Bachelor of Fine Arts - Design & Technology Concentration

An undergraduate degree with a concentration in production design and technology.

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Design & Technology Concentration

About

The Design and Technology Concentration is for students seeking a professional career as a scenic, lighting, sound or costume designer, technical director, and/or theatre technician. It covers areas such as scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, drafting, and tech production, with opportunities for specialization. Portfolio submission is required.

Image of Jo

Design & Build

Students participate in a wide variety of production styles, with a hands-on experience and application of theatrical skills necessary for a professional career as a designer and/or technician. Students' portfolios and experiences are greatly enhanced and solidified by working within the department’s diverse set of opportunities throughout their degree at UTA. A specialized assignment is given each year, outside regular coursework, customized to the student's education and geared to towards developing needed skill sets and portfolio materials. A portfolio review is also done each semester to develop presentation and interview skills. Students are strongly encouraged, with the help and support of the faculty, to participate in national design/tech conferences & competitions, and to pursue professional internships throughout the year. The program’s goal is to make all our students prepared and highly marketable upon graduation for professional work and/or master’s programs.

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The United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc.

USITT connects performing arts design and technology communities to ensure a vibrant dialog among practitioners, educators, and students. Our UTA members organize service learning and social events and actively fundraise to help pay for travel to the national conference. Any student is welcome to join the chapter and, while not necessary for joining the student chapter, is encouraged to join the national organization as well.

Program Audition

All BFA candidates must formally audition for admittance into the degree program. All prospective students must be accepted by the University of Texas at Arlington prior to acceptance into the BFA program. Our Acceptd page provides detailed information on what must be submitted for each concentration. After your submission has been reviewed, you may be contacted to schedule a virtual or in-person callback. Follow the links below for our two step process. Fall 2025 audition applications are now open. $35 Acceptd fee is waived until December 15th.

Department Faculty & Staff

Leah Mazur, MFA Scenography, University of Kansas

Assistant Professor

Program Head, BFA Design Tech

Leah Mazur

Email: leah.mazur@uta.edu

Phone #: --

Office: Fine Arts building Central 264A

DJ Badon, MFA in Scenic Design, Western Illinois University

Technical Director, Production & Facilities Manager

DJ Badon

Email: djbadon@uta.edu

Phone #: (817) 272-2218

Office: Fine Arts Building North 138

Margaret Monostory Crowley, MFA Costume Design, University of Texas

Assistant Professor of Practice

Margaret Monostory Crowley Profile Photo

Email: margaret.monostory@uta.edu

Phone #: --

Office: Fine Arts Building North 197A

Kristine O’Brien, MFA Visual Communication Design and Cinematic Arts, University of Texas Arlington

Costume Specialist & Graphic Designer

Adjunct Assistant Professor

Kristine Obrien

Email: kobrien@uta.edu

Phone #: (612) 504-7172

Office: Fine Arts Building North 147

Justin Miller, MFA Theatre, Michigan State University

Associate Professor of Practice

Justin Miller Headshot

Email: justin.miller@uta.edu

Phone #: --

Kristina Miller, MFA Theatre, Michigan State University

Assistant Professor of Practice

Kristina Miller Headshot

Benjamin Phillips, BS Theatre Studies, University of Evansville

Scenic Studio Coordinator

Adjunct Assistant Professor

Profile Photo for Benjamin Phillips Scenic Studio Coordinator

Email: benjamin.phillips@uta.edu

Phone #: 817-272-4200

Office: Fine Arts North 135A

Phillip Schroeder, MFA Theatre Design, University of Kansas

Assistant Professor

Phillip Schroeder Profile Photo

Email: phillip.schroeder@uta.edu

Phone #: 817-272-2650

Office: Fine Arts Building North 139