Overview

"I will always be grateful for the many opportunities I was given at SIUE to grow and develop as a theater artist. My professors put an enormous amount of trust in me, and I strive to share that with my students now. I believe my time in the theater program at SIUE truly prepared me for graduate school and to become the person I am today."
-Sarah Strange, 2010, Costume Design Faculty, UW-Plattville  

The specialization in design and technology offers a curriculum that enables students to develop skills as designers, technicians and craftspeople, as well as the visual communication skills necessary in the collaborative world of the theater. While students are enrolled in introductory courses, they are also working backstage and in the shops putting learned skills to practical use as technicians and crew on departmental productions. 

Design and technology students also take classes in scenery, costume and lighting design, and related crafts. Students have opportunities to work as assistants to faculty designers and to further explore their areas of interest with independent studies. Former students have concentrated on costume patterning and draping, advanced make-up and tech direction. 

In addition to our regular curriculum, special workshops, guest artists and conferences are available to our students. Recent special learning experiences include: 

• Computer Rendering Workshop with Rafael Jaen, Author of Show Case, a Guide to Developing a Design-Tech Portfolio
• Virtual Visits from Broadway Designers
• Flying and Rigging Master Class with Vertigo Professional Flying Effects Company
• Gore, Blood and Effects Master Class with Ricky Coates, Theater Simple
• Scene Painting by Guest Scenic Artist, Scott Loebl
• Mask-Making Workshops with Scott Mooreover
• 3-D Printing Demonstration with Griffin 3D
• Visits to the Madison County Historical Museum for Research on Historical Garments
• Sound Design/Qlab Master Class with Rusty Wandall, Resident Designer, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
• Wig-Ventilating Demonstration at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
• Four-Week London Theater Study Abroad Summer Program

Along with these experiences, our student chapter of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology attends the organization's annual conference. Students participate in workshops, lectures, demonstrations, a tech expo and networking events. Students also explore job and graduate school opportunities.