Program Overview

---

Introduction to the MFA Design Program

The MFA in Theatre degree at the University of Tennessee exists to identify, cultivate, and train individuals of diverse backgrounds who have the talent to contribute substantially to the art of design, to their profession, and to the national culture. The Department of Theatre offers a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre with concentrations in Acting, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scenic Design, and Sound and Media Design. MFA candidates undergo 3 years of rigorous training in the classroom, the studio, and in the professional “laboratory” context of the Clarence Brown Theatre, including designing main stage productions and acting in major roles.

Program Features

• The program is fully integrated with the operations of a professional theatre serving the region.
• MFA designers travel extensively, visiting countries such as Ireland, Thailand, India, Mexico, Vietnam, Prague, Amsterdam, New York, Istanbul, Wales, London, Bulgaria, Berlin, and Munich.
• During these visits, students take master classes, work with internationally renowned artists, showcase their work, and compete at conferences, while also seeing theatre, touring cities and museums, and absorbing world culture.
• The Department of Theatre operates a League of Resident Theatre (LORT) contract professional company in service to the educational mission of teaching graduate students alongside professional practitioners.

Admission and Recruitment

• Eight design graduates are recruited every other year for enrollment in the Fall of even-numbered calendar years: two in costume design, two in lighting design, two in scenic design, and two in sound and/or media/projection design.
• The next design cohort will be recruited Spring 2026 for admission in Fall of 2026.

General Information

• MFA designers work alongside professionals in the Clarence Brown Theatre, gaining practical experience and building their portfolios.
• The program offers a 1:2 faculty to student ratio, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship.
• All design students are on assistantships, receiving full remission of tuition, an annual stipend of about $26,000.00, and up to $1,500.00 annual travel funding.

Distinctive Program Features

1:2 Faculty to Student Ratio

There are 16 students: 4 in Costume Design, 4 in Lighting Design, 4 in Scenic Design, and 4 in Sound and Media Design. On alternate years, there are two in each area. An incoming class consists of 2 Lighting Designers, 2 Costume Designers, 2 Scenic Designers, and 2 Sound and/or Media/Projection Designers.

Assistantships and Funding

All design students are on assistantships. Full remission of tuition, an annual stipend of about $26,000.00, and up to $1,500.00 annual travel funding, as approved by faculty. Total average support over three years: more than $161,000.00.

Travel Abroad Study Tour

Supported travel to design seminars and cultural exploration. The New York Study Tour: In the first year of study, all MFA design students travel to NYC with design faculty to see current shows, meet working designers, and explore the museums.

LORT Theatre Company

The Clarence Brown Theatre is a professional theatre on campus that works very closely with graduate students. This affords excellent design opportunities and the ability to work with world-class professional staff and guest artists.

Shop Staffing

All shops at the Clarence Brown Theatre and the Department of Theatre are staffed with fully professional personnel. In most cases, assistantship hours will include working alongside and learning from these professionals.

Graduate Workspaces

Each of the concentration areas has dedicated workspaces/labs, with appropriate technology for each area, and with personal assigned space to work, create, research, and study.

Computer Lab

This new computer lab is for the exclusive use of theater students. Computers are available to students 24 hours a day. Printers, plotters, scanners, a laser cutter, and a 3D printer are included in the lab.

State of the Art Media Labs

UTK is proud to be the only institution in the world to have 4 light/media labs that include: two 1:6 scale media labs to explore light, sound, and projection and their integration; a model lab designed specifically to explore light on scenic models and costume fabric; and an arena-style moving light lab.

Professional Guest Directors

Directors of productions, whether in the lab theatre or in the main season, are professional directors. This is a great way to begin networking.

Funded Conference Travel

Students receive up to $1,500 per year in funding for travel. This may include travel to national conferences, design assisting, and other opportunities as approved by the faculty. Additional travel funding may also be available by application to the graduate school.

Library Collection

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville library has an extensive theatre collection and a theatre-specific librarian to help students with research needs.

Assistant Design Opportunities

Our students have the opportunity to travel with and assist the faculty on professional work in this country and overseas. Students will also have the opportunity to assist nationally recognized guest designers. Guest designers have included: Jennifer Tipton, Kevin Depinet, Michael Ganio, Beverly Emmons, Jane Cox, Kris Stone, and Jane Greenwood, among others.

Actual Design Work (Not Just Paper Projects)

We believe that the best way for students to learn the art of theatre is to study in the studio and then to practice alongside first-rate professionals. This dual mission informs everything that we do.