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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.
Program Offered
Theatre (Performance Design), MFA
Offered by
Herberger Institute for Design & the Arts
Location
Tempe
Plan of Study
The Plan of Study is the required curriculum to complete the program.
Application Deadline
The next recruiting cycle will begin fall 2019 for matriculation in August 2020.
Program Requirements
This is a three-year program culminating in an applied project.
- Academic and artistic progress is evaluated at the end of each semester by a faculty committee.
- A professional internship is required and can be fulfilled anytime after the first year of study.
- Students conclude with an applied ensemble design project suited to their needs and interests.
- The first year is dedicated to creating an ensemble as well as honing the skills needed to visually communicate ideas to a director and audience.
- The second year concentrates on new work development that will culminate in a tour. This year also concentrates on strengthening design abilities.
- The third year serves as a bridge between the educational and professional theatre and the communities they serve.
Program continuation is contingent upon a successful review.