MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN SCENIC DESIGN

The University of Houston School of Theatre & Dance strives to create a challenging and supportive environment where an inquisitive, motivated and resourceful theatre design and technology student will be given the opportunity and support to explore and develop their individual and unique voice through artistic collaboration. Upon completing the program, a UH graduate will be exceptionally well-suited and qualified for a career in the theatre and the related entertainment industry.

M.F.A. Design students specialize and train in one or more disciplines: scenic design, costume design, or lighting design. All students enter the program together and remain together for three years. Collaboration is the heart and soul of the program. Students develop a solid working knowledge of the elements and principles of their discipline in order to create a close collaborative working environment. In addition to the design and collaboration classes, the curriculum includes the study of dramaturgy, dramatic literature, and theatre history. 

The Design and Technology program is a professional training program that respects the traditional skills and heritage of our profession while placing an emphasis on the new and emerging technologies and skills in our contemporary theatre practice. Our goal is to give the developing theatre artist the tools and skills that are best matched to realizing their theatrical vision. 

The Design and Technology program provides ample opportunity to put dreams and theory into practice. Students should expect to design between six and eight fully supported productions in a variety of at least three venues over the course of their studies. The faculty and staff mentor all projects and provide guidance and feedback throughout the design and production process. 

In addition to faculty directors, UH brings in a large number of professional guest directors from across the country to participate in the program. Design and Technology students are regularly exposed to artists from the local Houston arts institutions – the Alley Theatre, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, Theatre Under the Stars, Stages Repertory, AD Players to name a few.

YOUR NEXT STEPS:

To start your application, email Tatiana Vintu, Professor of Scenic Design, to introduce yourself and begin the process.

To receive full consideration, applications to the School of Theatre & Dance require:

• A combined GPA of 3.0 or higher in all prior coursework.
• A one-to-two-page letter of introduction that describes your background, experience, and interests as you consider graduate study.
• A resume or CV detailing your experience and education.
• A digital portfolio of your design work, either through a website link or as a single PDF document.
• The email addresses of three contacts that can provide a personal or professional reference.

TO SUBMIT YOUR MATERIALS:

Click the “Apply Now” button below, or visit us on Acceptd

On Accepted, under the “Start an Application” sidebar, select “Theatre” and “MFA Design & Technology” then click the “Apply to MFA Design & Technology” button that appears.

NOTE:

Candidates will be required to apply both to the School of Theatre & Dance and the University of Houston (two separate application submissions.)

Please review the Graduate Admissions requirements for the University of Houston at https://www.uh.edu/graduate-school/admissions/how-to-apply and confirm that you can supply each required document.

Once you have successfully applied to the School of Theatre & Dance, we will ask you to complete the second application.

If you have any questions about the application process, please email Tatiana Vintu at tvintu@uh.edu