This emphasis provides course work and hands-on theatre experience in design and production, including costumes, lighting and scenery. Students gain an understanding of the artistic, social and cultural importance of theatre arts while developing creative and technical skills. Study involves design (including drawing and painting) as well as course work in theatre history, period styles and directing. Specialized classes in theatre technology (such as scene painting and pattern drafting) as well as computer assisted design (CAD) and computer rendering are also offered. The BFA in design and technology emphasis aims to be pre-professional within the context of a liberal arts education and to provide strong foundations for professional careers in theatre, communication and allied entertainment fields. The School of Theatre and Dance has specialized shops and laboratory facilities where students can apply the design and technology skills they learn in the classroom. The Stevens Building houses a scene construction shop, lighting shop and laboratory and a costume construction shop. There are specialized storage areas for costumes, props and scenery. Students in the design and technology emphasis are regularly given responsible and supervised assignments in the school production program, which offer significant practical experiences. Internships and other off-campus programs with theatre companies, production groups, arts organizations and performing arts centers further broaden expertise and serve to integrate the student into the professional and commercial theatre. This course of study and practical experience provides a strong foundation for professional careers in theatre communication and allied entertainment fields, whether in costume, lighting or scenery.