502 South Cooper St. Arlington, TX 76019
144 Fine Arts Building North, Box 19103
Administrative Office: (817) 272-2650
theatrearts@uta.edu
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Design & Technology Concentration
Design & Build
Students participate in a wide variety of production styles, with a hands-on experience and application of theatrical skills necessary for a professional career as a designer and/or technician. The program’s goal is to make all our students prepared and highly marketable upon graduation for professional work and/or master’s programs.
How is the curriculum designed?
The BFA in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Design and Technology is a four-year liberal arts degree with a theatre design and technology focus. Students take foundational courses in all areas of theatre theory and practice while building professional skills in theatre design and technologies. Although students focus in one area—costume, scenery, technical direction, stage management, lighting, or sound--, all students take courses in complementary design/tech areas. Additional courses like directing and playwriting are available as your schedule allows. Like all UTA students, Design and Technology majors also take 42 core education credits in areas like writing, math, history, and cultural studies.
What makes the BFA in Design and Technology different?
UTA’s program prepares student artists. In addition to getting the professional skills and knowledge you need, you will constantly be working on productions and in studio to develop your artistic and collaboration skills. A specialized assignment is given each year, outside regular coursework, customized to each student's education and geared to towards developing needed skill sets and portfolio materials. Our location in Dallas Forth Worth metro area gives students access to assist faculty, see professional theatre all the time, and make industry connections as you train.
Is the BFA in Design and Technology right for you?
If you want to train for a life and career in the theatre as a designer, technician, or stage manager, this is the right major for you.
Join us!
In addition to applying and being accepted to UTA, BFA concentrations require auditions.
Auditions are open September 15, 2025-May 31, 2026.
Area Faculty
Leah Mazur, MFA Scenography, University of Kansas
Assistant Professor
Program Head, BFA Design Tech
DJ Badon, MFA in Scenic Design, Western Illinois University
Technical Director, Production & Facilities Manager
Margaret Monostory Crowley, MFA Costume Design, University of Texas
Assistant Professor of Practice
Tyler Haws, MFA Creative Practice, University of Texas at Dallas
Assistant Professor of Practice
Jiles King, MFA Theatre Producing and Management, Columbia University
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Email: jiles.king@uta.edu
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Justin Miller, MFA Theatre, Michigan State University
Associate Professor of Practice
Email: justin.miller@uta.edu
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Kristina Miller, MFA Theatre, Michigan State University
Assistant Professor of Practice
Email: kristin.miller@uta.edu
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Kristine O’Brien, MFA Visual Communication Design and Cinematic Arts, University of Texas Arlington
Multimedia Producer
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Benjamin Phillips, BS Theatre Studies, University of Evansville
Scenic Studio Coordinator
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Phillip Schroeder, MFA Theatre Design, University of Kansas
Assistant Professor
Kelley Smith, MFA Directing, University of Houston
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Email: kelley.smith@uta.edu
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