Graduate Degree Programs
MFA in Theatre: Performance: Design
Performance design offers a rigorous and innovative inter-disciplinary program that focuses on a non-traditional approach to design training, which prepares you for the theatrical design challenges of the future. You are not asked to choose one sub-discipline of performance design, but rather work with an ensemble of designers, directors and performers to create projects that redefine the role of the traditional designer. Skills for approaching and creating new work include drafting and computer imaging, new work development, design applications in multimedia and the development of artistic entrepreneurship and integrity.
You work in multiple venues, including the 482-seat Galvin Playhouse, 162-seat Lyceum Theatre, two studios and one experimental space. You also work in the shops, a design studio and a computer-imaging lab.
Admission
We will accept applications for the 2011 academic year beginning in Fall 2010. You must meet all admission requirements of the Graduate College. In addition, the School of Theatre and Film requires a minimum of 30 undergraduate semester hours of course work in theatre a minimum GPA of 3.20 for all course work in theatre.
For the concentration in performance design, requirements also include:
- Three letters of recommendation from professionals who can speak to the your potential for success in performance design
- Résumé
- Portfolio of ten slides or equivalent digital media of your work
- Sample of critical writing, such as a term paper or research project (in lieu of GRE scores)
- Return envelope and postage
- Statement of educational and artistic objective
- Interview, either on campus or at one of the U/RTA sites
Dates and sites for interviews may be obtained from the School of Theatre and Film.
Application Deadline
Admission to this program is cohort-based. The application and test score deadline is Feb. 15. After that date, admission is subject to space availability.
Program of Study
You work closely with the MFA cohort steering committee to develop a program of study in required and elective courses. You are evaluated at the end of each semester by the steering committee in consultation with faculty teaching that semester. You are responsible for documenting professional development. Your advancement through each of the three years in the MFA program is dependent upon a positive recommendation of the supervisory committee.
The program for the performance design concentration consists of 60 semester hours distributed as follows:
Additional design and/or technical theatre classes may be selected from the following:
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Additional electives subject to the approval of the supervisory committee.
Credit Before Admission
Subject to approval by the supervisory committee, a maximum of 24 semester hours of graduate work from a completed master's degree program earned at ASU or another accredited institution may be applied to the program of study. In other cases, a maximum of nine semester hours of non-degree graduate work from ASU or another institution may be applied. All course work for the degree must be completed within the six-year time limit.
Foreign Language Requirements
None.
Final Examinations
A comprehensive examination or comprehensive review in the area of concentration is required. In addition, students failing to receive a grade of "B" (3.00) or higher in THE 504 and 520 must pass a written comprehensive examination on the subject matter of those courses. THP 693 Applied Project must be supported by written documentation and defended in an oral defense.
Deficiencies
Deficiencies in undergraduate preparation of no more than 12 hours may be removed while pursuing the MFA degree; courses taken to remove deficiencies may not be counted toward the degree.