Mar 29, 2024  
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2007-09 
    
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2007-09 [Archived Catalog]

Professional Program in Production Design and Technology


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs

The M.F.A. in production design and technology is a three-year program that strives to prepare students for professional careers. For designers, the first year of the program deals primarily with unleashing the imagination and examining the process of how to translate the written word into meaningful visual images. The second and third years allow for refined skill development and increasing specialization in an area of concentration with an emphasis on professional portfolio development. Technology students are involved in production, craft, and skill classes each quarter of residence. The development of fine craft and technical skills is essential, but the focus is on the development of top-notch managerial skills.Participation in a specified production activity each quarter is required. These assignments relate directly to the students’ area of concentration. At specified times they will consist of assuming senior staff positions on the main stage, such as designer, technical director or cutter/draper.

The thesis for all students consists of a main stage design (or equivalent technical assignment) and a formal exit portfolio review. For scenery and costume designers, this simulates the United Scenic Artists Union interview/ exam. In all cases, portfolios are expected to meet prevailing professional standards for job placement in the field.

At least one-quarter of the third year is expected to consist of an internship at a major LORT or commercial theater in the United States or abroad (usually London). Students are expected to attend at least one national convention every year. Qualified design students may be invited to participate in the Annual National Portfolio Review at Lincoln Center. Students are strongly encouraged to spend their summers and winter breaks working in leading professional theaters.

Total credit-hour requirements are based on a normal load of 15–18 credit hours per academic quarter for nine quarters of residency. Minimum course requirements for the three-year design MFA include 64 credits of core courses (including interdisciplinary, academic, and applied studies), at least 45 credits of specific area requirements (including studio courses and directed electives), and 26 credits of thesis studies for a total of 135 credits. Minimum course requirements for a three-year technology MFA include 60 credits of core courses, 49 credits of specific area requirements, and 26 credits of thesis studies for a total of 135 credits. Any course may be waived at entry in recognition of previous academic or professional experience. For exceptional students with significant prior experience, a maximum of 45 credits may be waived at entry.

Admission to the program requires either a B.A. or B.F.A. and is based on an evaluation of your portfolio, resume, and recommendations, as well as a review of your academic qualifications for graduate work. A visit to inspect the facilities and an interview with the design staff is encouraged.

Program Requirements


Design Program Requirements


Core Courses


Interdisciplinary Studies - 22 credits that include course work in:

  • Lighting Design or Electrics
  • Set Design
  • Costume or Sound Design
  • Performance Photography
  • Digital Drawing- Autocad or Photoshop Directing

Academic Studies - 12 credits that include coursework in:

  • Intro to Graduate Studies
  • History and culture studies including coursework chosen from: Theater, Film, Dance, Music, Costume, and Art History
  • History Bases of Design

Applied Studies - 30 credits that include coursework in:

  • Practicum in Design and/or Technical Production
  • Professional Internship

Specific Area Requirements Studio Courses - 32 credits of studio courses that support specializations in scenography, set, costume, lighting, or sound design with coursework chosen from:

  • Set Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design
  • Costume History, Draping, Costume Crafts,
  • Model Construction, Drafting, Film Production, Audio and Video Production,
  • and Creating Realized Designs for the Mainstage, Regional Theater, Broadwayy, and off-Broadway

Directed Electives - 13 credits

Thesis Studies - 26 credits that include coursework in:

  • Thesis Production
  • Seminar in Production Design: Exit Portfolio Preparation
  • Advanced topics in History and Dramatic Criticism
  • Advanced Studio Design or Internship

Technology Program Requirements


Core Courses


Interdisciplinary Studies - 18 credits that include coursework in:

  • Lighting Design or Electrics
  • Set Design or Properties
  • Costume Design or Costume Crafts
  • Performance Photography
  • Digital Drawing- Autocad or Photoshop

Academic Studies - 12 credits that include coursework in:

  • Intro to Graduate Studies
  • History and culture studies including coursework chose from: Theater, Film, Dance, Music, Costume, and Art History
  • Historical Bases of Design

Applied Studies - 30 credits that include coursework in:

  • 15 hours of Practicum in Design and/or Technical Production
  • 15 hours of Professional Internship

Specific Area Requirements Studio Courses - 32 credits of studio courses that support specializations in properties, scenic technology, tech direction, costume technology, and costume crafts with coursework chosen from:

  • Tech Direction, Welding, Rigging, Softgoods
  • Model Construction, Drafting, Scene Painting
  • Props Construction, Furniture Construction, Advanced Steel Work, Hand Prop Techniques
  • History of Furniture, History of Costumes
  • Costume Crafts, Costume Painting, Costume Construction, Draping, Flat Patterning, Dancewear, Understructures
  • Creating Realized Design for the Mainstage, Regional Theater, Broadway, and off-Broadway

Directed Electives - 17 credits

Thesis Studies - 26 credits that include coursework in:

  • Thesis Production
  • Exit Portfolio Production
  • Advanced Topics in History and Dramatic Criticism
  • Advanced Technical Studio Courses or Internship

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs