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

Entry Level

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

Related Job Titles

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

Thinking Outside the Box: Other Possible Job Titles

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.

Useful Resources

Theatre Alberta http://www.theatrealberta.com
Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology http://www.citt.org
Alberta Learning Information Service Occupational Profiles Actor, Casting Director, Critic
Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television http://www.academy.ca/
Telefilm Canada http://www.telefilm.ca/
National Film Board https://www.nfb.ca
Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television & Radio Artists http://www.actra.ca/
Canadian Council for the Arts http://www.canadacouncil.ca
Canadian Actor’s Equity Association http://www.caea.com/
Canadian Association for Theatre Research http://catracrt.ca
Professional Association of Canadian Theatres http://www.pact.ca/
Canadian Media Production Association http://www.cmpa.ca
Motion Picture Association – Canada http://www.mpa-canada.org/
Associated Designers of Canada http://www.designers.ca
Graphic Designers of Canada https://www.gdc.net
Association of Registered Graphic Designers http://www.rgd.ca
Canadian Theatre Critics Association http://www.canadiantheatrecritics.ca
Playwrights Theatre Centre http://www.playwrightstheatre.com
Canadian Actor http://www.canadianactor.com
Cultural Human Resources Council http://www.culturalhrc.ca/
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists & Allied Crafts http://iatse.net/
American Society of Theatre Consultants http://theatreconsultants.org
Plasa – Entertainment Technology https://www.plasa.org

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.

Connect with Others

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

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.

Applied Studies

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.

Student Clubs and Leadership

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.

Research Opportunities

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

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).

Community Involvement

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.

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