Theatre Techniques & Design: Course Details, Admission 2024, Eligibility, Syllabus & Job Profiles

Theatre techniques and design is the art of creating a colorful and conducive auditorium for theatrical performances. Basically it is the visual aspect of the production of the play as it involves creating the necessary costumes, props, make-up, lighting, scenery etc. for the play. Theatre techniques and design enhance the beauty of theatrical performance and also provides us with information about the play. There are four main areas of theatre techniques and design – sets, costumes, lighting and make-up. Set refers to the physical environment in which the performance takes place i.e. the auditorium (theatre), costume refers to the outfits worn by the actors to portray their characters, lighting refers to the illumination that makes the actors and their environment visible to the audience and makeup is used on actors to interpret the character.

Overall, it can be said that theatre techniques and design is a process through which the successful presentation of a play is done. There are many courses in this domain, in which students are taught to create props and scenes, design sound and lighting, manage makeup, create costumes and paint sets for actual productions. Candidates can pursue UG and PG courses in theatre techniques and design.

Eligibility Criteria For Theatre Techniques and Design

For UG Diploma course in theatre techniques and design, candidates must have passed 10+2 in any stream (Science/Commerce/Humanities) with minimum 45% marks. However, most of the popular colleges allow candidates to participate in their admission process only after they have completed their schooling from a recognized board. Some colleges do not have minimum marks requirement for admission. For PG Diploma or Certificate course candidates must have a bachelor's degree in any subject.

Entrance Exams For Theatre Techniques and Design

Candidates are either given direct admission to the courses related to theatre techniques and design or through an entrance examination. The entrance exam consist of a written test and interview. Some of the top entrance exams for theatre techniques and design are as follows: 

• JNUEE
• CUCET
• DUET
• JMI Entrance Exam
• D-ART
• BHU UET

Required Skills For Theatre Techniques and Design

If you are creative, expressive and passionate about the theatre, then a career in the performing arts is suitable for you. The basic skills and qualities required to pursue a career in any field related art are as follows:

Syllabus For Theatre Techniques and Design

The syllabus of the various courses related to theatre techniques and design revolves around the topics like fundamentals of theatre and design, technical expertise for theatre, acting, lighting design, scenic design, costume design, set design, playwriting, direction, make-up design, mask-making, model making, carpentry etc. Candidates can pursue courses like MA in Arts and Aesthetics, MA in Theatre Arts, BVoc in Theatre and Stage Craft, Certificate in Theatre Arts and Holistic Development etc to make a career in theatre techniques and design. The syllabus of some of the courses are given in detail below:

Job Profiles for Theatre Techniques and Design

Like most professions, career opportunities in theatre techniques and design are also promising. Though you may have to struggle a bit as a newcomer, but as you gain experience, you will find ways to move forward. Below are the various job roles that exist in this sector:

Actor: Often theatre actors are refered to as seasoned actors because one has to perform in front of live audience. Theatre actors have to completely immerse in their character and display a variety of emotions. Effective use of facial expressions, posture, tone, body language and confidence are the strong points of a good actor.

Theatre Director: The role of theatre directors is not limited to directing, but they also write plays. Many theatre directors also act. A candidate can work for a big production house or even open his/her own venture.

Stage Manager: A stage manager organizes the various groups involved with the day-to-day operations in a theater production. He/she coordinates with the cast and other crew members working on the same project. He/she also handles the responsibilities related to registration.

Arts Administrator: A candidate having an artistic mind and an interest in business alike can choose to become an arts administrator. They can work for art galleries, museums, ballet companies, musical groups, symphony orchestras etc. The responsibilities of arts administrators working for theatres include budgeting, fundraising, advertising, marketing, and PR.

Art Director: An art director along with his team takes care of the natural requirements, graphics and construction of the set and makes the set impressive and attractive. The background of the play provides the real essence of the play's timeline, themes, experiences, etc.

Set Designer: The set designer works closely with the directors and the design team to create the set. He/she takes care of the furnishings and other overline qualities. A set designer makes the set attractive by adding elements such as a miniature three-dimensional design to the set.

Prop Designer: As the name suggests, a prop designer takes care of the smallest details on the set and delivers the right prop. His main job is to provide adequate supply to the set.

Lighting/Sound Technician: Lights and sound bring the play to life and engage the audience with the story. Lighting and sound technicians play a key role in producing a successful show.

FAQs on Theatre Techniques and Design

Q. Which are the popular colleges to pursue a course in theatre techniques and design?

Q. What are the career prospects in theatre techniques and design?

Q. What are the skills required to make career in theatre techniques and design?

Q. What is the admission process for PG courses in theatre techniques and design?

Q. What are the popular entrance exams for theatre techniques and design?

Q. I have completed my BSc in Zoology, can I pursue MA in Theatre Arts?

Q. What is the average fee for UG courses in theatre techniques and design?

Q. What are the job profiles available after completing a course in theatre techniques and design?

Q. Are there any internships or placement opportunities available after this course?

Q. Which are the popular courses for theatre techniques and design?

Q What is the eligibility criteria for a UG course in theatre techniques and design?