Traditionally, people interested in careers in this field either presented themselves as apprentices within craft unions, or attended college programs in theatre technology. Although both are appropriate in limited ways, the growing world of entertainment technology encompasses many different types of performance and display environments than the theatre. To this end, newer opportunities have arisen that provide a wider educational base than these more traditional environments. A seminal article ("Rethinking Entertainment Technology Education" ) by John Huntington describes new teaching philosophies that resonate with the need for a richer and more flexible educational environment.

"We need to bridge the worlds of ivory-tower theatre education
with the commercial world of live entertainment production. I
believe this bridge would be beneficial not just to the technical
students, but to the whole art of performance. When high-tech
systems such as video, moving lights, computerized sound,
mechanized scenery and show control are mastered by even
average entertainment technicians, they can advance the state
of their craft, which will allow artists to advance the state of
their art."