BFA Curriculum Overview
The Design and Technology BFA degree program provides students a thorough grounding in all areas of design and production including stage management. The degree includes the University of Arizona undergraduate general education core, a 36 credit-hour liberal arts curriculum (plus two semester foreign language proficiency).
Theatre Arts curriculum includes acting, dramatic literature, directing and theatre history. A significant part of the curriculum are the design and technology courses of: costume design and production, lighting design, scenic design and production, sound design and production, stage management and technical direction. Participation in production is a significant component of the credit hours toward the degree. All production work is assigned by faculty and closely supervised. There are additional internships experiences available to selected students at a number of major theatres including The Arizona Theatre Company, Cirque du Soleil (Las Vegas), The Guthrie Theatre and The Hartford Stage.
Admission to the degree program is based on review of application materials including a portfolio and statement of intent. Retention in the program is based on meeting all University of Arizona criteria, maintaining a 3.0 GPA in all Theatre Arts courses and making sufficient academic progress towards the degree. Students are evaluated each semester by means of portfolio review and conference with faculty.
Selected students are invited to participate in the Showcase of Talent that takes place each year in January. The Showcase is held to introduce students to theatre professionals from across the United States seeking employees.
Click here for a downloadable PDF Sample BFA Grid.
MFA Curriculum Overview
The MFA program of study of theatrical design and production at the University of Arizona aims at preparing students for a career in professional theatre through intensive classroom and production training. The following areas of specialization are offered: Costume Design, Costume Production, Lighting Design, Scenic Design, Scenic Production, and Technical Direction. The program normally requires six semesters, or three academic years, in residence and a minimum of 60 credit hours must be accrued to fulfill the degree requirements.
The MFA degree program in Design and Technology has a variety of course work including components of theatre literature studies, design history, design seminar and studio.
Admission to and retention in the program are based on academic performance and the design faculty’s evaluation of each student’s portfolio, professionalism, skills, and talent. All Design/Technical MFA candidates are evaluated by the design faculty at the end of each semester. Successful completion of the first year permits continuation in the program.
All MFA candidates will complete a significant design or production assignment part of their degree requirements. All MFA candidates also complete a Master’s Report in their third year as part of their degree requirements.
Click here for a downloadable PDF Sample MFA Grid.