Program Overview

Introduction to the Technical Production, MFA Program

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Technical Production is designed to train candidates for a career in regional, corporate, or university theater. This three-year program prepares candidates to assume responsibility for the entire production process, from technical drawings through strike.

Program Overview

The program is organized to provide training in various aspects of technical production, including:

• AutoCAD
• Construction
• Structural design
• Rigging
• Automation
• Mechanical systems
• Shop management

First Year

The first year of the program consists of two semesters, each with 12 hours of coursework.

1st Semester

• Dram 800: Technical Direction (study of technical and engineering problems in theatrical production, structures)
• Dram 805: Special Studies/Theatrical Drafting Standards (study and practicum of theatrical drawings as they apply to design and construction for scenery for a theatrical production)
• Dram 806: Advanced Technical Methods (study of the equipment and procedures in the execution of scenery for a theatrical production)
• Dram 841: Technical Theater Practicum (production work with PlayMakers and the Department of Dramatic Art)

2nd Semester

• Dram 801: Technical Direction II
• Dram 805: Special Studies/Drafting True Size and Shape (study of the procedure for drafting true size and shape for technical design and construction of scenery)
• Dram 814: Professional Theatre Lab/Electrics & Motor Theory (study of electrics related to scene shop, motors, tools, and mechanical systems)
• Dram 842: Technical Theater Practicum II (arc welding, TIG welding, oxyacetylene welding/brazing, production work with PlayMakers and the Department of Dramatic Art)

Second Year

The second year of the program also consists of two semesters, each with 12 hours of coursework.

1st Semester

• Dram 820: Production Management (overview of Production Management, Producing, Artistic, and Administration duties over the course of a season at a professional theatre)
• Dram 802: Advanced Technical Direction (study of management, technical, and engineering problems involved in theatrical production, and AutoCAD)
• Dram 830: Technical Production Seminar/Fluid Power (pneumatics, hydraulics, and motion control)
• Dram 843: Technical Theater Practicum III (TD for Departmental Productions, ATD for PlayMakers, and production work for PlayMakers and the Department of Dramatic Art)

2nd Semester

• Dram 803: Advanced Studies in Technical Direction (Budgeting and Drafting, Drafting and Programming for the CNC)
• Dram 805: Special Studies/Rigging/Stage Machinery & Mechanics (Motors and Automation)
• Dram 814: Professional Theatre Lab/Auxiliary Technologies for the Technical Director (Lighting, Sound, Video, Networking, 3D Printing, Lasercutting, as they relate to Technical Direction)
• Dram 844: Technical Theater Practicum IV (may include TD for Departmental Productions, ATD for PlayMakers, and production work for PlayMakers and the Department of Dramatic Art)

Third Year

The third year of the program consists of two semesters, each with 9 hours of coursework.

1st Semester

• Dram 813: Technical Planning and Production (Machining, production work for PlayMakers and the Department of Dramatic Art)
• Dram 830: Technical Production Seminar/Occupational Safety
• Dram 845: Scenography for the Theater (study of the scenographic techniques as it involves surface manipulation for scenery for a theatrical production)

2nd Semester

• Dram 813: Technical Planning and Production
• Dram 845: Stage Properties
• Dram 992: Graduate Final Practicum/Thesis Project (TD for PlayMakers Production or approved production project)

Total Graduate Hours Required

The total graduate hours required for the degree is 66.

Admission

Admission to the program requires:

• Completion of the online application for admission into graduate school
• Submission of a résumé, statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and transcript
• A personal interview and on-campus visit, including a portfolio presentation of past work in the field

Evaluation

The faculty will formally evaluate the candidate's progress at least once a semester, making recommendations concerning continuation in the program. Evaluation is based on classroom work, modules, and work with the professional company and the Department of Dramatic Art.

Calendar

The calendar for the MFA Technical candidate may not coincide with the university's calendar, with production work and additional classes scheduled on weekends. Academic holidays may not be observed, and candidates may be asked to return early from holidays.

Program Opportunities

The Department of Dramatic Art provides opportunities for design lighting, sound, and scenery for productions, as well as teaching related technical classes for the undergraduate program for qualified candidates.