Picture this: You master the art of the backstage and land your dream job in the entertainment industry at a leading company, like Disney or Electronic Theatre Controls. You set the scene for a career in theatre and entertainment technology.
At Michigan Tech, you can make this vision a reality with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre and Entertainment Technology. As part of your degree, you'll integrate studies in art and design with engineering technology or business to become a well-educated professional who blends solid technical expertise with innovation, artistry, and creativity.
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If you have ever imagined yourself behind the scenes of a theatre or entertainment production—perfecting scenery, lighting, costumes, makeup, sound, and management—the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Michigan Tech is the place for you.
The Curtain Rises on Real-world Training
Your education will focus not only on traditional theatre, but also on event staging, museum displays, and themed retail and entertainment. Learn with the latest entertainment-dedicated programs in the computer lab. Spend one-on-one time with professors, advisors, and equipment. Develop your skills through high-tech training at performance venues such as the traditional proscenium theatre in Michigan Tech's Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts and our beautiful and flexible black box space, the McArdle Theatre. Design and execute on-site events for unique historical locations as you work with private and public community partners.
Explore technical theatre with exciting projects and classes:
- Research and design costume, lighting, or scenic design for mainstage productions.
- Assist faculty members in workshop preparations, with the potential to work on faculty grants.
- Take significant courses in design, technology, and possibly computing to learn to adapt your training to non-theatrical entertainment career fields.
What Will I Do After Graduation?
As a graduate of our theatre and entertainment technology program, you will be well-qualified for entry-level backstage positions in the entertainment industry. Start your career as an assistant designer or a crew member of a theatre house, theatrical touring company, a Las Vegas-style show, or a production at a theme park or on a cruise ship. Work in theatrical productions or at multimedia concerts, theme parks, elaborate corporate events, half-time extravaganzas at sporting events, and more. Or, spend a year in a post-graduate professional internship.
Tomorrow Needs Technicians
As the demand for entertainment in the form of live performances, museum displays, and themed retail and entertainment expands, so does the need for talented technicians to create memorable experiences. Theatre and entertainment technologists create innovations that drive audience and user engagement. They enhance storytelling and optimize content delivery. A degree in technical theatre raises the curtain on a great career.
Be Career Ready
Career Advising
One-on-one advising keeps you moving forward. You'll consider summer internships, jobs, resume, and portfolio preparation—everything you need to line up the kind of work you want and build the career you desire.
Career Opportunities for Theatre and Entertainment Technology Majors
Your future career options with a degree in theatre and entertainment technology include:
- Designer
- Lighting Supervisor
- Master Carpenter
- Master Electrician
- Production Manager
- Rigger
- Scenic Artist
- Shop Foreman
- Venue Manager
- Wardrobe Supervisor
Companies Hiring Michigan Tech Theatre and Entertainment Technology Majors
The growing list of companies that have hired Michigan Tech theatre and entertainment technology graduates includes:
