Theatre - Design and Technical Production Concentration, (MFA)

University of Memphis

The Department of Theatre & Dance at the University of Memphis fosters the development of our students on an individual basis. We offer a BFA in Theatre with concentrations in performance, musical theatre, dance, dance science and design and technical production as well as an MFA in Theatre with concentrations in directing and design and technical production. We tailor our program to your needs. We are large enough to offer dynamic performance, design, and crew opportunities both in the classroom and in our four performances spaces.We also create an intimate community for intense one-on-one learning opportunities. Our diverse faculty nurtures the individual progress of each student, be they a budding costume designer, a musical theatre performer, or stage manager. We are both a generalized program (where students can explore all areas of theatre) and a specialized one (where students can hone an area of focus).The goal of the department, when training a candidate for the MFA degree, is to provide the tools, opportunities and skills for the talented student to become a master craftsman. All design candidates share the common core of three foundation courses the balance of credit hours is a mix of executed projects and academic coursework designed to develop specific skills, implement strengths and overcome weaknesses. All design and technology students develop a plan of study document that incorporates their primary and secondary areas of study in collaboration with their advising committee. Areas of study available to the MFA design student are Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scenic Design, Sound Design and Technical Direction. Design projects are assigned or approved by the graduate advising committee and are based on a candidate's self-evaluation and the evaluation of the advising committee. Projects culminate with a practicum (thesis) project and a comprehensive exam that includes both written and oral portions.

College of Communication and Fine Arts