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 CAD for Theater (3)
- Introduction to entertainment drafting, graphical standards, drafting techniques, drafting 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 principals of design including visual, structural and emotional relationships.
- Theatre 551 Model Making (3)
- Techniques and best practices for solutions to theatrical scale model making problems.
- Theatre 553 Projects in Scenic Design (0-1)
- Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Scene Design
- Theatre 580 Design Seminar (3)
- Analysis, research, interpretation, and design of plays in a cross-disciplinary environment.
SEMESTER 2:
- Theatre 455 Scene Painting (3)
- Techniques in painting theatrical backdrops, scenery units, and floor treatments.
- 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 553 Projects in Scenic Design (0-1)
- Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Scene Design
- 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 553 Projects in Scenic Design (0-1)
- Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Scene Design
- Theatre 558, Design Presentation Skills for the Theatre (3)
- Techniques and best practices for all non-CAD design work product.
- Theatre 580 Design Seminar (3)
- Analysis, research, interpretation, and design of plays in a cross-disciplinary environment.
- 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 491 Foreign Study (1)
- Intensive study abroad trip.
- Theatre 510 Theatre History (3)
- Intensive study of selected topics in theatre history.
- Theatre 553 Projects in Scenic Design (0-1)
- Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Scene Design
- Theatre 558, Design Presentation Skills for the Theatre (3)
- Techniques and best practices for all non-CAD design work product.
- Theatre 580 Design Seminar (3)
- Analysis, research, interpretation, and design of plays in a cross-disciplinary environment.
- 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 553 Projects in Scenic Design (0-1)
- Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Scene Design
- Theatre 557 Period Styles (3)
- Advanced applications of theatrical sound design practice, principles, and technology.
- Theatre 558, Design Presentation Skills for the Theatre (3)
- Techniques and best practices for all non-CAD design work product.
- Theatre 599 Project in Lieu of Thesis (6)
- 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.
SEMESTER 6:
- Theatre 553 Projects in Scenic Design (0-1)
- Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Scene Design
- Theatre 558, Design Presentation Skills for the Theatre (3)
- Techniques and best practices for all non-CAD design work product.
- Theatre 557 Period Styles for the Theatre (3)
- The history of décor, architecture, clothes, and music as it relates to theatrical design.
- 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, Music History, Dramatic Literature and Criticism, Renaissance Drama, Modern Drama, Contemporary Drama, Shakespeare, Drama of the Restoration and 18 th Century, Photography, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Media Design, Advanced Theatre Technology.