Technical Design and Production
M.F.A. in Theatre
Program Overview
The Master of Fine Arts program at Virginia Tech is a two-year program that provides professional training through a combination of personalized studios and research, rigorous coursework, and practical experience on projects and productions. Graduates of the program possess the necessary skills to thrive in a variety of fields and areas within the industry including:
Technical direction, educational theatre, professional theatre, live event production, touring production, commercial scene shop operation, theatre and performing arts center operation, project management, architainment, AVL integration, event safety management; rigging, structural, and mechanical design and integration.
Why choose this program?
- Guaranteed leadership roles
- Access to cutting edge tools and technology
- Practical experience in structural, rigging, and machine design
- Support and funding for research into new techniques, processes, and methods
The program emphasizes the development of:
- Process
- Creative Solutions
- Collaboration
- Craftsmanship
- Professionalism
- Leadership
What You'll Study
To complete the degree, a minimum of 60 credit hours is required. The program is designed to be completed in two years. Each student admitted will work with one primary advisor in a studio environment in addition to required courses over the two-year period.
One-On-One Studios (First Year)
- Drafting
- Data organization and analysis
- Portfolios and presentation
- Paperwork development
Combined Studios
- Physics of theatre and entertainment
- Electricity
- Fabric
- Health, safety, and risk assessment and management
- Shop technology
- Leadership
- Technical management of shops and facilities
- Technical design
In addition to studio work, candidates follow a plan of study designed to build and further develop advanced skills within coursework, including:
- Technical Design, Modeling, and Drafting
- Entertainment Rigging
- Physics of Theatre and Entertainment
- Technical Management
- Stage Machinery Design and Automation
- Structural Design
- Scenic Construction and Fabrication
- Electricity and Electronics
- Safety
- Lighting, Audio, and Projection Technology
- Theatre Planning and Consulting
Students in the program must work a minimum of three production assignments per year. These assignments will be designed to facilitate growth in the student's area of focus, with positions including:
- Technical Director
- Associate Technical Director
- Assistant Technical Director
- Head Carpenter
- Head Rigger
- Automation Designer
- Production Electrician
- Technical Design
- Project Management
- Machine Design
- Controls Design
- Automation Design
- Rigging Design
In addition to production assignments students will be presented with opportunites to work on special projects and research that benefit the school, university, and arts community.
This program requires students partake in self-study in addition to their formal coursework.
- Each student will work with one primary advisor in a one-on-one studio environment over the two-year period.
- Fundamental knowledge of technical theatre and entertainment is broadened through the combined structure of courses, studios, and production assignments.
- The primary advisor mentors the progress of the student through the program, and guides the development of the student's overarching goals and curricular needs.
- 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.
- During the final year, each student will produce a project and report; an achievement that serves as a capstone to the Plan of Study and a final assessment toward the degree.
- Minimum GPA 3.0 (4 Scale)
- TOEFL/ IELTS score required (if applicable)
- Three letters of recommendation (include references' email addresses in online application)
- Portfolio review and discussion with primary advisor of program. It is suggested that the portfolio include final production and construction photographs paperwork, and drawings for at least one production. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their process.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to arrange an on-campus interview and visit to meet current students and faculty.
The School of Performing Arts awards both full and partial support through assistantships (tuition remission and a stipend). Awards are competitive and based on qualifications and departmental needs.
Find out what loans are available as a graduate student and other opportunities.
Deadline: Jan. 15 for consideration for funding
Ethan Rosing
Technical Director
Primary Advisor, MFA in Theatre Arts in Technical Design and Production
157 Squires Student Center
rosing@vt.edu