Technical theater training ensures that each stage technician understands his job and how to safely operate all the equipment for which he is responsible.
Technical theater training may be gained through high school or college coursework, internships or volunteer labor with local theater groups. A combination of classroom and hands-on work is ideal.
Accredited college programs and internships with professional-level theaters offer the best education in technical theater.
An undergraduate degree in theater generally includes four years of coursework, covering basic college skills in math, English, history and other topics as well as technical theater. Coursework generally progresses from a focus on basic skills to an increasing immersion in theater with each year.
Master of Fine Arts degrees are available in technical theater specialties, such as lighting or scenic design, from some institutions. Professional groups also offer continuing education in other technical theater fields such as lighting technician, sound technician, carpentry and special effects.