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Department of Theatre and Dance

  • Examples of scenic design models displayed on shelves

MFA in Scenic Design

The MFA in Scenic Design program provides comprehensive training for careers in visual design and production.

Course of Study

Students engage in theatre, dance, opera, and film projects, developing skills that translate across a wide range of fields, including television, live concert design, themed entertainment, fashion, and museum exhibit design. Through coursework and hands-on projects, they gain proficiency in various drafting and model-making techniques, including both digital and hand-based methods. Sketching, visual research, communication with the shop, graphic design, and art history are also fundamental to the program.

 

Mainstage Productions

In addition to coursework, students design scenery for at least three mainstage productions during their time on campus. The department stages shows in both a proscenium arch and an arena theater, ensuring that each student gains experience designing for different types of theatre spaces.

 

Scenic shop at USC. Work table in the foreground with additional tables in the background. A sculpture of the word Working is hung from the ceiling.

Scene, Paint & Prop Shop

Students earn a substantial graduate stipend by working 16 hours each week in our scene shop, performing carpentry, scenic painting and properties design for department productions.  

 

Third Year Internship

During their third year, students take part in a financially supported professional internship, gaining real-world experience beyond campus. Notable past internships include positions at The New York Public Theater, the design studio of Broadway designer David Gallo, and the media and production company 3LD.

 



Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

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