Program Learning Objectives:

• ??? Comprehend and interpret text and translate into appropriate and imaginative visual? images for the stage.
• ??? Exhibit comprehensive knowledge of research practices, dramatic literature and history.
• ??? Demonstrate heightened skills in professional standards, practices and presentation.
• ??? Collaborate with a director and creative team with a generous and professional demeanor.
• ??? Develop a quality digital portfolio and website and hard copy portfolio.

Program Overview:?

The M.F.A. in Production Design is a six-semester program that strives to prepare students for professional or academic careers. For designers, the first year of the program deals primarily with unleashing the imagination and examining the process of how to translate the written word into meaningful visual images. The second and third years allow for refined skill development and specialization in an area of concentration with an emphasis on professional portfolio development.

Technology studies include coursework in production, craft, and skill refinement. Participation in a specified production activity each semester is required. These assignments relate directly to the student?s area of concentration. At specified times they will consist of assuming senior staff positions on the main stage, such as designer, technical director or cutter/draper. The thesis for all students consists of a main stage design and a formal exit portfolio review. For scenery and costume designers, this simulates the United Scenic Artists Union interview/exam. In all cases, portfolios are expected to meet prevailing professional standards for job placement in the field.??

At least 8-10 weeks of the third year is expected to consist of an internship at a major LORT or commercial theater in the United States or abroad (usually London). Students are expected to attend at least one national convention every year. Qualified design students may be invited to participate in the annual National Design Portfolio Reviews. Students are strongly encouraged to spend their summers and winter breaks working in leading professional theaters.

Total credit-hour requirements are based on a normal load of 18 credit hours per academic semester for six semesters of residency. Minimum course requirements for the three-year design MFA include 45 credits of core courses (including intradisciplinary, academic, and applied studies), at least 30 credits of specific area requirements (including studio courses and directed electives), and 15 credits of thesis studies for a total of 90 credits.

Concentrations: Areas of Specialization are: Scene Design, Lighting Design, Costume Design, and Sound Design

Opportunities for Graduates:

The program is structured to allow specialization and to encourage dual area interests. Electives relevant to the student?s primary or secondary areas of interest are encouraged in the School of Dance, Film, and Theater as well as the larger College of Fine Arts, which also includes Music and Art. A great deal of emphasis is placed on professional portfolio development. The thesis is the design of a realized production for design majors or project management for technology majors. Presentation of a digital and traditional ?exit portfolio? that meets prevailing professional standards is required of all areas. Upon completion, graduates will be employable in today?s market and should be able to pass the portfolio review portion of the United Scenic Artists Union exam or gain entry into a significant regional or Broadway studio.