College of the Arts
School of Theatre and Dance - Theatre Division
www.kent.edu/theatredance

About This Program

Are you ready to take center stage in the world of theatre design and technology? The M.F.A. degree equips students with the artistry and skills to become practicing professionals. With a flexible curriculum and concentrations in costume design, lighting design, scene design and technical direction, this three-year program offers students the opportunity to explore their areas of interest and gain hands-on experience in all aspects of theatre production. Read more...

Contact Information

• Michelle Souza | msouza@kent.edu

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• Portfolio review
• Interview
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 50 PTE score
  • Minimum 100 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Final deadline: August 1
• Spring Semester
  • Final deadline: January 1
• Summer Term
  • Final deadline: May 1

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) will not be accepted after these deadlines.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Costume Design and Technology Concentration Requirements

Lighting Design Concentration Requirements

Scene Design Concentration Requirements

Technical Direction Concentration Requirements

Progression Requirements

• Students are expected to participate in at least one main stage production each semester, which may be in addition to any production design assignment.

Graduation Requirements

• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Culminating Requirement

The culminating project requirements include documentation, portfolio presentation and an exit interview. Documentation consists of a design analysis, process journal, relevant research and other supporting materials (e.g., photos, links to the candidate’s website). The scope of work may include, but not necessarily be limited to, evidence of research, drawing and drafting, rendering and associated digital image, video or audio files, which will be presented at an exit interview. The topic of each M.F.A. candidate’s culminating project will be proposed by the candidate and based on faculty feedback from yearly portfolio and academic assessments. The student will register for THEA 61310 for the student’s project assignment. The process is then documented in a format appropriate for the project and presented to the faculty advisor.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced creative and technical abilities to develop the design of a production from concept to finished product through collaborative efforts.
2. Analyze text, music and dance and the ways that historical, critical and theoretical content inform acting, directing and design.
3. Produce and communicate design ideas and accurate production models, paperwork and drawings by hand and/or through the use of current industry standard software in a professional setting.
4. Demonstrate the integration of current technology, tools and methods and health and safety practices in one’s area of specialization.
5. Prepare and present a professional résumé and portfolio of design- and technology-related work that demonstrate one's abilities, strengths, processes and experiences.
6. Demonstrate and model professional ethics and practice.

Full Description

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design and Technology is a terminal degree designed for those who are interested in achieving the artistry and skills necessary to qualify as practicing professionals in the entertainment industry and/or professional theatre educators. The program is a three-year course of study with a flexible curriculum for students to explore areas of special interest.

The Theatre Design and Technology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Costume Design and Technology concentration prepares students for careers in the entertainment industry, professional theatre or theatre education. Students study both design and technology, including related areas such as dye techniques, costume crafts and wigs and makeup. Students also design costumes for main-stage departmental productions. The curriculum includes core classes in theatre history, dramatic theory and historical periods.
• The Lighting Design concentration balances instruction and experience in lighting design with instruction and experience in lighting technology. Studies include digital rendering, CAD, lighting technology and automated lighting. Students research and study all of aspects of theatrical lighting, including the design process from concept to execution, communication skills, integration of technology into design, documentation of the work and critical evaluation of the work.
• The Scene Design concentration balances focused classroom instruction with practical design and production experience. In graduate design courses, students study theatrical design processes, theory and approaches to adjacent entertainment and performative settings. By integrating coursework and production experience, designers apply digital and traditional rendering techniques, 3D computer-aided drafting, props, fabrication, scene painting and presentation techniques emphasizing contemporary design processes. Electives contain construction theory, rigging, props and lighting design, and students have the flexibility to explore multiple areas as designers and artisans through coursework.
• The Technical Direction concentration provides students with training and practical experiences in planning main stage productions for the School of Theatre and Dance. Studies focus on safety and all logistics of production assembly, including touring and dance. Technical directors have the opportunity work in four very different theatre spaces: black box, large proscenium, thrust and open outdoor.