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.
The Scene Design concentration balances focused classroom instruction with practical design and production experience. Students also study related artisan areas such as digital and traditional rendering techniques, 3D CAD, props, fabrication, scene painting and presentation techniques with particular emphasis on integrating contemporary digital techniques into the design process. The curriculum contains courses in construction theory, rigging, costume crafts and projection/media design.
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.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
Examples of Possible Careers
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
Film and video editors
Lighting technicians and media and communication equipment workers, all other
Set and exhibit designers
Accreditation
National Association of Schools of Theatre
January 2025
College of the Arts
111 Cartwright Hall,
KENT,
Ohio,
44242, United States
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale
English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
Minimum 525 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
Minimum 71 TOEFL IBT score (internet-based version)
Minimum 74 MELAB score
Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
Minimum 50 PTE score
Minimum 100 Duolingo English score
Application Deadlines: Fall Semester: August 1; Spring Semester: January 1; Summer Term: May 1
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.