COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design and Production requires applicants to have relevant practical theatre experience and they may be asked to complete a diagnostic examination to assess their preparedness. Any identified academic or technical deficiencies must be addressed before students can proceed into the corresponding graduate-level coursework. In some cases, students may also be required to complete comprehensive examinations before advancing to the practicum component. Each student is assigned a faculty supervisor who guides their academic and creative development and supports the planning of their thesis or practicum work. The program focuses on developing expertise in three primary areas of theatre design: scenery, costume, and lighting. Students gain both theoretical understanding and applied skills, with strong emphasis placed on practical experience in departmental productions. Typically, students contribute design work to multiple productions, allowing them to build a professional portfolio while refining their abilities. Each student specializes in one major design area while also developing a secondary specialization. The coursework includes foundational research and theory courses in theatre studies, followed by 12 units of design-focused courses such as scene, lighting, costume design, production, and advanced problem-solving in these areas. The program culminates in a 6.0-unit MFA Practicum (THEA 524), where students demonstrate their professional-level design expertise in a comprehensive applied project.