The following is a typical 3-year study program. It can and should be adapted to suit the interests and experience of each individual student.
SEMESTER 1:
- Theatre 464 Computer Aided Drafting for Theater (3)
- Introduction to entertainment drafting, graphical standards, drafting techniques, drawing layout, and presentation.
- Theatre 501 Intro to Graduate Studies (3)
- Through projects in dramaturgy, students learn research tools and methods for the theatre artist.
- Theatre 503 Elements of Design for the Theatre (3)
- Analysis of the principles of design including visual, structural and emotional relationships.
- Theatre 563 Lab Analysis of Realized Lighting Design (1).
- Realized lighting design project analysis from concept meeting through opening night. Lab intensive presentation and response.
- Theatre 580 Design Seminar (3)
- Analysis, research, interpretation, and design of plays in a cross-disciplinary environment.
- Theatre 593 Opening the Creative Mind (1)
- In-depth discussion and meditation technique to understand who the individual artist is within each student.
SEMESTER 2:
- Theatre 463, Programming for Lighting Consoles (3)
- Training and exploration of the major lighting consoles used in the entertainment industry.
- Theatre 475 Projection and Media Design (3)
- The creation and execution of digital media for theatrical projection and multimedia/performance integration.
- Theatre 492 Off-Campus Study (1)
- Intensive study NYC trip.
- Theatre 557 Period Styles for the Theatre (3)
- The history of décor, architecture, clothes, and music as it relates to theatrical design.
- Theatre 580 Design Seminar (3)
- Analysis, research, interpretation, and design of plays in a cross-disciplinary environment.
SEMESTER 3:
- Theatre 563 Lab Analysis of Realized Lighting Design (3).
- Realized lighting design project analysis from concept meeting through opening night. Lab intensive presentation and response.
- Theatre 580 Design Seminar (3)
- In the third semester, design students explore advanced projects in design including those outside of the traditional theatre setting. Diverse productions, large-scale projects and complex design situations are the primary focus this semester.
- Theatre 584 Photography for the Theatre (3)
- Photographic techniques for shooting live theatrical events under challenging lighting environments and the incorporation of these into a professional portfolio.
- Theatre 587 Computer Aided Rendering for the Theatre (3)
- Computer rendering programs and their use by theatrical designers.
SEMESTER 4:
- Theatre 462 Dance Concert Lighting (3)
- Exploration of dance lighting styles
- Theatre 491 Foreign Study (1)
- Intensive study abroad trip.
- Theatre 510 Theatre History (3)
- Intensive study of selected topics in theatre history.
- Theatre 563 Lab Analysis of Realized Lighting Design (3)
- Realized lighting design project analysis from concept meeting through opening night. Lab intensive presentation and response.
- Theatre 588 Digital Portfolio (3)
- Creating a digital theatrical design portfolio and supporting materials and the exploration of presentation options and standards.
SEMESTER 5:
- Theatre 563 Lab Analysis of Realized Lighting Design (3)
- Realized lighting design project analysis from concept meeting through opening night. Lab intensive presentation and response.
- Theatre 593 Independent Study, or Elective (3)
- Independent work with instructor on topics either of special interest to the student or on faculty identified deficiencies in the student’s overall education to date.
- Theatre 599 Project in Lieu of Thesis (3-6)
- Execution of a major Lighting design for the Clarence Brown Theatre with in-depth post project review (3). Or, Culminating project proposed by student. Includes produced production/performance/exhibit and written thesis, or In-depth research in a topic of specific interest to the student, culminating in a paper or project (6).
SEMESTER 6:
- Theatre 473 Advanced Sound Design (3) or Elective
- Advanced applications of theatrical sound design practice, principles, and technology.
- Theatre 557 Period Styles for the Theatre (3)
- The history of décor, architecture, clothes, and music as it relates to theatrical design.
- Theatre 563 Lab Analysis of Realized Lighting Design (3)
- Realized lighting design project analysis from concept meeting through opening night. Lab intensive presentation and response.
- Theatre 593 Independent Study (1-3) Optional
- Independent work with instructor on topics either of special interest to the student or on faculty identified deficiencies in the student’s overall education to date.
- Theatre 599 Project in Lieu of Thesis (3)
- Preparation of marketing materials, portfolio, and catalog of individual work produced while in the program, culminating in a formal presentation and oral defense.
SUGGESTED ELECTIVE COURSE MENU:
- History of Art, History of Opera, Music Theory/ Technology, Music Composition, Dramatic Literature and Criticism, Renaissance Drama, Modern Drama, Contemporary Drama, Shakespeare, Drama of the Restoration and 18th Century, Photography, Costume Design, Scenic Design, Sound Design, Media Design, Advanced Theatre Technology, Make-up, Architectural Illumination, Small Group Dynamics, Conflict Resolution