We CU Performing at Centenary University!
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts: Technical Theatre
Develop expertise in lighting, sound, scenery, and stage technology essential to modern performance production environments.
Are you the type of person who likes to work behind the scenes to make sure the show runs smoothly?
In Centenary University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Arts, Technical Theatre concentration, you will gain the technical knowhow to pursue a career in the professional theatre. Through a combination of classroom instruction and production opportunities, you will receive rigorous pre-professional training in design, production and technology.
Our Technical Theatre curriculum includes classes on scenic, lighting and sound design, as well as acting and other performance-related courses. This approach ensures our students experience how a theatrical performance runs from all points of view. In our state-of-the-art Carol and David Lackland Center, you will gain knowledge of the responsibilities required to manage the technical responsibilities of a multi-theatre facility.
Work with the pros
Centenary is home to Centenary Stage Company, a nonprofit professional theatre group.
With this unique relationship, our Technical Theatre students have the opportunity to:
- Work right alongside professional designers and technicians for Centenary Stage Company productions.
- Work in three distinct performance venues — a 487-seat theatre, a 177-seat theatre and a black box theatre — in the Lackland Center, widely considered the premier theatre of its kind in northwest New Jersey.
- Help design productions ranging from our touring Young Audience Series to main stage productions.
Join the union behind entertainment
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) consists of more than 150,000 entertainment industry professionals across the United States and Canada, including stagehands, front of house workers, wardrobe attendants, hair and makeup artists, motion picture and television production technicians, broadcast technicians, scenic artists, designers, animators, audiovisual technicians, and more. An IATSE Applicant will have an opportunity to be trained in all aspects of the industry. Experiencing hands-on training with some of the most cutting-edge technology in the business, they get to work side by side with IATSE members learning crafts. The IATSE Applicant Program is designed to provide new referents with the basic skills needed to function as a competent crew member in all departments. As such, the program has an array of entry level classes for that focus on specialized knowledge while reinforcing the skills common to all. The program is designed for individuals who wish to join union membership You will have on the job training, along with classroom training to perfect your skills, or learn something new. Workshops and classes will be offered throughout the year and are a great opportunity to learn a new skill or improve your skills.
Your Future
Academic Advancement:
Next steps include MFA/MA in Theatre, arts administration, stage management, design/production certificate, teaching certification, or nonprofit management credential.
Career Pathways:
Production Manager, Technical Director, Event Planner
Industry Outlook:
Growth is steady, particularly in event production for festivals and live performances.
Regional employers include
NJPAC; Paper Mill Playhouse; McCarter Theatre Center; George Street Playhouse; Two River Theater; State Theatre New Jersey; Count Basie Center; New Jersey Ballet; regional production companies; school districts.
Salary Outlook:
$50,000 – $80,000
Getting Started
For New Jersey entry-level roles aligned to BA in Theatre Arts: Technical Theatre, a reasonable starting range is approximately $35,000–$52,000, depending on role, licensure/certification, employer type, and prior experience.
Early Career and Progression
Approx. $60,000 midpoint at about five years, with higher earnings in specialized, licensed, technical, supervisory, or high-demand settings.
Approx. $85,000 average or attainable mid-career benchmark around ten years, especially for advanced credentials, management responsibility, or specialized practice.
*Salary and Outlook Data