MFA in Scene Design Details

MFA Scene Design Courses

Scene Design Curriculum

Below is a typical three-year course of study in scene design. Students who demonstrate high rendering and painting skills may adjust their curriculum after consultation with their advisor.

SEMESTER 1

Introduction to Graduate Research in Theatre (3) - Research tools and methods for theatre artist and scholar.
Principles of Theatrical Design (3) - Fundamental principles of design; visual and structural relationships. Projects assigned to develop understanding and perception.
Drafting (3) - Introduction to the techniques, practices, and process of technical drawing.
Design and Technical Production Seminar (1-6) - Selected aspects of design and technical production. Maximum 18 hrs.

SEMESTER 2

Graduate Seminar in Design and Technical Production - (Same as above)
Model Building (3) - Introduction to the techniques, practices and processes of building theatre models.
Computer Assisted Design for Theatre (3) - Advanced techniques in computer assisted design for theatre. Work with CAD, Computer Drawing, Graphics, and/or 3D Modeling software for preparation of theatrical designs.
Projects in Scene Design (1-3) - Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in scene design. Maximum 9 hrs.

SEMESTER 3

Graduate Seminar in Design and Technical Production - (Same as above)
Scene Painting (3) - Introduction to materials, techniques, and principles of craft. Gaining skill and understanding through studio experience.
Watercolor (3) - Capacities of transparent watercolor. Taught in the Art Department.
Selection from Course Menu (3) - See menu selections below.

SEMESTER 4

Graduate Seminar in Design and Technical Production - (Same as above)
Projects in Scene Design (Same as above)
Selection from Course Menu - See menu selections below.

SEMESTER 5

Selection from Course Menu.
Project in Lieu of Thesis, Part 1 (1-6)
Painted or produced design of a play of substantial scope.
Selection from Course Menu - See menu selections below.

SEMESTER 6

Project in Lieu of Thesis, Part 2(1-6) Painted or produced design of a play of substantial scope.
Selection from Course Menu - See menu selections below.

Course Menu

Studies in Theatre History; Dramatic Literature Analysis; Project in Play Directing; Project in Costume Design; Projects in Lighting Design; Modern Drama, 1880-1945; Western Art; History and Theory of Architecture; History of Opera; Introduction to Shakespeare; Drama of the Restoration and 18th Century; PhotographyProjects in Lieu of ThesisStudents complete both a practical and a theoretical project. The practical project consists of designing a production of substantial scope for the Clarence Brown or Carousel Theatre seasons. The theoretical project consists of designing a multi-set play, opera, or dance augmented with a fully rendered and/or production model, a complete set of drafting plans (including scenery and prop designs), and a full set of paint elevations.