ASU offers a strenuous and innovative MFA program in theatre with a concentration in performance design that focuses on a nontraditional approach to design training in preparation for the theatrical design challenges of the future. The design student works with an ensemble of designers, directors and performers to create new projects that redefine the role of the traditional designer.

Skills for approaching and creating new work include:

• design applications in multimedia
• development of artistic entrepreneurship and integrity
• drafting and computer imaging
• new work development

Performance design students work in multiple venues, including the 481-seat Galvin Playhouse, 164-seat Lyceum Theatre, two studios and one experimental space. In addition, students work in the shops, a design studio and a computer-imaging lab.

Admission to the directing, performance and performance design concentrations is cohort-based.