Technical Theater Proficiency Certificate

Learning How to Run the Show

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  • Program Duration: Short-Term Program
  • Degree Type: Proficiency Certificate
  • Total Credit Hours: 14
A scene from a stage production of judges speaking to a contestant.

About This Certificate

For those who are more inclined toward the technical side of theater, this certificate allows students to develop basic technical theater construction and design skills. You will learn to build and paint sets and demonstrate a knowledge of lighting, sound and theatrical design elements and techniques. The Technical Theater Proficiency Certificate will prepare you for a variety of backstage work in the theater and film industries, or you can continue your studies by applying your courses toward the A.A. degree in Theater.

Quick Information

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Course Sequence

Students acting on a stage under a spotlight

Launch Your Career as a Theatre Technician

  • Media Technical Directors/Managers – est. salary $96,103
  • Set and Exhibit Designer – est. salary $38,003
  • Producers and Directors – est. salary $96,103
**EMSI Data, 2022; The greater Philadelphia region; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Career Outlook

$38,003

Median Salary of a Set and Exhibit Designer

108

Number of Jobs in the Region

+4.6%

10-year Job Outlook in the Region for Set and Exhibit Designers

Featured Career

Set and Exhibit Designers

Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

Starting Pay: $10,975

Performer onstage speaks before an audience.

Typical Tasks

  • Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.
  • Develop set designs based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
  • Read scripts in order to determine location, set, and design requirements.
  • Confer with clients and staff in order to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, and/or promotion requirements.
  • Collaborate with those in charge of lighting and sound so that those production aspects can be coordinated with set designs or exhibit layouts.