How to Join Theater Productions

The most comprehensive way to build technical skills is to take our Stagecraft courses. Priority enrollment is given to Theater Arts majors, but we regularly grant overrides for students with strong interest in technical theater. Due to high interest, we are not able to accommodate volunteer labor. The only way to participate is to sign up for a class.

Students taking Stagecraft in Fall or Winter term will automatically be placed on Build Crew, which is where most students start. If you're hoping for a different role, review them and submit the production position application form below. 

• TA 111: Stagecraft I (3 credits, Fall only), taken with TA 114: Tech Theater Production I (1 credit lab)
• TA 112: Stagecraft II (3 credits, Winter only), taken with TA 115: Tech Theater Production II (1 credit lab)

Other courses and workshops include:

• TA 334: Workshop in Lighting & Scenery (1–2 credits, offered every term)
• TA 334: Workshop in Costumes (1 credit, offered every term)
• TA 325: Costume Production (2 credits, sewing and costume shop basics plus helping build the show, usually offered in Winter and Spring)
• TA 316: Technical Theater Lab (2 credits, offered in Spring)
• TA 333: Workshop II (1–2 credits) – for students serving as stage managers, assistant directors, or dramaturgs.
• TA 335: Workshop Theater II: Publicity (1–2 credits) – this is for our marketing internship. Calls for applications are sent out each term

Production roles are determined by faculty based on availability, interest, and experience. We do our best to match each student to a role that supports both their learning and the production’s needs.

• Leadership roles (i.e. stage manager, dramaturg, production electrician) are typically assigned after a student has demonstrated reliability and skill on other crews.
• All crew roles follow PSU’s academic credit policy: 1 credit = minimum 30 hours of work per term.

Review our running list of Production Roles Descriptions for details on each position, including time commitment, suggested prerequisites, and which lab courses align with that role. Students working on our productions must enroll in a lab course: TA 114, TA 115, TA 316, TA 333, or TA 334. If you don’t hear back right away, register for one of those lab courses anyway and we’ll place you on a production crew as slots become available.

Build Crew

Students must complete at least one term on Build Crew or Costume Crew before moving into other roles.

• Works on preparing the set, lighting, and other technical elements.
• Runs primarily during Weeks 1–7 of the term.
• Commitment: 3–6 hours per week, per credit (depending on role/credit load).
• Must also attend strike (take-down of the show), usually 6–10 hours after the final performance.
• We will send out a sign-up sheet each term to sign up for weekly hours. Shop hours tend to be 4 weekday afternoons per week.

Costume Crew

• Operates separately from Build Crews.
• Work may include shop hours or running wardrobe backstage.
• TA 334: Workshop Costumes requires a minimum of 30 hours per term.
• Shop hours vary by term (generally open 10 hours per week).

Run Crew

• Runs the technical rehearsals and performances.
• Includes board operators, follow spot, deck crew, etc.
• Commitment is similar to Build Crew in total hours, but compressed into Weeks 6 to 9.

Sample Run Crew Schedule

Week 6 or 7

Week 7 or 8

Week 8 or 9

Learn more about this year's productions.