Authoritative curriculum information can be found exclusively in the University Bulletin. All other content, including this web-page is for informational purposes only. You can find the curriculum for this program on this page of the Bulletin."
Each September we welcome a class of 18 designers of scenery, costumes, lighting, and film into our three-year Master of Fine Arts program.
Rigorous and demanding, we have high expectations for you, yet you’ll find us supportive and eager to see you succeed. We firmly believe that you are unique, and our program aims to protect and nurture the individuality of each designer.
Through a series of carefully orchestrated courses, you will develop an individual design process. Taught by a faculty of working professionals at the top of the field, you’ll focus on the development of visual solutions based on in-depth text analysis, character study, the use of research to explore historical and sociological aspects of cultures, and the collaborative nature of the theatre.
The Design Department focuses on developing the designer in five separate areas: design, dramaturgy, production, and 2D/3D skills. The student is taught the importance of developing a project from the initial idea and presentation to putting it into a shop and making it a reality.
Set Design
Classes with weekly critiques develop over the three years with larger and more complex texts. See all Classes
Costume Design
Classes focus on the developing idea of character and clothing design in connection to a text. See all Classes
Lighting Design
Classes involve theoretical and practical training emphasizing text analysis, concept development, collaboration with other designers, and technical knowledge. See all Classes
Production Design
Classes in design for film are taught concurrently with set design. See all Classes