Your degree in Theatre Design and Production

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Design and Production for Theatre, you’ll develop important skills through practical experience while also taking courses in play analysis, storytelling foundations, elements of design, collaborative thinking, research methods, and theatre history & theory.

These skills may include:

  • Experiential knowledge about the processes of producing sets, costumes, lighting, and sound designs for live and recorded media
  • Construction methods for creating sets, props, and costumes
  • Planning & implementation of lighting and sound systems
  • Stage management processes & procedures
  • Increased collaborative proficiencies and facility with small group dynamic management
  • Improved ability to give and receive constructive feedback as an integral part of your ongoing creative process
  • Improved attention to detail, time management, and organizational practices
  • Improved facility with generating and sharing artistic ideas
  • Broadly applicable innovative thinking & creative problem solving
  • Understanding relationships between artists and audiences
  • Increased ability to engage in critical discourse about art and story

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary across a range of fields including theatre, film, television, arts and cultural organizations, event management, marketing, public relations, and education.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.

Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.

  • Arts administrator
  • Art director
  • Artistic director 
  • Costume designer
  • Draftsperson
  • Drama teacher
  • Drama therapist
  • Events coordinator
  • Exhibition designer
  • Film location manager
  • Interior designer
  • Lighting designer
  • Lighting technician
  • Playwright
  • Producer
  • Production assistant
  • Production designer
  • Project manager
  • Props artisan
  • Rigger
  • Scenic artist
  • Set designer
  • Set dresser
  • Sound designer
  • Sound technician
  • Stage carpenter
  • Stage electrician
  • Stage manager
  • Stitcher
  • Technical director
  • Theatre critic
  • Theme park designer
  • Tour manager
  • Visual effects coordinator
  • Wardrobe supervisor

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni

Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Cinema Studies graduates on LinkedIn.

As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.

More information

Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.