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Theatre Major

Design & Technical Production Emphasis

School of Arts and Sciences

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The show can’t go on without design and technical production! Behind the scenes, experts in stage design, lighting, sound, and production are needed for a performance to be a success. Theatre majors who choose the design and technical production emphasis will study theatrical design, costume design, period styles of design, and the design of lighting and sound for stage productions.

Students will be trained to work in professional theatre. However, the knowledge of design principles, historical research, lighting and sound, and artistic skills gained from an emphasis in Theatre Design and Technical Production forms a valuable career foundation for multiple career options.

With a degree in Theatre: Design and Technical Production, you will be provided with the skills necessary to work in a variety of careers, such as:

  • Lighting technician
  • Stage technician
  • Community arts promotion
  • Arts education
  • Event planning & production
  • Scenic artist
  • Stage Manager

Where our Alumni Are Working

Our theatre graduates are working in the industry. Here are some additional highlights.

  • Disneyland
  • Universal Studios
  • Disney World
  • Utah Shakespeare Festival
  • Pfinix Creative Studios
  • GoButton Productions
  • Disney HD Channel
  • Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts
  • The Ned Show
  • Theatricum Botanicum
  • Two Rivers Theatre
  • North Coast Repertory Theatre
  • New Village Arts
  • San Diego Fringe Festival
  • Hollywood Fringe Festival
  • Chance Theater
  • South Coast Repertory Theater
  • The Imagination Machine
  • Phoenix Theatre
  • Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts
  • Downey Civic Theatre
  • Netflix
  • CollegeHumor
  • Los Angeles Opera
  • Long Beach Opera
  • Opera Pacific
  • Culture Project (NY)
  • KCRA/KQCA TV
  • Briggs Opera House
  • Missoula Children’s Theatre
  • Theophany Films

Opportunities for Theatre Majors

The Theatre department wants to provide a myriad of opportunities for our students to gain experience in the performing arts. Our University, Theatre Department, and relationships within our surrounding community afford you the chance to practice the performing arts outside the classroom.

Academic Opportunities

As a Theatre major, you can combine your degree with a related minor, or double major. Expand your worldview by studying abroad, or transition to graduate school.

Graduate Schools Attended

  • Cal State San Bernardino
  • Cal State Fullerton - Department of Cinema & Television Arts
  • Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University
  • National University of Ireland Galway
  • Northern Illinois University School of Theatre & Dance
  • NYU - Tisch School of the Arts
  • NYU - Steinhardt School for Education in the Arts
  • Regent University
  • Sarah Lawrence College MFA Theatre Program
  • Southern Utah University - Utah Shakespeare Festival
  • University of North Carolina School of the Arts
  • University of North Carolina School of the Arts (Film Production)

Extracurricular Activities

Theatre offers many opportunities for you to become involved with on-campus events, clubs, and organizations. Our students also regularly participate (and excel) in national competitions with performing arts students from other universities.

Internships

Theatre majors can apply to do a senior project. Concordia enjoys good working relationships with a large number of organizations in Southern California. Below are just a few examples of where our students have interned.

  • The Chance Theatre
  • Actors Theatre of Louisville
  • La Jolla Playhouse
  • Disney Corporation
  • Utah Shakespeare Festival

Scholarships

Scholarships for majors AND non-majors participating in theatre range from $1000 up to half of the price of tuition.

Learn More

Past Productions

The Foolish Proposal actors preparing for a performance

The Foolish Proposal

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The Fantasticks opening scene of a sheet with silhouette shadows through a sheet

The Fantasticks

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Two actors performing a scene on stage

A Year with Frog and Toad

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Meet your Professors

Professors in the Theatre Department are active participants in mentoring students and nurturing individual artistic growth. Our curriculum is developed and delivered by faculty who integrate classroom techniques with hands-on experience.

Lori Siekman

Lori Siekman

Theatre Chair

Professor Siekmann is the 2015 recipient of the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival's Gold Medallion of Excellence - the highest award the Kennedy Center gives to educators. Three of her productions have been invited to appear at the regional festival of KC/ACTF.

Tony Vezner

Tony Vezner

Theatre Professor

A recipient of the KC/ACTF Award for Excellence in Education, Professor Vezner collaborated with Prof. Lee from English to lead the 2016 Around-the-World Semester® which took a team of students to 10 countries over 20 weeks - studying and serving in each country. His previous work includes 14 years as a professional stage director in Chicago.

Andrew Sierszyn

Andrew Sierszyn

Theatre Professor

Professor Sierszyn brings a wealth of experience and education to his work at Concordia. Andrew has served as a technical director for productions at Sunset Playhouse, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, and Illinois State University, as well as being a prolific designer for Wisconsin Lutheran College and Illinois State University. Additionally, his work as a scenic designer and charge artist includes professional summer stock at the Monomoy Theatre in Chatham, Massachusetts.

More Faculty

One of our greatest assets at Concordia University Irvine is our dedicated faculty. In a small learning environment, our professors care about you—not just your performance—and they cultivate lifelong mentoring relationships with the students they teach.

Theatre FacultyTalk to a Professor


Get in Touch

For more information about the Theatre major at Concordia University Irvine, we invite you to contact us directly.

Professor Tony Vezner
Theatre Department
(949) 214-3425
[email protected]

Behind the Scenes

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