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The Production Design program, a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree, prepares students for careers as designers in all aspects of the professional theater. Our training provides a strong foundation in design and the skills to compete in the professional market. We strive to provide students opportunities that will be a first step into their professional careers.

Design areas include scenic, costume, lighting and sound design. The program is structured to allow specialization and to encourage dual area interests. With a graduate population of 25-30 design and technology students, classes tend to be small and intense, so students get a lot of individual attention and mentoring.

Each semester ends with a review by all of the faculty of recent student work. Over the course of the three years, emphasis is placed on professional portfolio development that synthesizes classes, production and resume-building employment. Classes in Performance Photography and Portfolio support this emphasis.

Summer work in the field is required, as is yearly national conference attendance.

Production Design (M.F.A.) Courses & Curriculum

Design studies include at least one class per semester in the area of concentration (scenic, costume, lighting or sound design), plus skills building classes that relate to that area, such as rendering for costume designers, model building for scenic designers, Vectorworks for lighting designers, etc. Participation in a specified production activity related to the student’s area of concentration is required each semester. These assignments include all aspects of the particular design area, so the design student is knowledgeable about how to achieve the design they visualize. 

Total credit-hour requirements are based on a normal load of 15 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.

Production Design Experience

All Production Design students are expected to:

1. Attend at least one national convention yearly. Qualified students may be invited to participate in the annual National Design Portfolio Review.
2. Spend their summers breaks working in professional theaters. Winter break may also be utilized for professional development.
3. Complete an internship of at least 6-8 weeks in the third year at a major LORT or commercial theater in the United States or abroad if it can be arranged.
4. Complete a thesis a main stage design assignment with all attendant materials.
5. Complete a formal exit portfolio review demonstrating prevailing professional standards.

Year 1

The initial year includes fundamentals in design, the director-designer collaboration, and developing skills in drawing, painting and/or digital drafting and paperwork. Realized production assignments generally begin with an assistantship and follow with a design assignment in the second semester.

Year 2

The second year is focused on synthesis of skills and practical experiences. Students take advanced courses in design as well as the business of design, theater history and criticism and electives to complete the first two years. Realized production will continue with at least one assignment per semester as well as production work related to practicum credits or graduate stipends.

Year 3

Students design a fully supported main stage thesis project and intern at substantial professional theater or an equivalent producing organization. The final requirement is the  presentation of a digital and traditional "exit portfolio" and website that meet prevailing professional standards. Graduates 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 design studio.