Hands-on Experience That Goes Beyond the Classroom
Dive into what it’s really like to take Design Performance in the theatre major at Rowan. This student-led and student-created video gives you a real‑world look at how classroom learning meets experiential learning—and why this class is a standout for majors in the College of the Arts within Rowan University.
🎥 What You’ll See in the Video
- Students design sets, lighting, and costumes from a single script
- Costume renderings and scenic models presented like in a professional setting
- Team projects in the costume shop, including creating 1920s-inspired looks on mannequins
- Hands-on practice that replaces traditional lectures with creativity and collaboration
✂️ Why This Class Stands Out
- Every class session is active, immersive and creative
- The costume shop environment inspires new ideas
- Students discover unexpected strengths—such as drawing or design skills they didn’t know they had
🎭 Why It Matters for Your Major
Theatre is a team effort, and this class helps students understand and respect every role in a production. That perspective makes them stronger collaborators.
🎓 What You Learn
Students gain skills in costume rendering, scenic design and professional presentation. More importantly, they build confidence and creativity by testing new roles in a supportive space.
🖼️ Theatre Careers
This class opens doors to multiple creative career paths, including:
- Set Designer
- Lighting Designer
- Costume Designer
- Scenic Carpenter
- Technical Director
- Production Manager
- Stage Management
💡 In Summary
This video highlights what makes Design Performance a favorite course for Rowan theatre students—engaging fieldwork, team-based projects and practical experience that prepares you for life after graduation. Rowan boasts multiple tracks within the theatre major, including design/technical theatre, theatre education, acting and musical theatre.
Internship & Experiential Learning Stories
Learn how Rowan Profs go Beyond the Classroom to grow professionally, as well as personally, through internships and other experiential learning. Experiential learning includes hands-on learning opportunities provided through research, student clubs, campus leadership, student worker jobs, service-learning projects and volunteerism. In addition, Rowan’s Office of Career & Professional Development provides career support that’s more than just advice – it’s events, connections and real guidance to help students thrive after college.