Request Information
Ready to find out what MSU Denver can do for you? We’ve got you covered.
Start your possible with us
ApplyLearn more about this program
Request InformationExplore more of our program options
Academic ProgramsBFA with a Concentration in Applied Theatre Technology and Design
Benefits of a BFA in Applied Theatre Technology and Design
MSU Denver’s BFA in Music Theatre is an intensive pre-professional program. Music Theatre provides rich opportunities for hands-on technical theatre experiences. These experiences are provided both in class and onstage as well as through on-campus productions, and internships at local theatres.
Taught by veteran teachers who are also theatre and performance professionals, you will receive the kind of mentoring you need to make your way as a theatre technician or designer, as well as discover ways to use your Theatre training in other fields.
BFA with a Concentration in Applied Theatre Technology and Design
Benefits of a BFA in Applied Theatre Technology and Design
MSU Denver’s BFA in Music Theatre is an intensive pre-professional program. Music Theatre provides rich opportunities for hands-on technical theatre experiences. These experiences are provided both in class and onstage as well as through on-campus productions, and internships at local theatres.
Taught by veteran teachers who are also theatre and performance professionals, you will receive the kind of mentoring you need to make your way as a theatre technician or designer, as well as discover ways to use your Theatre training in other fields.
Meet the BFA Coordinator
Brian Kelley
Personal Biography
Brian Kelley holds an MFA in Technical Direction from Ohio University. Brian’s credits include The Des Moines Metro Opera, Santa Cruz Shakespeare Festival, Arizona Theatre Company, The Washington National Opera, Olney Theatre Center, Ohio University, and Ashland University. Local theatre companies that Brian Has worked include Performance Now Theatre Company, Phamaly Theatre, Miners Alley Playhouse and the Lake Dillon Theater Company. He is currently the Technical Director for the Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Theatre Department. Brian is a member of USITT.
Teaching Interests/Philosophy
Scenery Construction, Rigging, Steel fabrication, Theater Safety.
Research
Safe work practices for the entertainment industry. National. New materials and techniques to be used in scenic construction.
Main Stage Performances
Concentration in Applied Theatre Technology and Design Information
These are some of the opportunities you might have as an MSU Denver Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Applied Theatre Technology and Design:
Work in, create or design for theatre areas on campus. Complete an internship with a local theatre company. MSU Denver’s B.F.A. in Theatre degree program will help you develop artistically and professionally in class and beyond through the following:
- Four major MSU Denver productions a year, including two musicals mounted in collaboration with the MSU Denver Music Department.
- Local, regional and national conferences for theatre and performing arts students
- Required internship at places such as the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, Creede Repertory Theatre, Curious Theatre Company, Glimmering Glass Opera, Rocky Mountain Theatre For Kids (RMTK) and The Actors Academy for The Performing Arts (AAPA)
- One on one coaching with BFA Coordinator
Facilities and Resources
As a Theatre major you will perform in the King Center performing arts complex, one of the country’s most adaptive and accessible performance venues
Plus you will have easy access to Denver’s performing arts community. The MSU Denver campus is located just walking distance from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Complex, which houses the Buell Theatre, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex and Boettcher Concert Hall.
Accreditation
The Department of Theatre at MSU Denver is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, the national accrediting agency for theatre and theatre-related disciplines. Only two universities in Colorado have this distinction.
Applied Theatre Technology and Design Details
NOTE: Admittance to the BFA/ATTD program requires 1. an Application and 2. an Interview. Applications are due by the last Friday before Finals Week each semester. Contact Brian Kelley at [email protected] for more information.
BFA in Theatre with a Concentration in Applied Theatre Technology: Additional Information and Application Process
- The BFA in Theatre with an Applied Theatre Technology and Design is for students who seek work in technical areas in the arts and entertainment industry. Some students go on for post- graduate studies or into associated disciplines.
- BFA/ATTD majors graduate with a portfolio (depending upon their particular interests, such as stage management, technical direction, lighting, or costuming) designed to assist the student with seeking employment.
- The primary focus of the program is the development of skills related to applied technologies while offering opportunities to work with professionals to learn the dynamics of designing sets, costumes, lights, properties, and makeup. Majors are required to participate in two productions each year either onstage, backstage, or helping in either the scene or costume shop.
General Expectations for BFA/ATTD
- Attend every MSU Denver production.
- Participate in two (2) mainstage productions every academic year.
- Attend mandatory training sessions (Fridays from 2pm-4pm).
- Be a BFA in Theatre for at least two full years (four semesters not including summers).
- Fulfill the requirements of the BFA/ATTD Handbook upon entry into the program.
- Maintain a C- average in all theatre and all associated program classes (including music and dance). Maintain a 2.0 GPA in the major.
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA average overall as MSU Denver’s graduation requirement.
- Complete 120 total hours (including 40 upper-division hours and completion of all general studies requirements).
- Students admitted to the BFA/ATTD are not required to complete a minor and should work in at least two discipline areas.
APPLICATION PROCESS FOR BFA/ATTD
- ALL BFA/ATTD MAJORS MUST APPLY AND INTERVIEW BEFORE BEING ACCEPTED INTO THE DEGREE PROGRAM.
- ALL TRANSFER STUDENTS are required to fulfill two (2) years (four semesters not including summers) in either BFA programs after acceptance.
- All applicants should be able to demonstrate some level of competency, experience and/or educational training in technical theatre prior to acceptance into the program.
- Interview with the Theatre Department
Contact: Brian Kelley at [email protected]
Advising Sheet: Theatre BFA ATTD Advising Sheet 2023-2024
Advising Sheet: Theatre BFA ATTD Advising Sheet 2020-2021
4-Year Sample Curriculum Plan: BFA ATTD Curriculum Plan
BFA Applied Theatre Technology and Design Application: MSU Theatre BFA ATTD Application