Theatre - Scenic Design
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre - Scenic Design provides students with comprehensive training in creating visual environments for stage, film, and media productions. The program emphasizes design principles, technical skills, and artistic creativity, enabling students to conceptualize, plan, and execute set designs that enhance storytelling and performance. Students develop creative skills and technical proficiency, learning to collaborate with directors, performers, and production teams while applying aesthetic and practical considerations. Coursework combines studio practice, design theory, and professional workshops, preparing learners for careers in theatrical and media design.
Over four years, students engage in courses covering scenic design, drawing and rendering, lighting fundamentals, stagecraft, and design history. Hands-on studio projects, production participation, and collaborative exercises provide practical experience in designing and constructing sets for performances. Students also explore emerging technologies, materials, and sustainability in design, preparing them for professional practice in diverse creative environments. By the final year, graduates demonstrate design competence and professional readiness, positioning them for careers in theatre, film, television, or advanced studies in scenic design and production arts.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Theatre - Scenic Design
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States
- Field of Study: Design
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 - Foundations in Scenic Design
• Introduction to Theatre Design
• Drawing, Rendering, and Visualization
• Stagecraft and Production Basics
• Academic Writing and Research Methods
Year 2 - Core Scenic Design Skills
• Lighting and Technical Design
• History of Theatre and Design
• Materials and Construction Techniques
• Elective Modules in Design or Theatre
Year 3 - Advanced Design Practice
• Set Design for Performance
• Collaborative Production Projects
• Digital Design and Modeling
• Professional Portfolio Development
Year 4 - Capstone and Professional Integration
• Independent Design Project or Production
• Internship in Theatre, Film, or Media
• Seminar in Contemporary Scenic Design
• Advanced Topics in Design and Production
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in theatre, film, television, and media design. Career paths include positions as scenic designers, set decorators, production designers, theatre technicians, and creative consultants, where professionals create visual environments, develop concepts, and collaborate on performances or media productions. Graduates may also pursue roles in exhibition design, event production, or continue with advanced studies in scenic design, production arts, or visual design. The program equips learners with design expertise, technical skills, and professional competence, enabling them to contribute effectively to creative and performance industries.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students passionate about theatre, design, and creative visual storytelling. Learners develop creative skills, technical proficiency, collaborative abilities, and professional competence, enabling them to design and execute compelling visual environments for stage and media. The four year curriculum combines design theory, studio practice, collaborative projects, and professional experiences, providing a comprehensive foundation in scenic design. By integrating artistic vision with technical knowledge and applied practice, the program prepares graduates to pursue careers in theatre, film, television, or continue with advanced studies in scenic design and production arts.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the graduate admissions office at:
Phone: 217-333-0035
Email: grad@illinois.edu
Address: The Graduate College, 507 East Green Street, Suite 101, MC-434, Champaign, IL 61820, United States
