Program Overview
This MFA program in theatre performance design emphasizes artistic entrepreneurship, drafting, computer imaging, and new work development. Students work in various venues and have access to shops, a design studio, and a computer-imaging lab. The cohort-based program fosters collaboration and strong relationships among students. Graduates are prepared for careers in theatre design, including scenic, lighting, costume, sound, and projection design, as well as related fields such as art direction and event planning.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The program emphasizes development of
artistic entrepreneurship and integrity, drafting and computer imaging, and new work development. They also have access to shops, a design studio, and a computer-imaging lab.
The program is cohort-based, meaning students are admitted every three years and form a close-knit group with their colleagues in other Master of Fine Arts programs in theatre practice.
This fosters a collaborative learning environment and allows students to build strong relationships with their peers. The third year serves as a bridge between the educational and professional theatre and the communities they serve.
Outline:
Academic and artistic progress is evaluated at the end of each semester by a faculty committee. Program continuation is contingent upon a successful review. A professional internship is required and can be fulfilled anytime after the first year of study. Students conclude with an applied ensemble design project suited to their needs and interests.
The program structure is as follows:
- Year 1: focuses on creating an ensemble and developing foundational skills.
- Year 2: concentrates on new work development and strengthens design abilities.
- Year 3: serves as a bridge between education and professional theatre.
The program offers a variety of courses, including:
- Drafting and computer imaging
- New work development
- Design applications in multimedia
- Performance design
- Theatre history and theory
Assessment:
Program continuation is contingent upon a successful review.
Teaching:
Careers:
Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers in theatre design, including:
- Scenic designer
- Lighting designer
- Costume designer
- Sound designer
- Projection designer
The program also prepares students for careers in related fields, such as:
- Art direction
- Event planning
- Interior design
- Museum exhibit design
