Technical Design and Production

One-On-One Studios

• Ensuring comprehension of the neccessary foundational skills required of Technical Directors
• Developing skills in management and collaboration
• Focusing on skills and knowledge related to the students specific career goals and interests

Combined Studios

• Focusing on high level shared interest topics and workshops
• Engaging in practical and theoretical technical design and implementation
• Discussing and critiquing productions and projects

In addition to personalized studio work, students will follow a pathway designed to build the neccessary skills with coursework including:

• Technical Design, Modeling, and Drafting
• Rigging
• Physics of Theatre and Entertainment
• Technical Management
• Stage Machinery Design and Automation
• Structural Design
• Scenic Construction and Fabrication
• Electricity and Electronics
• Safety
• Lighting, Audio, and Projection Technology
• Theatre Planning and Consulting

Students in the program must work a minimum of three production assignments per year. These assignments will be designed to facilitate personal and professional growth, skill development, and building experience in the student's area of focus. These production assignments can include:

• Technical Director
• Associate Technical Director
• Assistant Technical Director
• Head Carpenter
• Head Rigger
• Automation Designer
• Production Electrician
• In addition to production assignments students will be presented with opportunites to work on special projects and research that benefit the school, university, and arts community. These roles may focus on:
• Technical Direction
• Technical Design
• Project Management
• Machine Design
• Controls Design
• Automation Design
• Rigging Design

This program requires students partake in self-study in addition to their formal coursework.

• Upon admission into the program technical direction students will be given a reading list that includes general theatre topics as well as areas of special interest in design and production. It is suggested that students begin reviewing the materials to prepare for their time at Virginia Tech.
• Each student will work with one primary advisor in a one-on-one studio environment over the three-year period.
• Fundamental knowledge of technical theatre is broadened through the combined structure of courses, studios, and production assignments.
• The primary advisor mentors the progress of the student through the program, and guides the development of the student's overarching goals and curricular needs.
• Each student participates in a required review with graduate committee members at the end of each semester of enrollment to evaluate work done, assess progress, and plan future projects and experiences.
• Each student will conduct an internship of their choice during one semester in their third year within an outside organization that emphasizes on preparing the student for the field and focuses in an area relevant to the student’s Plan of Study.
• During the third and final year, each student will produce a thesis, or project and report, as an achievement that serves as a capstone to the Plan of Study and a final assessment toward the degree.