masked dancer

UT Live Design and Production (M.F.A. in Theatre)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Overview

UT Live Design and Production is a master of fine arts degree program where you can explore your talent at a university with vast academic resources in the dynamic and culturally inclusive city of Austin. We believe that training artists in design for the theatre prepares them for careers as inventors and producers of work in all aspects of live theatrical performance and the related fields of film, television, themed attractions, concerts, events and exhibits – wherever the focus is on the live presence of a human story.

The following application instructions are for admission to the M.F.A. in Theatre with a specialization in live design and production, including all areas: Costume Design, Costume Technology, Lighting Design, Scenic Design and Integrated Media for Live Performance.


How to Apply

To apply, go to GoApplyTexas.org and create an account and fill out the form. Note: Online requests for recommendations will be activated only after you have completed and paid for your application.

You will be able to choose your Area of Interest on a pull down menu. This will ensure that you are applying to the right program. For example, “M.F.A. in Theatre (Directing),” “M.F.A. in Theatre (Costume Design),” etc.

After completing and paying for your application you will be sent an email (within approximately 48 hours). This email will direct you to a site where you can check your Application Status (using your new EID) and begin to upload your application requirements.

The application for graduate admission is a multi-step process. For detailed instructions, please visit The University of Texas at Austin Graduate School online.


Application Materials

In addition to your application, the following materials are required in order to be considered for admission in UT Live Design/M.F.A. in Theatre with a specialization in live design and production program. 

  • Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Online instructions for uploading transcripts (PDF format only).
     
  • GRE Score: The GRE is not required for admission to UT Live Design/M.F.A. in Theatre (Live Design).
     
  • Three letters of recommendation: These letters should be written by those who can speak most authoritatively about your background, training, professional experience and potential for a career in your chosen area of specialization in theatre. Each reference will receive instructions on how to submit his/her letter online to the Graduate School's secured web site. Only one letter is required from each reference.
     
  • Professional Résumé of your practical theatre work.
     
  • Statement of Purpose: This two-page statement purpose should outline educational and professional goals, philosophy and/or personal theatre aesthetic.
     
  • Design or Technical Portfolio: Portfolios should include examples of drawing, painting, drafting or any other manual skills applicable to your discipline including photos of realized productions or record of realized artwork. All portfolios must be submitted in the form of a website link or DVD (PowerPoint or QuickTime image file) before an interview can be scheduled. Images uploaded as portfolio materials (including the website link) must be in PDF format. For DVD submission information, see below. Applicants should bring an original portfolio to their on-campus interview, should one be scheduled. DVD portfolios and/or materials that cannot be upload in PDF format should be mailed directly to the address below. DVD portfolios will not be returned.

Attn: Michelle Habeck, Design/Tech
GRAD APPLICATION (Specify your area of focus: Costume Design, Costume Technology, Scene Design, Lighting Design, Integrated Media)
Department of Theatre and Dance
300 E. 23rd Street Stop D3900
Austin, TX 78712


Application Deadline - M.F. A. in Theatre (UT Live Design and Production)

Early decision deadline (for applicants not attending U/RTA) - January 21, 2024

Final decision deadline (for applicants attending U/RTA) - March 21, 2024

 

Sample Curriculum

Costume Design

 Course Requirements and Descriptions

 

Studio Courses (6 Semesters)Design Studio I (Year 1, 2 semesters) (including Drawing Lab) The first year is spent in Studio I with all new designers and actors
Topics covered in Design Studio I may include: devising performance, designing new work, collaboration and critical thinking.
 
Studio Courses (cont.)Studio II/Costume Design (4 semesters) (includes Drawing Lab).
 

This is a discipline-specific costume design studio with all graduate costume designers focusing on the art and practice of costume design. The goal of these studios is depth of thinking and exploration.
 
Skill-Building Courses (6 Semesters)The student may select from choices in many alternative areas. The student, with the advice and guidance of the design faculty and the student's primary design mentor, choose the skill-building courses.
Specific course examples: Costume Design Skills (drawing, painting, fabric), Color in Design, Fabric Dyeing and Painting, Figure and Fabric Rendering, Digital Rendering, Script 2 Screen (Radio-Television-Film), Tailoring, Draping, Millinery, Mask-Making, ScenePainting, Lighting Design Skills, Scenic Design Skills, Armor-Making
 
Production Laboratory (6 Semesters)The student conceives, plans and realizes costume designs for the Department of Theatre and Dance, the Butler School of Music and, upon arrangement, Department of RadioTelevision-Film productions.
Students design costumes for at least three productions with additional opportunities. Students can accomplish realized designs for theatre, dance, opera and experimental performance as a part of their curriculum. Opportunities in film production design exist within collaborative arrangements with the Department of Radio-Television-Film.
 
Critical Thinking/Writing (1 Semester)
Courses may include Theatre History, Design Theory, Reading the Canon and Research Methods
 
 
Electives (3 Semesters)
In addition to courses offered by the Department of Theatre and Dance, students may also select courses from other departments of the university, including, though not limited to, the College of Fine Arts and the Department of Radio-Television-Film.
 
 
Thesis (2 Semesters)The graduate Costume Design thesis serves as the capstone of the candidate's graduate work at the University of Texas at Austin. It is the final opportunity for the M.F.A. candidate to demonstrate his or her aesthetic, artistic, intellectual and technical acumen relative to the standards of the professional model.


The thesis will be reviewed per the standards of the performing arts industries and the university's standards of research. The thesis will consist of three parts:

1. A demonstration of artistry and skill in costume design.

2. A significant original project demonstrating the candidate's ability to generate new work.

3. A presentation of the candidate's portfolio.
 

Degree suggestion (for planning purposes only). Currently enrolled students should meet with their academic advisor. 

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE DEGREE PLAN:

 

You may need to install Acrobat Reader to access this document. 

Costume Technology

 Course Requirements and Descriptions

Technology Studio Courses (4 Semesters)Draping I and II (2 semesters) (including laboratory hours). This course may be taken in your first or second year depending on the rotation with tailoring.
Topics covered in this studio may include: historic and modern foundations, underpinnings and corsetry, fabrics, basic and advanced draping techniques (on a dress form), flat-patterning, drafting, period styles and advanced construction.
 
Technology Studio Courses (cont.)
Tailoring I and I (2 semesters) (includes laboratory hours). This course may be taken in your first or second year depending on the rotation with Draping.
 

Topics covered in Tailoring include: proper measurementtaking, pattern-drafting, fitting techniques and classical bespoke tailoring methods.
 
Skill-Building Courses (6 Semesters)
The student may select from a variety of choices in the area of costume crafts, digital media, costume shop management, and wig/makeup design. The skill-building coursea re chosen by the student with the advice and guidance of the design faculty and the primary mentor.
 

Millinery, Mask-Making, Fabric-Dyeing and Painting, Armor Design and Fabrication, Classical Tutu Construciton, Puppetry, Wig-Making and Styling
 
Production Laboratory (6 Semesters)
The student conceives, plans and realizes costumes and accessories for productions. He/she will take on a variety of roles within the production process and positions of responsibility during their second and third years. Theatre productions at the university cover multiple genres including plays, dance, musicals and opera.
 

Positions in costume production include: first-hand, wardrobe supervisor, crew chief, draper, tailor, craftsperson, or assistant manager.
Critical Thinking/Writing (1 Semester)
Courses may include Theatre History, Criticism, Theory, or Performance as Public Practice, Research Methods or Portfolio
 
 
Electives (3 Semesters)
In addition to courses offered at the Department of Theatre and Dance, students may also select courses within the College of Fine Arts and across the university including Computer Science or the Department of Radio-Television-Film. Should students wish to carry a heavier load, they may take more electives with the consent of the head of the theatrical technology program.
 
 
Thesis (2 Semesters)The graduate Costume Technology thesis should be the capstone of a candidate's graduate work at the University of Texas at Austin. It is an opportunity for the M.F.A. candidate to demonstrate, at a high level, her/his aesthetic, artistic, intellectual and technical acumen. The thesis is subject to the requirements of the university and the Graduate School. This means that a supervisor, usually the student's primary advisor and an additional reader, will examine the thesis in detail. This will be followed with an oral defense of the work.


The thesis will consist of three parts:

1. A demonstration of artistry and technical skill in Costume Technology.

2. A significant original project using digital media demonstrating the candidate's ability to generate new work.

3. A presentation of the candidate's portfolio.
 

Degree suggestion (for planning purposes only). Currently enrolled students should meet with their academic advisor. 

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE DEGREE PLAN:

 

You may need to install Acrobat Reader to access this document. 

Integrated Media for Live Performance

 Course Requirements and Descriptions

 

Studio Courses (6 Semesters)


Design Studio (2 semesters) (incl. drawing lab)

The first year is spent in design studio with all new designers and directors.
 


Topics covered in Design Studio may include: devising performance, designing new work, collaboration and critical thinking
Studio Courses (cont.)

Integrated Media (4 Semesters)

The Integrated Media studio focuses on the development and deepening of skills directly related to the area of human centered live visual storytelling with media components.


Topics covered in Integrated Media include: advanced content creation for live performance, advanced projection design techniques, architectural three-dimensional mapping, working with live streams, interactivity, media management, advanced projection system design, pre-visualization, immersion and real-time systems.
 
Skill-Building Courses (6 Semesters)


The student may select from choices in many areas such as costume, scenery, lighting, audio design, writing, pedagogy, production management, producing and media production.

The skill-building courses are chosen by the student with the advice and guidance of the design faculty and the primary mentor.
 


Specific course examples can include: Projection Design, Content Creation for Live Performance, Digital Rendering, Scenic Painting, Entertainment System Design, Game Art Pipeline, Experimental Storytelling, 3D Pre-Visualization, Digital Fabrication
Production Laboratory (6 Semesters)


The student conceives, plans and realizes designs for productions.

He/she/they will take on a variety of roles within the production process and designs his/her/their own work during the second year (at the latest).

Theatre productions at the university cover multiple genres, including plays, dance, musical and opera.
 


Roles can include:

IM Designer / Projection Designer / Media Designer Set Designer
IM Assistant
IM Programmer
IM Engineer
Lighting designer
XR Designer
and more

Critical Thinking/Writing (1 Semester)
Courses may include Theater History, Criticism, Theory or Performance as Public Practice, Research Methods or Portfolio
 
 
Electives (3 Semesters)


In addition to courses offered at the Department for Theatre and Dance, students may also select courses from the other departments of the university, such as Fine Arts, Computer Science, Engineering, Electronic Music, Radio-Television-Film, Architecture or Advertising.

Should students wish to carry a heavier load, they may take more electives with the consent of the head of the theatrical technology program.
 

 
Thesis (2 Semesters)


The graduate Integrated Media thesis serves as the capstone of the candidate’s graduate work at The University of Texas at Austin. It is the final opportunity for the M.F.A. candidate to demonstrate her/his/their aesthetic, artistic, intellectual and technical acumen relative to the standards of the professional model.

The thesis is subject to the requirements of the university and the Graduate School. This means that a supervisor, usually the student’s primary advisor, and an additional reader will examine the thesis in detail.

The thesis will culminate in an oral defense of the work.
 

The thesis will be reviewed per the standards of: The performing arts industries and the university’s standards of research. The thesis will consist of three parts:

1. A demonstration of artistry and skill in Integrated Media.

2. A significant original project demonstrating the candidate’s ability to generate new work, presented in a public forum and attended by a full written account of the research for the development of the project.

3. A presentation of the candidate’s portfolio.

Degree suggestion (for planning purposes only). Currently enrolled students should meet with their academic advisor. 

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE DEGREE PLAN:

 

You may need to install Acrobat Reader to access this document. 

Lighting Design

 Course Requirements and Descriptions

 

Studio Courses (6 Semesters)


Design Studio 1 (Year 1, 2 Semesters)

Includes Drawing Lab. The first year is spent in Studio 1 with all new designers and directors.
 


Topics covered in Design Studio may include: devising performance, designing new work, designing installation, designing for architecture, environment, visual storytelling, practical and technical application of design ideas, creative problem solving, presentation skill-building, collaboration, critical thinking, engineering and constructing LED lightscapes.
 
Studio Courses (cont.)

Lighting Design (4 semesters) (including Drawing Lab).

The Lighting Design studio focuses on the development of skills and artistry directly related to the work of a lighting designer.


Each semester of Lighting Design may include: the development of lighting schemes for theatre in conventional and non-conventional venues, opera, film, television, installation, architecture, large events, gaming and entertainment design.

Emphasis is placed on the communication of designs with the use of conventional and advanced technological lighting fixtures using rendering techniques which include traditional 2D and 3D digital plots, models and pre-visualization storyboards.
 

Skill-Building Courses (6 Semesters)
The student may select from choices in many alternate areas such as projection design, scene painting, game design, costume design, scenic design, audio design, writing, pedagogy and pre-visualization. The student with the advice and guidance of the design faculty and the student’s primary Lighting design mentor chooses the skill-building courses.
 
Specific course examples include Lighting Design Skills, Color in Design, Scene Painting, Projection Design, Digital Pre-visualization, Vectorworks, Interactive Media and Game Design, Digital Production Art, Game Development, Capstone, Gaming Technology, Digital Rendering, Costume Design Skills, Scenic Design Skills, Sound Design
Production Laboratory (6 Semesters)


The student conceives, plans and realizes lighting designs for the Department of Theatre and Dance, the Butler School of Music and, upon arrangement, the Department of RadioTelevision-Film productions.

He/she will design the lighting for at least two main-stage productions with additional opportunities in lab, events, the spring campus-wide commencement and alternate venues including the biennial Cohen New Works Festival.
 

Theatre productions at the university cover multiple genres including plays, musicals, dance, opera, new work and experimental performance.

Opportunities in film production design exist within collaborative arrangements with the Department of Radio-Television-Film

Critical Thinking/Writing (1 Semester)
Courses may include Theatre History, Design Theory, Reading the Canon and Research Methods.
 
 
Electives (3 Semesters)


In addition to courses offered by the Department of Theatre and Dance, students may also select courses within the College of Fine Arts and across the university, including Computer Science and Radio-Television-Film.

Should students wish to carry a heavier credit load they may take more electives, with the consent of the primary lighting design advisor.
 

 
Thesis (2 Semesters)


The graduate Lighting Design thesis serves as the capstone of the candidate's graduate work at The University of Texas at Austin. It is the final opportunity for the M.F.A. candidate to demonstrate her/his aesthetic, artistic, intellectual and technical acumen relative to the standards of the professional model.

The thesis is subject to the requirements of the university and the Graduate School. This means that a Master’s supervisor, usually the student’s primary lighting design advisor, and an additional reader will examine the thesis in detail.

The thesis will culminate in an oral defense of the work.
 

The thesis will be reviewed per the standards of: the performing arts industries and the university’s standards of research.

The thesis will consist of three parts:

1. A demonstration of artistry and skill in lighting design.

2. A significant original project demonstrating the candidate’s ability to generate new work.

3. A presentation of the candidate’s portfolio.

Degree suggestion (for planning purposes only). Currently enrolled students should meet with their academic advisor. 

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE DEGREE PLAN:

 

You may need to install Acrobat Reader to access this document. 

Scenic Design

Course Requirements and Descriptions

 

Studio Courses (6 Semesters)


Design Studio 1 (Year 1, 2 Semesters) (including Drawing Lab)

The first year is spent in Studio I with all new designers and directors
 

Topics covered in Design Studio may include: devising performance, designing new work, collaboration and critical thinking
Studio Courses (cont.)

Scene Design (4 semesters) (including Drawing Lab)

The Scene Design studio focuses on the development of skills and artistry directly related to the work of a scenic designer


Each semester of Scene Design may include: the development of scenic schemes of theatre (in conventional and non-conventional venues), opera, film and television. Emphasis is placed on communication of designs with traditional and digital models, traditional and digital rendering and drafting.
 
Skill-Building Courses (6 Semesters)


The student may select from choices in many alternate areas such as scene design skills, scene painting, costume design, lighting design, projection design, audio design, writing, pedagogy and production management.

The skill-building courses are chosen by the student with the advice and guidance of the design faculty and the primary mentor.
 

Specific course examples: Scene Design Skills, Scenic Rendering, Digital Rendering, Scenic Painting, Costume Design Skills, Lighting Design Skills, Projection Design, Sound Design, Vectorworks
Production Laboratory (6 Semesters)


The student conceives, plans and realizes designs for departmental and/or Butler School of Music productions.

He/she will design the scenery for at least two main-stage productions with additional opportunities in lab and alternate venues, including the biennial Cohen New Works Festival.

Theatre productions at the university cover multiple genres including plays, musicals, dance and opera.
 

Opportunities in film production design exist within collaborative arrangement with the Department of Radio-Television-Film
Critical Thinking/Writing (1 Semester)
Courses may include Theatre History, Design Theory, Reading the Canon or Research Methods
 
 
Electives (3 Semesters)


In addition to courses offered by the Department of Theatre and Dance, students may also select courses within the College of Fine Arts and across the university including Computer Science and the Department of Radio-Television-Film (RTF).

Should students wish to carry a heavier credit load they may take more electives with the consent of the primary Scene Design advisor.
 

 
Thesis (2 Semesters)


The graduate Scene Design thesis serves as the capstone of the candidate's graduate work at The University of Texas at Austin. It is the final opportunity for the M.F.A. candidate to demonstrate her/his aesthetic, artistic, intellectual and technical acumen relative to the standards of the professional model.

The thesis is subject to the requirements of the university and the Graduate School. This means that a supervisor, usually the student's primary advisor, and an additional reader will examine the thesis in detail.

The thesis will culminate in an oral defense of the work.

The thesis will be reviewed per the standards of the performing arts industries and the university's standards of research.

The thesis will consist of three parts:

1. A demonstration of artistry and skill in scene design.

2. A significant original project demonstrating the candidate's ability to generate new work.

3. A presentation of the candidate's portfolio.

Degree suggestion (for planning purposes only). Currently enrolled students should meet with their academic advisor. 

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE DEGREE PLAN:

 

You may need to install Acrobat Reader to access this document. 

Download the UT Live Design and Production Program Guide:

You may need to install Acrobat Reader to access this document. 

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