Design and Entertainment Technology

Anyone can watch the show, but it takes a special player to make the show happen.

PennWest California at Pennsylvania takes pride in its thriving arts community, anchored by its theater program's long and rich tradition of performances. For undergraduate theater majors eager to gain hands-on experience in all aspects of creation, PennWest California offers a bachelor's degree concentration in design and entertainment technology that explores both design and the technology involved in creation. Students develop a firm foundation in traditional methods while exploring new technology used throughout the entertainment industry.

Be a star behind the scenes.

Learn about theater design from professors with a long history in production and design.
Gain hands-on experience in all aspects of production, from design to behind-the-scenes artistry, from planning to execution .
Explore the latest technology used in the entertainment industry, and put that knowledge to the test during rehearsals and live performances.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: DESIGN AND ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY

Personalized Attention: PennWest California's low student-to-professor ratio makes learning a personal experience between a mentor and mentee. Faculty members tailor practicum experiences to each student's needs.

A Balance of Theory and Practice: Degree seekers in theater receive a top classroom education and practice those skills in performance and internship situations.

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$97,320

Average annual income made by experienced set designers. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.)

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PennWest California is one of only 178 colleges accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre

Degree Benefits

Theater arts students working toward a bachelor's degree with a minor in theater design and technology will:

Receive hands-on experience creating sets, operating lights and fashioning costumes for live performances.
Learn about the latest entertainment technology and how it is used across traditional and new media.
Involve themselves in the planning, research, design and construction elements of theater, learning management skills along the way.
Ensure entry into the job market through the honing of portfolio, website and interview skills in presentations and workshops.

Graduate Outcomes

While some jobs in the entertainment sector are projected to show slow growth, the field of entertainment technology is expected to show a steady rise as television and electronic media continue to create a demand. Degree recipients with experience in both traditional theater design and entertainment technology will be best equipped to obtain the many lucrative jobs that do exist within this spectrum, including a career in teaching their craft. Selected alumni job titles include:

Assistant wardrobe supervisor for Jersey Boys, the Musical on Broadway.
Director/manager of the Alban Arts Center, West Virginia.

Design and Entertainment Technology Concentration

PennWest California faculty member helps with a theatre production.

Experienced, Passionate Faculty

Along with their formal educations, PennWest California's theater professors understand the ins and outs of theater because they are experienced artisans themselves. They've guided many young theater majors to promising careers.

A Theatre production on PennWest California's mainstage.

A Thriving Arts Community

Along with the program's vibrant production season, PennWest California Theater explores collaboration through social activities and community outreach. Academically successful students may be granted membership in Alpha Psi Omega, the national honorary theater fraternity. Outstanding student leaders may be elected to the University Players' Hall of Fame, a tradition since 1938.

PennWest California student helps paint a scene for the Theatre Department.

Hands-on Exerpience

Design and entertainment technology students have access to PennWest California's performance spaces, design labs, scene and costume shops. Students also may interview for technical positions on our production teams each semester.