Theatre (Performance Design), MFA
arts, directing, drama, stage, theater, theatre
ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.
The Master of Fine Arts program in theatre with a concentration in performance design focuses on a nontraditional approach to design training in preparation for the theatrical design challenges of the future. The design student works with an ensemble of designers, directors and performers to create new projects that redefine the role of the traditional designer.
Skills for approaching and creating new work include:
- design applications in multimedia
- development of artistic entrepreneurship and integrity
- drafting and computer imaging
- new work development
Performance design students work in multiple venues, including the 481-seat Galvin Playhouse, the 164-seat Lyceum Theatre, two studios and one experimental space. In addition, students work in the shops, a design studio and a computer-imaging lab.
Admission to the directing, performance and performance design concentrations is cohort-based.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
60 credit hours including the required applied project course (THP 693)
This is a three-year program culminating in an applied project. Academic and artistic progress is evaluated at the end of each semester by a faculty committee. Program continuation is contingent upon a successful review. A professional internship is required and can be fulfilled anytime after the first year of study. Students conclude with an applied ensemble design project suited to their needs and interests.
The first year is dedicated to creating an ensemble and honing the skills needed to visually communicate ideas to a director and audience. In the second year, students concentrate on new work development that culminates in a tour, and they focus on strengthening their design abilities. The third year serves as a bridge between the educational and professional theatre and the communities they serve.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- academic writing sample
- current resume
- portfolio of 10 samples of visual work to be presented at an interview
- three letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with the student's work
- written statement of purpose
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
An interview is required.
Students are admitted to this program every three years, forming a cohort with their colleagues in the other Master of Fine Arts programs in theatre practice.
Students should see the program website for application deadlines and admission terms.
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
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MUSIC E167
MDTAdmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
