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Lighting Design

M.F.A. in Theatre

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Program Overview

Our Master of Fine Arts in Theatre is a three-year program providing professional training through a personalized tutorial-based curriculum. Through hands-on experience starting in the first year, our program offers professional training in lighting design and technology.

faculty

Why choose this program?

  • The program is designed to provide each student with an individualized three-year progression of study with as much practical production work as possible.
  • All accepted students receive an assistantship and full tuition waiver.
  • We do offer traditional courses in varying levels in design and technology, but the core of our program are specialized one-on-one studios with the primary advisor.
  • This approach emphasizes developing an artistic vision and refining skills in lighting design and technology.

What You'll Study

To complete the degree, successful completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours is required. The program is designed to provide each student with an individualized three-year progression of study with as much practical production work as possible.

Each student participates in a required review with graduate committee members at the end of each semester of enrollment to evaluate work done, assess progress, and plan future projects and experiences.

Each student participates in a required review with graduate committee members at the end of each semester of enrollment to evaluate work done, assess progress, and plan future projects and experiences.

  • Minimum GPA 3.0 (4 Scale)
  • TOEFL/ IELTS score required  (if applicable)

Learn more 

Each student accepted into the program receives a full tuition scholarship and out-of-state fee waiver. Each student accepted also receives an assistantship of approximately $18,700 for the first academic year, with increasing amounts in the second and third years. To maintain assistantship support, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester.

Find out what loans are available as a graduate student and other opportunities.

Download Plan of Study

Deadline: Jan. 15 for consideration for funding

John Ambrosone, Lighting Design Area Coordinator
342 East Henderson Hall
540-231-9012
jambroso@vt.edu

John Ambrosone, Lighting Design Area Coordinator
342 East Henderson Hall
540-231-9012
jambroso@vt.edu

Graduate Students

Questions?

John Ambrosone, Lighting Design Program Leader
342 East Henderson Hall
540-231-9012
jambroso@vt.edu