BW Theatre Design and Tech program named Top 30 in the Nation

While the spotlight is regularly pointed at Baldwin Wallace University's celebrated music theatre and BFA performance programs, a new list applauds BW for having one of "The Top 30 College Theatre Design and Tech Programs" in the country.

OnStage notes that "the entertainment industry is constantly being impacted by the evolution of technology. Because of this, college theatre design and tech programs have to evolve with it."

The OnStage list of best theatre design and tech schools identifies 30 programs that are "doing some amazing things onstage and behind the scenes."

Real-world opportunities

At BW, theatre design and technical majors get real-world learning opportunities in scenic design, lighting, costume design, stagecraft, script analysis, stage management and more.

The editors at OnStage, who task a committee of 20 people to research and rank arts programs each year, praised BW for working faculty who leverage professional theatre connections in Northeast Ohio and beyond to benefit students.

"BW faculty are practicing professionals with contacts at Cleveland's Great Lakes Theater, Cleveland Public Theatre, Beck Center for the Arts and Dobama Theatre, as well as Idaho Shakespeare Festival and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival."

'Exciting time' in theatre tech

The selection committee for OnStage consists of theatre educators, students, alumni and parents "who knew how to evaluate a performing arts program and what questions to ask."

Ranking criteria included Cost vs. Scholarships, Quality of Facilities, Performance/Production Opportunities, Post-Graduate Support, Diversity of Staff and Students and On/Off-Campus Safety.

OnStage says artistry combined with rapidly advancing theatre technology makes this "an exciting time to be in theatre design and tech."