Bachelor of Fine Arts - Design & Technology Concentration

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

About

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design & Technology focuses on providing students with academic and practical experience in all major theatrical design and stagecraft areas. The program focuses on evolving the theories and concepts of the classroom into realized projects and production work on the stage. The BFA is for those students seeking a professional career as either a designer or technician within the entertainment industry. The program’s degree plan is designed to create a balance of the four major areas of theatrical design. It incorporates design and technology courses in scenery, costumes, lighting, and sound as well as drafting, and tech production. Students can further focus on areas of interest through their production assignments, project work, and specialized classes.

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.

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.

USITT Website View Student Groups

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.

Visit Acceptd University Admissions