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MFA in Design & Technology »
Master of Fine Arts, Scenic Design Program The MFA in Scenic Design combines diverse opportunities for realized design work and a strong curriculum as the foundation for its training. Taught by working professionals, the program of study offers intensive instruction in both studio and classroom settings coupled with one-on-one tutorials with the students major professor. Students receive instruction in the use of the traditional and contemporary tools of visual communication as it relates to the theatre and allied fields. With a focus on drawing, painting, model building, and both hand drafting and CAD; importance is placed on script analysis and research and its interpretation in scenic design. In an atmosphere of healthy collaboration, and effective communication, students participation in production work is equally balanced and enhanced with course work. To ensure a deep understanding of related fields, a student will also earn a minor in Costume Design, Lighting Design, Theatre Technology, Sound Design, or successfully complete an approved sequence of courses from at least three of these areas. The goal of the program is to prepare the student for participation in professional theatre and associated disciplines. Admittance Students are admitted into the program after proving competency as shown by their portfolio and statements of goals. Judgments of portfolio and writing quality 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. Weakness in any of these three areas will be identified and may result in a probationary semester or dismissal from the program. Program Specifics MFA Scenic Design candidates are assigned at least five productions during their tenure in the program. Students receive actual design and production experience by being shop carpenter or property master for other designer's shows, supervising undergraduate stagecraft students, assisting faculty designers, and by designing their own productions. 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. The MFA is a sixty-hour curriculum including scenic design, allied skills and technology courses, dramatic literature, history and criticism courses. Success The successful student will complete the MFA with a diverse portfolio of realized designs, highly developed research, collaborative and communication skills, a mature professional process and a rich understanding of the breath and depth of scenic design. |
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