MFA in Theatre, Design Concentrations
Q. How many shows will I design?
- Scenic Design: Most MFA Scenic Design students will design 3-5 realized productions during their time at UTK. Students are expected to work professionally over the summer.
- Costume Design: Most MFA Costume Design students will design 3-5 realized productions during their time at UTK. Students are expected to work professionally over the summer.
- Lighting Design: Most MFA Lighting Design students design or assist on 3-5 realized productions per semester. Students are expected to work professionally over the summer. The typical MFA lighting student leaves UTK with 24-30 realized designs in their portfolio.
- Sound and Media Design: Most MFA Sound and Media students design or assist on 2-3 projects per semester, with a total of 6-10 realized productions during their time at UTK. Students are expected to work professionally over the summer.
Q. How many total design students are in the program?
- There are a maximum of 14-15 students: 4 in Costume Design, 4 in Lighting Design, 4 in Scenic Design and 3 in Sound and Digital Media, in a student’s first and third year in the program. On alternate years, in a student’s second year, there are two in each area. An incoming class consists of 2 Lighting Designers, 2 Costume Designers, and 2 Scenic Designers, 1-2 Sound and Media Designers.
Q. How many design students are on assistantship?
- All design students are on assistantships.
Q. What does the assistantship cover?
- It covers full remission of tuition, an annual stipend of about $16,000.00, and up to $1500.00 annual travel funding as approved by the faculty. Total average support over three years: more than $161,000.00
Q. What kind of expenses will I incur in this program?
- Books, passport, computer supplies (paper and ink), and any travel costs that exceed $1,500.00 per year.
- Please see our required equipment page for technology and art supplies to be provided by the student, at the student’s expense.
Q. Does the University provide health insurance?
- Yes.
Q. How many theatres does the university have?
- Three: The Clarence Brown Theatre, a 550-seat proscenium theatre; The Carousel Theatre, a 350-seat round theatre; and the Lab Theatre, a 100-seat thrust theatre.
Q. Do the design professors work professionally?
- Yes, our faculty designers are nationally and internationally recognized for their work at theatres such as the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, The Denver Center Theatre, among others.
Q. What other graduate degree programs are offered?
- We offer an MFA in Theatre, with concentrations in Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Costume Design, Sound and Media Design, and Acting.
Q. Will I need to get a passport?
- Definitely.