Storrs,
CT,
United States
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
MFA in Scenic Design in Storrs United States | University of Connecticut
University of Connecticut
|
Storrs United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Masters Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
40,746
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
36 months
The MFA in Scenic Design program is designed for students seeking to deepen their scenic design expertise through focused research, script interpretation, studio projects, and professional production experience both on campus and in the field. This three-year program removes many conventional graduate school requirements and academic structures. Instead of following a standardized curriculum, we collaborate with each student to create a personalized, intensive artistic residency that prepares them for both academic achievement and career advancement.
The curriculum provides hands-on training in essential design communication techniques including digital/analog drawing, technical drafting, scenic painting, and model building. These core competencies form the foundation for effective design presentation. Beyond technical skills, the program emphasizes critical research and artistic development, with significant focus on conceptual projects, multi-disciplinary design approaches, textual analysis, and directorial collaboration. These theoretical explorations lead to numerous production opportunities within the University, Connecticut Repertory Theatre, the School of Fine Arts, and potentially at renowned regional theaters.
The Scenic Design department prioritizes real-world professional growth, actively encouraging students to pursue external learning experiences with organizations like USITT, Prague Quadrennial, and Design Showcase East. Alongside internship placements, the program organizes regular field studies to prominent industry venues, including recent visits to Broadway productions, The Metropolitan Opera, Long Wharf Theatre, and Hudson Scenic Studios.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 6.5
Qualification Requirements
Starting December 15th – Applicants who are considering UConn's MFA in Scenic Design should send along the following: A portfolio of past work, design, drawing, sketchbooks, etc. A resume with contacts for three letters of recommendation, as well as a short written essay section (500 words) answering one of the following:
Why the University of Connecticut Scenic Design Program?
Why a life in the theatre or a career as a designer?
Portfolios should be clear and well organized, but please resist the temptation or focus on formatting, and/or ''scrapbooking''. Our interest is in your work as an artist and the portfolio is simply a means to convey that material. Digital Portfolios should be submitted via email with the subject line ''Your Name Portfolio Application'' we find a PDF or a Google Share folder works best. Hard Copy portfolios can be sent to the Dramatic Arts Main Office but can not be guaranteed return, so please do not send valuable originals.
Starting January 1 – Following portfolio review, selected applicants will be invited to interview either in person or digitally. We recommend prospective students submit their portfolio well before this time.
Mid to Late January – UConn does attend URTA and potential MFA Candidates can choose to present there, however small class size and past interest in our community makes open spots within the Scenic Design program competitive. If you intend to present at URTA but are strongly interested in UConn we encourage you to reach out to us directly in the December period. Accepted students are notified on a rolling basis as soon as is reasonably possible.
You must hold a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university.
A cumulative GPA for their most recent degree of 3.0 or higher for the entire degree
Minimum overall scores of 79 (Internet-based test – iBT/ iBT Home Edition), 550 (Old Paper-based test – PBT) or 22/30 on each of the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections (''New'' Paper-based test- PBT) or higher on the TOEFL test. (TOEFL Essentials is not accepted.)
Personal Statement
A minimum overall score of 6.5 or higher on the IELTS Academic Test
A minimum overall score of 53 or higher on the PTE Test.
Why the University of Connecticut Scenic Design Program?
Why a life in the theatre or a career as a designer?
Portfolios should be clear and well organized, but please resist the temptation or focus on formatting, and/or ''scrapbooking''. Our interest is in your work as an artist and the portfolio is simply a means to convey that material. Digital Portfolios should be submitted via email with the subject line ''Your Name Portfolio Application'' we find a PDF or a Google Share folder works best. Hard Copy portfolios can be sent to the Dramatic Arts Main Office but can not be guaranteed return, so please do not send valuable originals.
Starting January 1 – Following portfolio review, selected applicants will be invited to interview either in person or digitally. We recommend prospective students submit their portfolio well before this time.
Mid to Late January – UConn does attend URTA and potential MFA Candidates can choose to present there, however small class size and past interest in our community makes open spots within the Scenic Design program competitive. If you intend to present at URTA but are strongly interested in UConn we encourage you to reach out to us directly in the December period. Accepted students are notified on a rolling basis as soon as is reasonably possible.
You must hold a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university.
A cumulative GPA for their most recent degree of 3.0 or higher for the entire degree
Minimum overall scores of 79 (Internet-based test – iBT/ iBT Home Edition), 550 (Old Paper-based test – PBT) or 22/30 on each of the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections (''New'' Paper-based test- PBT) or higher on the TOEFL test. (TOEFL Essentials is not accepted.)
Personal Statement
A minimum overall score of 6.5 or higher on the IELTS Academic Test
A minimum overall score of 53 or higher on the PTE Test.
Tuition
USD
40,746