Performing Arts Academics
NTID Performing Arts
Academics
Theatre Design and Stagecraft Minor
The theatre design and stagecraft minor explore the artistic, historical, and cultural elements of design for the performing arts. Theoretical knowledge is balanced with experiential learning, through practicum experiences that involve participation in department productions. Required courses include PRFN 200 – Appreciation of Theatrical Design and three credits of PRFN 218 – Practicum. The minor is open to all hearing and deaf/hard of hearing students in bachelor degree programs.
Theatre Design and Stagecraft Immersion
The theatre design and stagecraft immersion fosters an understanding and appreciation of the craft, theory, and art of design for the performing arts. PRFN 200 – Appreciation of Theatrical Design is required. The immersion is open to all hearing and deaf/hard of hearing students in bachelor degree programs.
Learn more about the Theatre Design and Stagecraft Immersion
ASL Performance Minor
The ASL performance minor focuses on forms of creative expression that are unique to Deaf communities and signed language. You will develop conceptual, analytical, and artistic skills through analysis and practice. Given that this minor focuses on the study and use of sign language in a performance environment, competency in ASL is required for admission.
Careers in Theatre
Careers for Actors, Technicians and Directors
The bureau of labor statistics, a section of the Department of Labor details the current occupational lookout for this past year and provides details about career work in theatre.
Playbill.com
Playbill.com provides information on the current state of the entire theatre industry. This site allows for updates on current theatre trends as well as a section devoted to job listings and postings.
Backstage.com
Backstage.com provides information about entertainment business, as well as, an in depth section on casting calls for various production across the USA.
Theatre Service Guide
The Theatre Services Guide provides a number of resources helpful identifying equipment and services needed within the theatre community.
The Actor and Artist Guide to Personal Finance: Support & Resources | MoneyGeek.com
This article discusses issues regarding financial issues for performing artists. Adequate financial planning is the key to maintaining the longevity of your career as a performing artist, which is why it’s important to understand how to budget, find the right insurance, start saving and investing, get out of debt and start planning for retirement.
Student Employment Opportunities
NTID Performing Arts hires students workers every semester to assist with backstage production. Duties range from helping construct costumes, props, scenery, to electrical and lighting work, to setting up and running events. Student workers must have completed at least one technical theater course or have prior technical theater experience. Students must either know ASL or be willing to learn and commit to using sign language at all times when working. All NTID and RIT students are encouraged to apply, regardless of hearing status. If interested in backstage production employment, contact Eric Moslow, Technical Director, at ejmnpa@rit.edu.
The department also hires students to film and edit videos for our social media. Other employment opportunities with the department include general office work and teaching assistant positions for graduate students. Intermediate to advanced knowledge of ASL is required for these positions. If interested, please contact Denise Morgan, Senior Staff Specialist, at djmsps@rit.edu.