Theatre Design and Technology - M.F.A.

Program Overview

The Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Technology program offers terminal degrees in four concentrations: Costume Design and Technology, Lighting Design, Scene Design, and Technical Direction. This program prepares students for careers in the entertainment industry, professional theatre, or theatre education through flexible curriculum and practical experiences that meet students' specific interests. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, the program ensures industry-standard quality. Graduates may qualify for positions such as art, drama, and music teachers, film and video editors, lighting technicians, and set and exhibit designers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design and Technology is a terminal degree designed for those who are interested in achieving the artistry and skills necessary to qualify as practicing professionals in the entertainment industry and/or professional theatre educators. The Theatre Design and Technology major comprises the following concentrations:

• Costume Design and Technology: This concentration prepares students for careers in the entertainment industry, professional theatre or theatre education.
Students study both design and technology, including related areas such as dye techniques, costume crafts and wigs and makeup. Students also design costumes for main-stage departmental productions. The curriculum includes core classes in theatre history, dramatic theory and historical periods.
• Lighting Design: This concentration balances instruction and experience in lighting design with instruction and experience in lighting technology.
Studies include digital rendering, CAD, lighting technology and automated lighting. Students research and study all of aspects of theatrical lighting, including the design process from concept to execution, communication skills, integration of technology into design, documentation of the work and critical evaluation of the work.
• Scene Design: This concentration balances focused classroom instruction with practical design and production experience.
Students also study related artisan areas such as digital and traditional rendering techniques, 3D CAD, props, fabrication, scene painting and presentation techniques with particular emphasis on integrating contemporary digital techniques into the design process. The curriculum contains courses in construction theory, rigging, costume crafts and projection/media design.
• Technical Direction: This concentration provides students with training and practical experiences in planning main stage productions for the School of Theatre and Dance.
Studies focus on safety and all logistics of production assembly, including touring and dance. Technical directors have the opportunity work in four very different theatre spaces: black box, large proscenium, thrust and open outdoor.

Assessment:

Students must pass semester reviews and are expected to participate in at least one main-stage production each semester, which may be in addition to any production design assignment.

Careers:

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries

• Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary: 5.6% faster than the average, 116,300 number of jobs, $69,690 potential earnings
• Film and video editors: 21.6% much faster than the average, 38,300 number of jobs, $67,250 potential earnings
• Lighting technicians and media and communication equipment workers, all other: 4.9% about as fast as the average, 26,600 number of jobs, $70,980 potential earnings
• Set and exhibit designers: 1.2% slower than the average, 15,200 number of jobs, $58,180 potential earnings

Other:

The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.