Michigan State University's Department of Theatre offers a MFA in Production Design which prepares professional designers as well as future academicians. An interview is required for acceptance into the program. No GRE required.
MFA candidates in Production Design with an emphasis in scenery, costume or lighting design receive personally tailored instruction in a well-rounded theatre context which includes courses in the theory and history of design, as well as a carefully developed program of practical training put together under professional guidance with the student’s career goals in mind. Small design classes assure high degree of one-on-one critique to projects and course work, and the position within a large university enriches the opportunities available from other departments and disciplines. Art history, literature, music, interior design, textiles, communications, digital media and technology represent some of the topics one may choose. The Department’s digital design lab provides the necessary design and production software to allow familiarization with many of the most common professional practices in the industry.
MFA candidates develop portfolios by completing a minimum of fully realized five design assignments for departmental productions as collaborative members of the design team. Four of these assignments represent the area of specialty. The fifth demonstrates some skill in another design/technical area.
Students interested in careers in academic theatre may teach introductory classes in their specialty. From time to time, visiting design professionals augment the design curriculum and provide further opportunities to learn from some of the best in the business.
Department of Theatre Graduate Studies Flyer (PDF)
A total of 60 credits are required with class offerings as follows:
Academics Core
Design Core
Design Emphasis