B.A. Theatre Arts and Technology

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Program Objectives

The Theatre Arts and Technology (THAT) Program (in conjunction with the joint theatre program with Rutgers University-Newark) adheres to the NJIT Mission as stated, “NJIT’s educational programs prepare students to be leaders in the technology-dependent economy of the 21st century.” Therefore, our mission is to use the training in theatre arts as a tool to produce leaders and innovators. We expect a student or graduate of THAT to exhibit the following:

Professionalism: Our students work on developing skills to present themselves in a professional manner, create projects, and see them completed.

Academic Excellence: Our graduates are well versed in the history of theatre and how it was and is used within world-wide communities to relate to basic human needs and how it is used today to bring people together to offer a cultural and global understanding through art as a metaphor.

Leadership and Collaboration: Our students will be trained in speaking with clear ideas, critical thinking, and how to work as a team leader by identifying and respecting the abilities of team participants.

Learning Outcomes:

If you are interested in studying technology, management, or design that relates to traditional theatre arts, the Theatre Arts and Technology program offers an engaging and collaborative educational opportunity. As all our stand-alone and double majors channel their studies from a more unique perspective, we have seen our graduates meet these learning outcomes:

Foundational education in applied theatre including backstage and on-stage work, knowledge of basic stagecraft, the design of set, lights, costumes, and sound and adhere to safety regulations.

Develop stories for stage or media that incorporate story action, create characters based on personal experiences and/or tacit knowledge, and define character goals and short-term objectives to an impactful conclusion.

Knowledge of the history of western theatre, including its evolution in various genres and styles and the socio-political contexts informing them, noting specifically how original play and/or television/film script development all generate from a socioeconomic need.

Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills.

Applied improvisational skills in performance and within other fields that are project based.

Ability to define and then to implement changes needed in a project.

Confidence to engage in an artistic creation, listen to critique, analyze it for the next stage of development, and see the project to completion.

Leadership skills within teamwork and a clear plan of action to meet deadlines.