Technical Production & Design

Students interested in participating in technical production, stage management, or design with TDPS have multiple course options. Ideally, all students will begin with Theater 60: Introduction to Technical Theater & Production (3 units). Although it is possible to enroll in design courses without taking Theater 60, participation in a technical production capacity will be limited without having taken this introductory course.

In addition to completing Theater 60, TDPS majors are required to participate in Theater 167: Performance Practice (Run Crew) and Theater 168: Shop Practice (Technical Lab). Theater majors must complete both courses and Dance majors choose one or the other. Theater 167 or 168 are taken following or concurrently with Theater 60. Continuing technical work may be pursued under Theater 169: Advanced Technical Theater.


Course Descriptions


How to Enroll

Performance Practice / Advanced Practice

Theater 167 & 169: These courses are not listed in the class schedule because they require an individual course number for enrollment. Therefore, lab preferences must be submitted in the semester prior to intended enrollment to get onto the course list. Seats may be available at the beginning of the semester for those not on the list, although it is not guaranteed.

Preference Submission for Theater 167 and 169 can be found on the Callboard

Shop Practice / Technical Labs

Theater 168: Students who have met the Theater 60 pre-requisite (or co-requisite) may enroll directly in this course via Cal Central. Please note that transfer students who received waivers for Theater 60 will still need to receive permission numbers from the Production Manager for enrollment. Please email Jamila Cobham for further information: jamilacobham@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)

Stage Management

Theater 172.1 (lecture course) is open for direct enrollment for students who have met the Theater 60 pre-requisite.

Theater 172.2 (practical, independent study) requires instructor approval for an assignment. Interested students should meet with the Stage Management Advisor following completion of section one.

Design Courses for Costumes, Scenery, Lighting, and Sound

Theater 173, 174, 175A, 175B & 177 are open for direct enrollment. Theater 60 is a suggested pre-requisite and is required to take advanced courses (Theater 176, 179) following an initial design course.


Technical Curriculum Requirements for Majors

Contact our Undergraduate Academic Advisor, Laxmi Kumaran, with specific degree plan questions.

Course Requirements as of Fall 2019

Theater 60

Introduction to Technical Theater and Production

  • Required for majors
  • 3 Units (lecture only)
  • Pre-requisite for (or co-requisite of) Theater 167 or 168; pre-requisite for Theater 172.1

Theater 167

Performance Practice: Run Crew

  • Required for majors *
  • 1 Unit
  • Take with or after Theater 60

Theater 168

Performance Practice: Technical Shop

  • Required for majors *
  • 1 Unit
  • Take with or after Theater 60
* Dance & Performance Studies majors choose one to complete the requirement. Theater & Performance Studies majors must complete both.

Theater 172.1

Stage Management

  • Elective
  • 3–6 Units
  • Fulfills Upper-Division Requirement
  • Pre-requisite for Theater 172.2
  • Lecture only; no show work

Theater 172.2

Advanced Stage Management

  • Elective
  • May be repeated
  • 3–6 Units
  • Fulfills Theater 167
  • Show work only, no class meeting
  • Theater 60, 172.1, and consent of instructor required for assignment to Assistant Stage Manage or Stage Manage