MFA in Lighting Design Program Details
Lighting Design Curriculum
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 580 Design Seminar (3) - In this intensive 4-semester design course students learn to analyze, research, interpret and design productions in a cross-disciplinary environment. Through a series of fast paced projects semester one, is designed to dramaturgically connect the designer to the source material and develop a visual expression of that understanding
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 564 Computer Aided Drafting for Theatre (3) - Computer drafting programs such as AUTOCAD and VECTORWORKS, and their use in theatre design and production.
SEMESTER 2
Theatre 580 Design Seminar (3) The second semester, the student develops techniques to transform this image into a connected and supportive environment in which to tell the story. Emphasis is placed on working collaboratively and creatively with other members of the artistic team.
Theatre 560 Lab Analysis of Realized Lighting Design (3) - Realized lighting design project analysis from concept meeting through opening night. Lab intensive presentation and response.
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. (35mm Photography, Digital Photography, Photoshop)
Theatre 512 Dramatic Literature Analysis (3) - Dramaturgical strategies of major playwrights, using a variety of analytical approaches.
SEMESTER 3
Theatre 580 Design Seminar (3) - In semesters 3 and 4 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 year.
Theatre 560 Lab Analysis of Realized Lighting Design (3) (Same as above)
Theatre 587 Computer Aided Rendering for Theatre (3) - Computer rendering programs and their use by theatrical designers.
Theatre 462 Advanced Lighting Design (3) - Advanced projects in lighting design including; Opera, Dance, Music, Industrials, and Arena Work
SEMESTER 4
Theatre 580 Design Seminar (3) (Same as above)
Theatre 560 Lab Analysis of Realized Lighting Design (3) (Same as above)
Theatre 593 Independent Study (1-3) - Independent work with instructor on topics either of special interest to the student or on faculty identified deficiencies in the students overall education to date.
Theatre 491 Foreign Study (3) - Three week intensive study at the Salzburg Seminar in Austria with renowned European Designers.
SEMESTER 5
Theatre 599 Project in Lieu of Thesis (3) - Execution of a major LORT design for the Clarence Brown Theatre
Theatre 560 Lab Analysis of Realized Lighting Design (3) (Same as above)
Theatre History 510 (3) - Intensive study of selected topics in theatre history.
Elective (3)
SEMESTER 6
Theatre 599 Project in Lieu of Thesis (6) - In-depth research in a topic of specific interest to the student, culminating in a thesis paper or project.
Theatre 560 Lab Analysis of Realized Lighting Design (3) (Same as above)
Theatre 593 Independent Study (1-3) - Independent work with instructor on topics either of special interest to the student or on faculty identified deficiencies in the students overall education to date.
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, Scene Design, Advanced Theatre Technology, Make-up, Architectural Illumination, Small Group Dynamics, Conflict Resolution
