Master of Fine Arts, Lighting Design
Program
Taught by working professionals, the rigorous sixty-hour program, focused on the process of artistically designing light for stage productions, offers a strong curriculum as the foundation for training in studio, classroom and theatre settings, coupled with one-on-one tutorials with the students major professor. Highly developed research, collaborative and communication skills, a mature professional process and a rich understanding of the breadth and depth of the lighting art are emphasized. With state of the art lighting resources available to every production, the program builds upon essential techniques, traditions and professional practices to establish an enduring approach to the lighting art, prepared to embrace new developments in technology and changing aesthetics with imagination and candor.
To ensure a deep understanding of related specializations, a student will also earn a minor selected from Scenic Design, Costume Design, Theatre Technology, Sound Design or successfully complete an approved sequence of courses from at least three of these areas. Additionally, a student is exposed to the diverse applications of architectural, interior and museum lighting design, built upon this professional stage lighting process. The goal of MFA Lighting Design program is to foster a students artistic ability, intellectual capability and professional practice for participation in the lighting design profession.
Admittance
Students are admitted into the program after proving competency as shown by their portfolio, statement of goals, and required onsite interview. Judgments of portfolio, writing quality, and professional potential are made by members of the Design and Technology Faculty Committee.
Retention
Each year students are invited to continue in the program after the faculty has accessed a students academic success, artistic growth and professional development. At the end of the first and the second year students are required to present their portfolio with an oral interview to the Design and Technology Faculty Committee. At this time the committee will determine whether a student shall be advanced in the program. Weaknesses in any of these three areas will be identified and may result in a probationary semester or dismissal from the program.
Specifics of Program
MFA Lighting Design students are assigned at least five main season lighting designs during their tenure in the program. One production in the third year will be designated as the MFA thesis project which will be documented and then evaluated by the students Thesis Committee. Lighting Design students will receive additional production experience by being trained as an assistant lighting designer and serving as a master electrician for other designers shows. Leadership and organizational skills will be developed by teaching and supervising undergraduate lighting design students and by managing various lighting related areas, such as lighting inventory and work call scheduling. Summer production and design opportunities are available at our thrust stage summer stock theatre.
Success
The successful student will complete the MFA with a diverse portfolio of realized designs and be trained as a design professional.
Questions? For more information, contact:
Rob Shakespeare
Bio
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