Theater Degree Programs Pennsylvania

If you’re interested in working behind the scenes in theater or entertainment, a bachelor’s degree in theater with a design and entertainment technology concentration will give you the on-the-job skills you need. You’ll learn how to build scenery and design lighting. Or you can work with costumes, makeup or sound. The job opportunities in this field combine technical expertise with innovation, artistry and creativity to bring productions to life on the stage or screen.

PennWest California’s specialized theater concentration in design and entertainment technology takes a hands-on approach to learning that will give you a solid foundation in the technical aspects of performing arts productions, as well as training in new technologies that are being used throughout the entertainment industry.

All of our 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. In fact, these opportunities to work on live productions are among the top 10 reasons to pursue a theater degree.

Below are just a few the many amazing careers you can pursue with a design and entertainment technology concentration. Which one is right for you?

Sound Designer: A sound designer obtains or creates all sound effects for a specific production, makes sure all music and effects play on cue, sets up and maintains all sound equipment, trains the board operator and much more. Whether creating the sound of thunder or consulting with a composer on an original score, this entertainment technology position requires both creativity and precision. This is also a great career choice for theater majors who choose amplify their degree with a minor in music.

According to payscale.com, sound designers earn an average of $50,346 per year.

Lighting Designer: Evoke different moods and effects through lighting as a lighting designer for theater, film or even design studios. PennWest California’s theater degree with a design and entertainment technology concentration includes both beginner and advanced lighting design courses that combine theory with hands-on practice.

According to payscale.com, lighting designers earn an average annual salary of $53,794 per year.

Read on to learn more about what you can do with a design and entertainment technology concentration. For even more information on career opportunities, be sure to visit our page on what you can do with a theater degree.

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Stage Manager: The stage manager is a key artist within the theatrical production. Responsibilities of the stage manager include calling cues, communicating the director’s vision to designers, coordinating the stage crew, and running rehearsals. PennWest California’s theater degree program includes significant coursework and practicums in stage management that will teach you the communication, organization, planning and leadership skills necessary to thrive in this role.

According to glassdoor.com, the national average salary for a stage and production manager is $68,435 per year.

Costume Technician: Another job you can get with a bachelor’s degree in theater with a design and entertainment technology concentration is that of a costume technician. This role consists of designing, constructing and maintaining costumes for cast members in theatrical or cinematic productions. To prepare for this career, theater majors at PennWest California get hands-on training in designing costumes from a variety of historical periods, as well as essential pattern drafting and sewing techniques.

According to Simply Hired, costume technicians earn an average of $32,000 per year.

Stage Automation Engineer: A high paid and exciting role you can pursue with a theater degree concentration in design entertainment and technology is the position of stage automation engineer. As technology advances, more and more stage operations and special effects are being automated. Major theater productions need stage automation engineers to work with the set designer and director to design automated electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems that can make set pieces move, scenery fly, and even rotate or lift the stage.

According to payscale.com, stage automation engineers an average of $72,731 per year.

Are you inspired by any of the careers listed above? Don’t wait to pursue your passions, applied to PennWest California’s theater program today! Apply now!

Theater students find successful careers.

Top 10 Reasons

Why You Should Earn a Degree in Theater

Whether you want a career on stage, or you’d prefer to work behind the scenes, discover the top 10 reasons to pursue a theater degree at PennWest California.

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