The Master of Fine Arts program in Technical Direction prepares students for professional careers in technical production areas associated with the performing arts. The program emphasizes planning and management and focuses on methods of investigating and applying new techniques, materials and technologies to the technical management and execution of productions.
Flexibility in plans of study provides access for students with previous design experience to graduate level design courses. Regular reviews by the Design/Technical Faculty measure the students' growth and determine their continuance in the program. The final project leading to the M.F.A. degree consists of technical direction of a mainstage production of significant scope and challenge or a research project of significance as determined by the student's committee. Documentation of the project and investigative research relating to a new material, process, procedure or mechanism that expands the field of theatre technology is required.
Technological Requirements: All Design/Tech MFA students must have a laptop (PC not Mac) that meet the department's minimum requirements
COURSE OF STUDY
A minimum of three years of full-term resident graduate study is required.
A minimum of 60 graduate credits is required.
All M.F.A. students follow the Graduate School's "Plan B" (no thesis); however a specially assigned "MFA Project" is required during the final year.
The following is a list of required and recommended Dramatic Arts courses you will take in order to complete your MFA in Technical Direction:
All of the Following Courses are Required:
- DRAM. 5201 Production Drafting
- DRAM. 5202 Technical directing
- DRAM. 5200 3D CAD - Studies in Technical Production
- DRAM. 5204 Technical Analysis
- DRAM. 5205 Audio Production
- DRAM. 5206 Sound Technology
- DRAM. 5207 Electricity/Electronics
- DRAM. 5208 Computer Applications
- DRAM. 5209 Studies in Theatre Design
- DRAM. 5210 Properties Construction
- DRAM. 5211 Advanced Rigging
- DRAM. 5212 Shop Technology
- DRAM. 5213 Stage Technology
- DRAM. 5192 Independent Study
- DRAM. 5196 M.F.A. Project
- DRAM. 5197 Investigation of Special Topics- Automation Seminar
Students must also take two additional electives in Design or Puppetry