Entertainment Design & Production
BFA in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Entertainment Design & Production
We also offer an 18-credit minor in entertainment design & production.
About the concentration
Set model for “The Visit”
2021-2022 Season
As a first-year student, you will enjoy a rotation through our shops, learning the vocabulary, techniques and practices of each discipline. You will learn both the technical and design aspects of each area. In costuming, you will learn to read a pattern, sew, analyze a script and craft renderings. In lighting, you will gain practical knowledge through learning the function of each instrument, as well as how to hang them properly and safely. In scenic design, you will acquire skill in how to make models and create renderings. In scenic construction, you will begin to master reading drafts, work with numerous industry tools, and ultimately build sets for our Playhouse performances. A lab component in each area will give you hands-on experience directly related to a realized production in the ECU/Loessin Playhouse.
You will select an area of focus within the concentration: scenic design, scenic painting, properties, scenic construction, costume design, costume construction, lighting design, lighting technology, make-up or sound design.
Puppet construction for “Lysistrata”
2021
As a sophomore, you will study stage management and immerse yourself in higher-level scenic, costume, lighting and sound design classes. You’ll take on special projects, like a show assignment, or a custom project that suits your interests. Perhaps you’d like to compare the process of draping a costume for an actor to the use of a commercial pattern, or perhaps you’ll want to design a show for a non-proscenium space. You’ll present and refine a portfolio of work prior to the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) or other conferences so you can begin making industry connections and seek summer employment.
As a junior, you’ll serve in a position within a production, as paint charge, props master, assistant props master or assistant costume designer, or you’ll direct a major build for a stage element. You might serve as assistant lighting or scenic designer. Your professors will support you as you test your limits. Once you’ve reached an assistant position, you’ll participate in production meetings.
In your senior year, you’ll complete a capstone portfolio project in whichever area you’ve selected. Perhaps you’ll serve as a technical director, master electrician, sound designer, paint charge, props master, costume designer, scenic designer or shop supervisor.
To strengthen your abilities and create an understanding and respect of each area within the school, you’ll experience classes in performance, movement and possibly dance.
As a senior, you’ll enroll in the capstone portfolio class, through which you’ll demonstrate your expertise. Perhaps you’ll be the scenic designer on a large project, or serve as the technical director, master electrician, sound designer for a major production. The opportunity exists so that you can demonstrate and document your expertise, which in turn will prepare you for employment in the field.
Lighting model for
“Songs For a New World”
2021
Student experiences
Many students join the Theatrical Production Club, an organization that supports professional practice. Entertainment Design & Production students participate in the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) to compete in design and technical categories and find summer employment and first jobs. Some students attend USITT conferences, a networking and exhibition event for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology.
How do I learn more about the program?
Contact Courtney Rasor: rasorc19@ecu.edu or 252-328-2905