The Bachelor of Fine Arts track in Design and Technology is offered for students who, upon graduation, plan to pursue a specialized career in professional theatre. It provides the student with a thorough foundation in theatre complemented by very structured and intensive career preparation in all areas of design and technology. Students can expect to work along side faculty as design or technical assistants in their first two years and will be given the opportunity for technical leadership opportunities including, prop master, master electrician, first hand, draper, scenic artist, master carpenter, technical director, etc. Those who qualify and wish to pursue design areas can be offered design positions within the production season. The curriculum requires students to become proficient in design and technology related to scenery, costumes, lighting and sound through specified coursework. Students then select one or two areas of specialization where their production assignments will focus in their junior and senior years, thus giving each student practical experience as they build their professional portfolios. The program culminates with a professional internship where students are able to apply their education in a real world work environment. While most students choose to enter the workforce following graduation, the BFA is an excellent degree for students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in theatre. Work within the BFA program requires energy and dedication; therefore, other part-time study or outside employment is very challenging. BFA standards are high, both for admission and for continuation in the program. Production assignments are regulated to serve the artistic growth of students thus coordinating production experience with class room exploration.
Admission Requirements
- The departmental faculty evaluates students desiring to become BFA Design and Technology majors via portfolio reviews and interviews. This should be completed the academic year prior to attending UCF. For complete information visit the audition site online at https://cah.ucf.edu/performingarts/study/#theatreundergrad. All BFA students are accepted on a "Provisional" basis their first year. Faculty will evaluate their work and decide whether or not the student may continue the program at the end of the first year.
- Students may audition once for each program and should do so during the same audition cycle if interested in more than one program. FTIC students who do not enroll at UCF and return after earning a FCS AA degree may audition a second time.
- The Design and Technology plan of study requires a Fall start for proper course sequencing. Students are not accepted to begin theatre courses in the Spring or Summer semesters.
Degree Requirements
- Students who change degree programs and select this major must adopt the most current catalog. Students must follow the most recent department, internship and school student handbooks which are available at https://cah.ucf.edu/performingarts/academics/student-resources/
- Students in this major must earn a "C" (2.0) or better or an "S" in each music or theatre course and maintain a 3.0 GPA for all courses required in the major and all courses taken in theatre; must not receive a negative evaluation in a regularly scheduled program review; and must not exhibit chronic unprofessional behavior. Failure to meet these standards will result in probation and/or dismissal from the program. Refer to the SPA Undergraduate Student Handbook- Theatre (https://cah.ucf.edu/performingarts/academics/student-resources/) for details on program standards.
- Departmental Residency Requirement consists of 60 semester hours of courses taken from the UCF Theatre Department.
- All BFA Design and Technology majors are required to participate in Fall and Spring productions and must accept the production positions as assigned. Students must be registered for the appropriate Theatre Participation course in the term in which they participate. Students need not take additional hours to satisfy practicum requirements. Once students have completed their production participation requirements, they may register for a "0" credit participation course to meet departmental registration requirements if they choose. Students may use additional participation credits as electives.
- The department will accept one credit of Theatre Participation coursework for students transferring into the program. Any additional transfer participation credits will count towards electives.
- Internships are subject to departmental approval and may not be fulfilled through participating on a UCF theatre production.
- Courses designated Common Program Prerequisites are usually completed in the first 60 hours.
- Courses designated General Education Program are taken throughout all four years.
- Co-op cannot be used in this major.
Degree Requirements
Core Requirements: Basic Level
20 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 14 credits from the following:
- ARH2051 - History of Western Art II (3)
- TPA2210L - Stagecraft I Lab (1)
- TPA2211L - Stagecraft II Lab (1)
- TPA2071C - Theatre Rendering (3)
- TPA2000C - Theatre Design Basics (3)
- TPA2600C - Stage Management: Introduction (3)
- TPA1990 - BFA Review I
- TPA2991 - BFA Review II
- THE2081C - Introduction to UCF Theatre (0 - 99)
- TPA2220 - Stage Electronics (2)
- TPA2220L - Stage Electronics Lab (1)
- GEP Course: ARH 2051
- Complete at least 2 of the following:
- TPA2211 - Stagecraft II (3)
- TPA2232C - Costume Construction (3)
- TPA3077C - Scene Painting (3)
Core Requirements: Advanced Level
53 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 40 credits from the following:
- THE3311 - Theatre History and Dramatic Literature I (3)
- THE3312 - Theatre History and Dramatic Literature II (3)
- THE3313 - Theatre History and Dramatic Literature III (3)
- TPP3310 - The Theatre Director's Role (3)
- THE4284 - Period Costume, Architecture, and Decor I (3)
- THE4285 - Period Costume, Architecture, and Decor II (3)
- TPA3195L - Summer Theatre Studio/Tech/Design I (3)
- TPA3197L - Summer Theatre Studio/Tech/Design II (3)
- TPA4250C - CADD for Theatre (2)
- TPA4251C - Advanced CADD for Theatre (2)
- TPA4401C - Theatre Careers in Production (3)
- TPA4066C - Advanced Scenography (3)
- THE4954 - Theatre Exit Critique
- TPP4940L - Theatre Internship (6)
- TPA3992 - BFA Review III
- TPA3995 - Preliminary Portfolio Review
- TPA4900 - Capstone Portfolio Review
- Complete at least 3 of the following:
- TPA3060C - Scenic Design for Theatre I (3)
- TPA3045C - Costume Design for Theatre I (3)
- TPA3223C - Lighting Design for Theatre I (3)
- TPA3265C - Sound Design for Theatre I (3)
Take Four Times:- Earn at least 4 credits from the following:
- TPA4298L - Theatre Participation-Production II (0 - 99)
Grand Total Credits: 73
Total Undergraduate Credit Hours Required: 129
Restricted Electives
Capstone Requirements
Electives
Foreign Language Requirements
Admissions
- Two years of one foreign language in high school, or one year of one foreign language in college (or equivalent proficiency exam) prior to graduation.
Graduation
Additional Requirements
- Signature Experience requirement is met by successful completion of the following course(s): TPP 4940L - Theatre Internship Credit Hours: 6
Required Minors or Areas of Concentration
Departmental Exit Requirements
- Earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or "Satisfactory" or better in each Theatre course.
- Maintain a Theatre GPA of "B" (3.0) or better.
- Complete 93 theatre credits in addition to the GEP for a total of 129. Courses that count in the GEP cannot also count towards total theatre credits.
- Minimum of 60 theatre credits must be completed in residency at UCF.
University Minimum Exit Requirements
- A 2.0 UCF GPA
- 42 semester hours of upper division credit completed.
- 60 semester hours earned after CLEP awarded.
- 30 of the last 39 hours of course work must be completed in residency at UCF.
- A maximum of 45 hours of extension, correspondence, CLEP, Credit by Exam, and Armed Forces credits permitted.
- Complete the General Education Program, the Gordon Rule, and nine hours of Summer credit.
Additional Information
Honors In Major
- Students interested in completing Honors in the Major should contact their program advisor. More information about Honors in the Major can be found at https://honors.ucf.edu/hut/about/#hut.
Related Programs
- Art, Studio Track (B.A.)
- Film (B.F.A.)
- Music (B.A.)
- Theatre Studies (B.A.)
Related Certificates
Related Minors
- Theatre Minor
- Event Management Minor
- Performing Arts Administration Minor
- Dance Minor
- Art - Studio Minor
- Music Minor
- Film, Cinema Studies Minor
Advising Notes
- Students must consult with a departmental advisor every semester before registration. Students who do not consult with their department advisor will be placed on departmental probation. Repeated failure to consult with a department advisor may lead to release from the program.
Transfer Notes
- Due to its conservatory nature, the BFA demands a closely integrated four-year curriculum. Although the program is not designed for transfer students, transfer students may audition and may be admitted, but they should consult with the Department Undergraduate Coordinator to evaluate their transfer credits and to estimate the length of their program of study. We encourage any student wishing to transfer to complete the General Education Program and the Common Program Prerequisites before transferring within the Florida College System or State University System.
- Courses taken at Florida College System institutions may substitute for select upper division courses with permission of the department, although they will not count as upper division credits. University minimum upper division credit requirements must still be met.
- Transfer students will be required to meet the departmental theatre participation requirement through participation on UCF productions.
- Courses transferred from private and out-of-state schools must be evaluated for equivalency credit. The student must provide all supporting information.
Acceptable Substitutes for Transfer Courses
Acceptable substitutes for common program prerequisites if taken prior to transferring to UCF:
- THE 2305 - Script Analysis for Theatre Credit Hours: 3 May use any introductory Theatre Play or Script Analysis class. Script Analysis for Film cannot substitute. Design and Technology students are encouraged to take this course at UCF.
- TPA 2210 - Stagecraft I Credit Hours: 3 May be substituted with any introductory Stagecraft course. TPA 2210L will still need to be taken at UCF.
- TPP 3310 - The Theatre Director’s Role Credit Hours: 3 May be substituted with TPP 2300 or any introductory Theatre Directing Course. Directing for Film cannot substitute.
- TPP 2110C - Acting I – Freeing the Actor Credit Hours: 3 May be substituted with any introductory acting for theatre course.
Equipment Fees
- Part-Time Student: $45 per term
- Full-Time Student: $90 per term
Plan of Study
Freshman Year - Fall (16 Credit Hours)
- THE 2000 - Theatre Survey Credit Hours: 3
- THE 2081C - Introduction to UCF Theatre Credit Hours: 0
- General Education Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 2210 - Stagecraft I Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 2210L - Stagecraft I Lab Credit Hours: 1
- TPA 2000C - Theatre Design Basics Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 2220 - Stage Electronics Credit Hours: 2
- TPA 2220L - Stage Electronics Lab Credit Hours: 1
- TPA 1990 - BFA Review I Credit Hours: 0
Freshman Year - Spring (12 Credit Hours)
- TPA 4250C - CADD for Theatre Credit Hours: 2
- TPA 2071C - Theatre Rendering Credit Hours: 3
- THE 2305 - Script Analysis for Theatre Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 2211L - Stagecraft II Lab Credit Hours: 1
- TPA 2991 - BFA Review II Credit Hours: 0
Select One:
- TPA 2211 - Stagecraft II Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 2232C - Costume Construction Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 3077C - Scene Painting Credit Hours: 3
Freshman Year - Summer (6 Credit Hours)
- TPA 3195L - Summer Theatre Studio/Tech/Design I Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 3197L - Summer Theatre Studio/Tech/Design II Credit Hours: 3
Sophomore Year - Fall (15 Credit Hours)
- THE 3311 - Theatre History and Dramatic Literature I Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 4251C - Advanced CADD for Theatre Credit Hours: 2
- TPA 2600C - Stage Management: Introduction Credit Hours: 3
- Theatre Elective Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 2290L - Theatre Participation-Production I Credit Hours: Variable
Select One Course not Previously Taken:
- TPA 2211 - Stagecraft II Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 2232C - Costume Construction Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 3077C - Scene Painting Credit Hours: 3
Sophomore Year - Spring (13 Credit Hours)
- THE 3312 - Theatre History and Dramatic Literature II Credit Hours: 3
- General Education Credit Hours: 3
- General Education Credit Hours: 3
- THE 2925L - Theatre Participation - Management I Credit Hours: 1
- ARH 2051 - History of Western Art II Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 3992 - BFA Review III Credit Hours: 0
Junior Year - Fall (16 Credit Hours)
- ENC 1101 - Composition I Credit Hours: 3
- THE 3313 - Theatre History and Dramatic Literature III Credit Hours: 3
- TPP 2110C - Acting I – Freeing the Actor Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 4298L - Theatre Participation-Production II Credit Hours: Variable
- General Education Credit Hours: 3
Select One:
- TPA 3045C - Costume Design for Theatre I Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 3060C - Scenic Design for Theatre I Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 3223C - Lighting Design for Theatre I Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 3265C - Sound Design for Theatre I Credit Hours: 3
Junior Year - Spring (13 Credit Hours)
- ENC 1102 - Composition II Credit Hours: 3
- General Education Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 4401C - Theatre Careers in Production Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 4298L - Theatre Participation-Production II Credit Hours: Variable
- Theatre Elective Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 3995 - Preliminary Portfolio Review Credit Hours: 0
Junior Year - Summer (6 Credit Hours)
- TPP 4940L - Theatre Internship Credit Hours: 6
Senior Year - Fall (16 Credit Hours)
- General Education Credit Hours: 3
- THE 4284 - Period Costume, Architecture, and Decor I Credit Hours: 3
- TPP 3310 - The Theatre Director’s Role Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 4298L - Theatre Participation-Production II Credit Hours: Variable
- THE 4954 - Theatre Exit Critique Credit Hours: 0
- Theatre Elective Credit Hours: 3
- Audit Review
Select One Course not Previously Taken:
- TPA 3045C - Costume Design for Theatre I Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 3060C - Scenic Design for Theatre I Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 3223C - Lighting Design for Theatre I Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 3265C - Sound Design for Theatre I Credit Hours: 3
Senior Year - Spring (16 Credit Hours)
- General Education Credit Hours: 3
- General Education Credit Hours: 3
- THE 4285 - Period Costume, Architecture, and Decor II Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 4066C - Advanced Scenography Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 4298L - Theatre Participation-Production II Credit Hours: Variable
- TPA 4900 - Capstone Portfolio Review Credit Hours: 0
Select One Course not Previously Taken:
- TPA 3045C - Costume Design for Theatre I Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 3060C - Scenic Design for Theatre I Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 3223C - Lighting Design for Theatre I Credit Hours: 3
- TPA 3265C - Sound Design for Theatre I Credit Hours: 3
