MFA in Theater - Scenic Design and Technology in Boston United States | University of Massachusetts Amherst

Scenic design serves as our invitation into the narrative, setting the stage for what's to come. The Scenic Design & Technology program offers an immersive three-year experience centered around practical learning through designing and executing mainstage productions that double as educational workshops. You'll navigate a challenging curriculum covering both core principles and specialized topics in design and technology, with much of your work tied to our mainstage productions - providing ample space for creative exploration, risk-taking, and artistic development.

With intentionally small class sizes, you'll benefit from individualized guidance by industry professionals and the flexibility to tailor your studies, whether your passion lies in scenic conception or technical execution. For those with diverse interests, we sometimes accommodate dual design focuses (such as combining scenery and costumes), contingent upon your background and skills.

Teamwork forms the foundation of our program. Through production roles and Teaching Assistantships, you'll engage with every mainstage show in capacities spanning from conceptual design and technical supervision to prop creation and set painting. Scenic shop TAs typically dedicate about 20 weekly hours to demanding projects involving technical planning, production coordination, and cutting-edge construction methods. Every participant receives personalized coaching in technological applications that enhance their design vision. Over three years, you'll contribute to twelve productions, typically culminating in at least three fully realized mainstage designs for your professional portfolio upon graduation.