Master of Fine Arts in Theatre: Scene Design

The Graduate Scene Design Program at Illinois State University is a three year professional training program which combines rigorous course work with consistent opportunities for realized designs.

Curriculum

The plan of study for graduate scene design candidates is tailored to meet the needs of the individual student. Course work includes advanced studies in stage design, computer graphics, rendering techniques, and scene painting, along with specialized seminars in 20th Century Stage Design and Theatre Architecture. Students are also encouraged to take advanced courses in lighting design, sound design, and costume design. Further enrichment of the student’s design skills is available through special studio courses taught by faculty designers and by the inclusion of course work in the School of Art and Industrial Technology Department.

More detailed information on program requirements and course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Catalog (pdf).

Design Opportunities

A major goal of the program is to develop a strong portfolio of realized production designs and project work related to the courses in the plan of study. Design assignments are made every semester, with students given the opportunity to work in different styles and periods. Two different venues offer the opportunity to work in proscenium, thrust, and arena configurations. Graduate students also assist faculty on a regular basis with School of Theatre productions as well as outside professional projects.

Professional Practice

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival offers M.F.A. students the opportunity to assist accomplished professional designers from around the country. Graduate students may also seek out internship possibilities in professional theatres and shops nationwide. Past internships have been granted for The Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis , The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, The Manhattan Theatre Club, Santa Fe Opera, Disney World, and various Chicago theatres such as the Goodman and Steppenwolf.

Teacher Training

The Master of Fine Arts is a terminal degree and is a requirement for most university teaching positions. With teaching as a potential career option, M.F.A. students at Illinois State University receive training and gain experience in teaching at the college/university level. Graduate acting students also perform in the Illinois Shakespeare Festival’s educational outreach touring program. Qualified M.F.A. scene design candidates are encouraged to teach at least one undergraduate course within their degree program. Professional practice credit is given for teaching assignments.

Financial Aid

M.F.A. scene design students are awarded Graduate Assistantships with a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend to aid them in defraying a portion of their educational expenses. Graduate assistantships usually require a minimum twenty-hour work week commitment to the School, which may include work in the scene or prop shop and supervision of undergraduate laboratory classes. Information about additional financial aid is available through the Financial Aid Office.

Recruitment

Illinois State University admits a limited number of graduate candidates to the scene design program every year. The School of Theatre seeks candidates with strong artistic ability, disciplined intellectual drive, and a desire to work in a collaborative atmosphere.

Admission

Application to Illinois State University may be made on-line through the University Admissions Office. Prospective students must meet with members of the design faculty in established U/RTA interviews or on the Illinois State University campus.

Further information regarding admission requirements and the application process can be found in the Graduate Catalog (pdf). Specific questions may be addressed to , Head of the Graduate Design Program.

Success for Recent Graduates

Graduates of the scene design program at Illinois State University have found successful careers in both professional and academic venues. Recent graduates work as freelance scene designers, technical directors, and props artisans in New York, Boston, Chicago, St. Louis, and throughout the country. They also teach at institutions of higher learning, such as Western Illinois University, the State University of New York/Oswego, Coastal Carolina University, the University of Georgia, and Chadron State College. Graduates also work as sales reps for the Theatrics Company and project managers for Barbizon Lighting. For more information about School of Theatre alumni, visit our alumni page.