Theatre (Interdisciplinary Digital Media), MFA
MFA, arts, computers, motion, theater, theatre
Are you interested in achieving your artistic, professional and educational goals in a genuinely transdisciplinary setting? Acquire the experience and the tools you need to work and succeed in a wide variety of contexts at the intersection of technology and performance art.
The Master of Fine Arts program in theatre with a concentration in interdisciplinary digital media looks at digital media as a lens for making art, telling stories and creating meaningful experiences.
Daily lives are often saturated with information from a multitude of sources, and people rely on an increasing number of digital tools and processes. Simultaneously, the nature of live experience is broadening with an ever-expanding set of new forms for immersion and interaction. The possibilities to tell stories and engage audiences seem limitless.
This program trains artists, creative technologists, evaluators, designers and entrepreneurs in the field of digital media for live experience, building on a foundation of core courses in theatre. Courses from across the school are combined with research activities to prepare students to become leaders in their chosen area of focus by providing an individualized pathway developed in conversation with mentors.
At the heart of the graduate program is a spirit of collaboration. Offered through the School of Music, Dance, and Theatre in partnership with the School of Arts, Media and Engineering, the program fosters a supportive and engaging community where students can learn and grow alongside their peers.
- 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)
Core School of Arts, Media and Engineering courses, to be selected in consultation with each student's School of Arts, Media and Engineering graduate advisor (minimum of 18 credit hours)
Research and applied project (15 credit hours)
Core courses in theatre theory, history and practice (27 credit hours)
The overall course of study is developed with the advisor to ensure a breadth of transdisciplinary knowledge.
Additional information on degree requirements for this degree is available on the curriculum checksheet (located at the bottom of the page).
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 both 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 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
- School of Music, Dance and Theatre Application, including current resume, statement of purpose, portfolio that supports the statement of purpose and an academic writing sample from a previous degree program, independent work or publication.
- three letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with the applicant's work
- 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.
The statement of purpose should describe the applicant's background in theatre and interest in and suitability for work at the intersection of theatre and digital media.
Applicants should thoroughly review application deadlines and requirements; however, applicants should also note that for financial aid purposes, the School of Arts, Media and Engineering deadline is February 1.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 03/15 | Final |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Create media applications for live performance that reflect advanced competency in media applications.
- Assess media design options for specific live performance projects, reflecting the application of academic rigor and contemporary theoretical knowledge in the fields of media design and engineering.
- Participate in cross-disciplinary collaborative processes at an advanced skill level.
Graduates are prepared to become intentional developers, makers, evaluators and entrepreneurs of digital media. They work in a variety of settings and industries, including interactive and experience design, themed entertainment, virtual production, extended reality, higher education, event design, professional theatre companies and community arts organizations.
Alumni of the program design projections on Broadway, design immersive experiences and interactive environments, lead university programs in interactive media, direct media teams at significant institutions, and produce field-leading research and creative work.
Career examples include:
- AR, VR or XR designer
- digital media artist or designer
- digital media arts educator or professor
- digital media composer
- interactive media designer
- interactive performance artist
- media technician
- performance designer
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.
