Bring Theatre to Life from Behind the Scenes

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre Arts – Design/Technology Track at Westfield State University offers an immersive and hands-on education for students interested in the visual and technical side of stage production. This focused technical theatre degree prepares students for careers in lighting design, costume design, scenic design, sound design, and emerging theatre technologies—while also laying the groundwork for graduate study or professional theatre work.

Students begin with a 30-credit Theatre Arts core, exploring essential topics such as performance and directing techniques, script analysis, and theatre history. The Design/Technology Track adds 12 credits of specialized coursework in key design disciplines, giving students the tools to bring creative visions to life behind the scenes. Admission into this track is granted through a faculty interview process.

Beyond the stage, a degree in Theatre Arts fosters a wide range of transferable job skills that are highly valued across many industries. These include critical thinking, problem solving, time management, creative process development, effective communication, active listening, collaboration, portfolio development, teamwork, production management, and self-confidence.

Whether you're building sets, designing lights, or managing a production team, this program equips you with the artistic and professional tools to succeed in theatre—and far beyond.

Program Highlights

  • Small studio classes for more personal mentoring from faculty
  • Individualized, guided educational experience
  • Faculty involvement with student clubs
  • Faculty actively working as artists in New York City and across New England
  • Two student-directed, designed, and produced productions each year
  • All students from all disciplines can participate in productions

Turn Your Creative Vision Into Live Performance

Discover how the Theatre Arts Design/Technology degree can help you bring your design concepts to life.

Launch Your Theatre Career with Hands-On Experience, Expert Mentorship, and Industry Connections

  • Students in the set design class work to complete pieces that will be used in the production of Into the Woods.

    Career Preparation for Life On and Off the Stage

    Gain real-world experience and expert support as you build your path beyond the stage. Students benefit from internship opportunities, hands-on production work, and faculty guidance on applications, letters, and portfolios. Regular guest speakers connect students with professionals working in a variety of theatre-related fields. Graduates have been accepted into competitive M.A., Ph.D., MFA Acting, MFA Design, and MFA Theatre for Youth programs.

  • Students in costumes participating in an on campus production.

    Opportunities to Create, Collaborate, and Shine from Day One

    The Theatre Arts program offers students a wide range of opportunities to get involved—starting in their very first semester. From participating in high-quality theatrical productions to presenting original work at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, students are immersed in a strong creative and collaborative environment that encourages artistic growth and real-world experience.

  • Students presenting in a production wearing costumes.

    Internship Opportunities with Renowned Theatre Companies

    Students in the Theatre Arts program gain valuable professional experience through internships with respected regional and national theatre organizations. Recent placements have included Actors Theatre of Louisville, Berkshire Theatre Group, Westport Country Playhouse, Hartford Stage Company, Barrington Stage Company, Chester Theatre Company, Circus Smirkus, Bay Street Theatre Company, and St. Michael’s Playhouse. These internships offer hands-on training, industry networking, and a deeper understanding of life in professional theatre.

Program Details

Learning Outcomes
  • Hone skills in oral, written, physical, and visual communication
  • Develop personal creative expressiveness
  • Team building and collaboration
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Engaging with complex philosophical and social issues that explore the nature of humanity in a community setting

Upcoming & Past Productions

My time in the WSU theater program taught me truly invaluable life skills through a variety of rewarding opportunities. The small size of the program allowed for me to feel incredibly supported by the amazing faculty to explore and develop my creativity and hone my craft. I can’t imagine a program that would have been better suited to me as a young artist!

Kasey Sheehan, '11

What Can You Do with a Theatre Arts Degree in Design and Technology?

A Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts – Design/Technology Track prepares students for creative, technical, and leadership roles in theater, film, television, and beyond. Through hands-on experience and industry-relevant training, graduates are equipped for a wide range of careers in the performing arts and entertainment industries.

Graduates with a Theatre Arts degree focused on design and technology often work behind the scenes in live productions. Common job titles include:

  • Scenic Designer
  • Lighting Designer
  • Costume Designer
  • Sound Designer
  • Stage Manager
  • Props Master
  • Production Manager
  • Makeup and Wig Artist
Theatre Arts students in a production of Jose Rivera's Marisol

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Requirements for the Theatre Arts Major - 42 Credits

The major in Theatre Arts is designed to provide students with a fundamentally sound and well-rounded bachelor of arts education and training in theatre and in its related arts of performance and design. It is the objective of the Theatre Arts Program to instill in students an abiding respect for theatre as an historical and cultural institution; to enhance their appreciation of theatre's significant role in a society's social, political, and cultural life; and to prepare students for the world of professional theatre and for graduate study. The bachelor of arts in Theatre Arts degree requires 40 credit hours of study, which includes 12 credit hours in one of three tracks of study: Performance, Design/Technology, or Theatre Studies. Students will be automatically enrolled in the Theatre Studies track of the major, with placement in the Performance or Design/Tech tracks granted at the discretion of the Theatre Arts Faculty following an audition or interview process.

Theatre Arts Core Curriculum - 30 Credits

Design/Technology Track - 12 Credits
Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get Big School Features With Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 17:1

    student-faculty ratio

  • 87%

    of students receive financial aid   

  • 700+

    Internship opportunities

Connect With the Theatre Scene Throughout the Region

You’ll learn from professors and faculty who are active and successful members of the theatre community in New York City and throughout New England. You’ll benefit from focused mentorship, internship support, and academic guidance, preparing you for a successful transition into your career of interest. 

You’ll also have regular exposure to professional theatre productions and industry professionals through guest speakers, class trips, and more. Join your peers and professors at the annual Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, where you can present your work and connect with other students from across the region and top-level industry professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

Request Information

We’re here to answer your questions and deliver the support you need along your academic journey. Please provide your contact information and area of interest, and we’ll be in touch shortly.

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Theatre Arts Degree (B.A.), Design/Technology Track