For the fullest consideration applicants should refer to this timeline. We encourage all prospective candidates to interview first with the Department prior to formally applying to the University of Connecticut Graduate School. For all Design graduate programs within the Department of Dramatic Arts, you must be admitted both by the department’s graduate admissions and by the admissions office of the University of Connecticut Graduate School. Occasionally very talented applicants are not admitted to the Graduate School if their undergraduate grades do not meet minimum graduate admissions standards of the University of Connecticut Graduate School.
Anytime – Individuals who are curious about the program are warmly encouraged to at any time schedule a conversation to answer questions, schedule a tour, and/or learn first hand about our department. To get in touch please email alexander.2.woodward@uconn.edu as well as dramarecruiter@uconn.edu with the subject line “Prospective Applicant”
Starting December 15th – Applicants who are considering UConn’s MFA in Scenic Design should send along the following: A portfolio of past work, design, drawing, sketchbooks, etc. A resume with contacts for three letters of recommendation, as well as a short written essay section (500 words) answering one of the following:
Why the University of Connecticut Scenic Design Program?
Why a life in the theatre or a career as a designer?
Portfolios should be clear and well organized, but please resist the temptation or focus on formatting, and/or “scrapbooking”. Our interest is in your work as an artist and the portfolio is simply a means to convey that material. Digital Portfolios should be submitted via email with the subject line “Your Name Portfolio Application” we find a PDF or a Google Share folder works best. Hard Copy portfolios can be sent to the Dramatic Arts Main Office but can not be guaranteed return, so please do not send valuable originals.
Starting January 1 – Following portfolio review, selected applicants will be invited to interview either in person or digitally. We recommend prospective students submit their portfolio well before this time.
Mid to Late January – UConn does attend URTA and potential MFA Candidates can choose to present there, however small class size and past interest in our community makes open spots within the Scenic Design program competitive. If you intend to present at URTA but are strongly interested in UConn we encourage you to reach out to us directly in the December period. Accepted students are notified on a rolling basis as soon as is reasonably possible.
After Departmental Acceptance – If your application is successful with the department admissions, then it will be time to submit your formal application (including fee) plus official transcripts and (where applicable) TOEFL scores to the University of Connecticut Graduate School. GRE test scores are not required for the MFA in Scenic Design program.
This procedure helps you in two ways. First, it prevents unnecessary paperwork, and second, it will save you the cost of the application fee in case the Scenic Design department is not able to extend an invitation to join the MFA training program.