prior to the end of the student's sophomore year.
The required minimum overall GPA in major coursework is 2.0.
Candidates for a degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery Program requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of each individual major program. Bachelor of arts candidates must also satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement.
Theatre department majors may use one major-required course to satisfy one Discovery category requirement.
All UNH B.A. degrees require a minimum of 128 credit hours.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| THDA 436 | History of Theatre I | 4 |
| or THDA 438 | History of Theatre II | |
| THDA 459 | Stagecraft | 4 |
| THDA 460 | Elements of Design | 4 |
| THDA 462 | Ballet I | 4 |
| or THDA 463 | Theatre Dance I | |
| THDA 551 | Acting I | 4 |
| THDA 589 | Practicum (A- D) 1 | 4-8 |
| THDA 799 | Capstone Project | 2 |
| Select 12 credits of the following: | 12 | |
| Costume Design for the Theatre | ||
| Stage Lighting Design and Execution | ||
| Stage Management | ||
| Scene Design | ||
| Select 12 credits of the following: | 12 | |
| Costume Construction | ||
| Stage Makeup | ||
| Art and Theatre Administration | ||
| Costume Design for the Theatre | ||
| Stage Properties | ||
| Stage Lighting Design and Execution | ||
| Stage Management | ||
| Scene Painting for the Theatre | ||
| Rendering for the Theatre | ||
| Scene Design | ||
| Directing | ||
| Select 8 credits of the following: | 8 | |
| Architectural Design Studio | ||
| Introductory Woodworking | ||
| Introductory Drawing | ||
| Painting Design I: Perceptual Painting and Color Theory | ||
| The London Experience | ||
| Introduction to Puppetry | ||
| Internship and Internship in Theatre and Dance | ||
| Independent Study and Independent Study | ||
| Introduction to Drama: How to Read a Play | ||
| Shakespeare | ||
| Studies in American Drama | ||
| Advanced Shakespeare | ||
| English Drama, 1660-1800 | ||
| Modern and Contemporary Drama | ||
| Total Credits | 58-62 | |
| 1 | The practicum ensures a breadth of experience in the major, including sets, costumes, lighting, props, box office, marketing, and performing. Students must register for practicum every semester. They are notified of their practicum assignment at the beginning of each semester. |
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