What is it?

Theatrical Design and Production is an individual major, through the Center for Integrative Studies at St. Olaf College.  It focuses on skills and theory behind theatrical design and technology.  A significant portion of the major is hands-on: learning the real skills needed for a career in theatrical design, from lighting and sound to scenery and video design.  In addition, the major provides the artistic and theoretical background appropriate for a liberal arts college—in a sense, the why.

Why an individual major?

I wanted to focus on solely the technical and design aspects of theater.  Not because the other aspects aren’t valuable, but because there is so much to a quality theatrical design that it is worthy of study in and of itself.

What is it good for?

Hopefully, a career in lighting and sound design. In addition, I am working to gain deeper understanding of theater as an art in society.