Theatre Design & Production, B.F.A.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Design & Production is designed to prepare students for success in the professional theatre industry. By combining conservatory-style training with a strong liberal arts education, our students explore, develop, and hone their craft to become well-rounded artists with valuable skill sets that will prepare them for professional success.

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Core Learning Goals

Our core learning goals have been woven into all aspects of this rigorous four-year program from classroom and studio work, to rehearsals and productions in our mainstage season.

• Technique
• Analysis
• Professionalism
• Collaboration

Hands-on Learning

Design & Production students hit the ground running with key positions on productions beginning in the first semester. As students develop their skills, their assignments gain significance.  The Sophomore year includes positions such as Assistant Designer, First Hand, Programmer, or Assistant Technical Director.  Junior and Senior students will serve as Designer, Technical Director, or similar positions of leadership on our mainstage season.  These hands-on experiences not only build a skill set, they also create the core of a professional portfolio.  

Careers

Areas of emphasis may lead students to any number of theatre careers including:

• Themed Entertainment 
• Broadway (both design & technical work)
• National and International tours
• Television
• Movies
• Concerts
• Regional Theatre
• Cruise Ships
• Retail Design
• Education

Mainstage Season

Millikin’s mainstage season provides Design and Production majors with many opportunities to practice their craft and gain valuable design and technical experience. A typical season will include:

• 2 musicals
• 2 plays
• 1 dance concert
• In alternating seasons an opera co-produced with the School of Music or a 3rd play

The Millikin Difference

The small school environment at Millikin University offers students many advantages including:

• Individualized attention
• Studio classes capped at 16
• Annual progress evaluations
• Faculty/student mentorships
• Interdisciplinary Collaborations

Why Choose Millikin?

There are a number of things that help set Millikin apart from other schools:

• Small school environment
• Undergraduate students are prioritized as there are no graduate students
• New Center for Theatre and Dance with industry standard equipment throughout
• Master classes with working professionals
• Faculty continue to work professionally
• Student USITT chapter, faculty in USITT leadership positions
• Portfolio, Interview Skills, and Brand development
• Designing Disney experience