Drama-Technical Design

What can I do with a major in Drama-Technical Design

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dramatic Arts) majoring in Technical Design is a four-year degree that provides vibrant and varied practical opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the world of theatre and drama. Students complete a core program of courses in theatre theory and history, performance, and technical theatre/design.

Technical Design students are introduced to all areas of production and design including scenery, properties, costumes, makeup, lighting, sound and stage management through a combination of academic and production assignments. Through intensive hands-on experiences, students develop advanced practical skills in at least two technical areas. Qualifying senior-level students may have the opportunity for major technical or design assignments on the Department Mainstage productions. The immersive approach prepares you for the ever-changing world of theatre, whether you want to work with distinguished theatre companies, or initiate your own artistic plans.

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • Active Listening & Questioning
  • Adaptability
  • Appreciation of Aesthetics
  • Aptitude for Leadership
  • Attaining a High Level of Craftsmanship
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication
  • Critical & Creative Thinking
  • Demonstrate Creativity & Artistic Expression
  • Design, Create & Present Visual Projects
  • Interpersonal
  • Knowledge of Theory, History & Practice of Design in Different Media
  • Presentation
  • Problem Solving
  • Reporting & Editing
  • Research
  • Self Discipline
  • Time Management
  • Independent Work

Work Environment

Graduates of the Technical/Design program may find employment with/in artistic management companies, stage design companies, arts and entertainment companies, broadcasting companies, museums, communication companies, consulting firms, acting and drama organizations, educational institutions, media companies or production companies.

Key Areas of Specialization:

  • Scenery
  • Theatrical Properties
  • Makeup
  • Lighting
  • Sound & Stage Management

Career Possibilities

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.

  • After School Program Facilitator/Instructor
  • Audiovisual Technician
  • Camp Leader
  • Child/Youth/Family Specialty Program Instructor
  • Design Intern
  • Assistant Designer (Clothing)
  • Drama Instructor
  • Electrical Designer
  • Facilitator (Group & Individual Work)
  • Freelance Makeup Artist/Demonstrator
  • Graphic Designer
  • Lifestyle Designer
  • Makeup Artist
  • Retail Layout Artist
  • Stagehand
  • Technical Designer
  • Theatre Marketing Coordinator
  • Visual Merchandiser

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

  • Advertising Artist
  • Agent
  • Animation Artist
  • Art Critic
  • Art Gallery Director
  • Artist
  • Artistic Consultant
  • Artistic Director
  • Arts Administrator
  • Arts Council Director
  • Arts Program Coordinator
  • Backstage Technician
  • Box Office Manager
  • Broadcast Technician
  • Broadcaster
  • Broadcasting Program Coordinator
  • Camera Operator
  • Carpenter/Scenic Artist
  • Casting Assistant
  • Casting Director
  • Cinematographer
  • Costume Designer
  • Critic
  • Development Director
  • Director
  • Drama Coach/Instructor
  • Drama Teacher
  • Drama Workshop Director
  • Drama Teacher
  • Editorial Designer
  • Exhibit Designer
  • Fine Arts Manager
  • Floor Manager
  • Freelance Designer
  • Graphic Artist
  • Graphic Designer
  • Hair Stylist
  • House Manager
  • Illustrator
  • Information Designer
  • Interactive Media Designer
  • Lighting Designer
  • Lighting Technician
  • Managing Director
  • Marketing Consultant
  • Marketing Director
  • Media Consultant/Coordinator
  • Media Correspondent
  • Media Planner
  • Media Relations Consultant
  • Moving Image Archivist
  • Multimedia Producer
  • Multimedia Sound Technician
  • Painter
  • Performing Arts Publicist
  • Photographer
  • Playwrite
  • Press Agent
  • Press Director
  • Producer
  • Producing Director
  • Product Designer
  • Production Assistant
  • Prop Manager
  • Public Relations Director
  • Publications Assistant
  • Publicist
  • Quality Assurance Specialist (Clothing)
  • Radio/TV Broadcaster
  • Restorer
  • Screen Writer
  • Script Supervisor
  • Script Writer
  • Set Designer/Builder
  • Sound Designer
  • Sound Technician
  • Special Effects Artist
  • Special Effects Technician/Coordinator
  • Specifications Writer
  • Stage Crew Manager
  • Stage Manager
  • Stage Technician
  • Story Editor
  • Studio Merchandiser
  • Stunt Coordinator
  • Talent Agent
  • Talent Manager
  • Teacher
  • Technical Director
  • Technical Writer
  • Theatre Administrator
  • Theatre Manager
  • Theatre Owner/Director
  • Theatre Technician
  • Theatrical Press Agent
  • University Professor
  • Visual Arts Consultant

On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

  • Acting Coach
  • Actor
  • Activist
  • Actor’s Assistant
  • Announcer
  • Appraiser
  • Archivist
  • Art Historian
  • Comedian
  • Communications Consultant
  • Communications Officer
  • Community Worker
  • Computer Games Designer
  • Conservator
  • Curator
  • Drama Therapist
  • Electrician
  • Event Manager
  • Event Planner
  • Executive Director
  • Film Archivist
  • Film Critic
  • Film Director
  • Fundraiser
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Interviewer
  • Journalist
  • Landscape Architect
  • Lawyer
  • Librarian
  • Literary Agent
  • Manuscript Reader
  • Movement Instructor
  • Museum Director
  • Packaging Designer
  • Reporter
  • TV/Radio Host or Personality
  • TV/Radio Reporter
  • Vocal Coach
  • Voice Over Artist
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Writer

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.