Technical Design & Production

TDP majors pursue a graduated sequence of increasingly demanding courses in Technical Production, Theatre Operations, Theatre Fundamentals, Theatre Management, and Design, to include a capstone class in Entertainment Careers and Professional Development at the end of their four years. The TDP pre-professional training program focuses on instruction in five core areas of live entertainment: audio, lighting, scenery, costumes and management.

Year 1
Basic Costumes
Stage Craft I and II
Technical Production I
Theatre Operations I

Year 2
Audio Visual Design
Stage Management I and II
Technical Production II
Theatre Operations II

Year 3
Audio Visual Design OR Lighting Design I
Costume Technology
Scenic Technology
Technical Production III
Theatre Operations III

Year 4
Entertainment Careers I
Senior Project Theatre Tech I & II
Technical Production IV
Theatre Design I
Theatre Operations IV

TDP students receive firsthand experience using state-of-the-art tools and equipment while providing technical support for the other Ellington arts departments and guest artist events at the school. Past guest artists include — Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Robert Townsend, First Lady Michelle Obama. TDP students also gain experience working at other venues including The Kennedy Center, The Atlas Theatre, Signature Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Washington DC Convention Center, and Murphy Fine Arts Theatre. This real-life practice gives Ellington students a competitive advantage as they pursue post-secondary degrees or start their careers.