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Theater Arts Graduate Academic
Programs Choose one of the following concentrations to learn more information about it:
Master of Fine Arts Program Design and Costume Technology
Year I - The first year of the program concentrates on developing basic techniques in all areas, acquiring historical background, and script analysis. All first year students serve as assistant designers/technicians, and design at least one Jameson production. All first year MFA students take Theatrical Genome, a two semester theater history, theater theory, and script analysis sequence. Year II - The second year concentrates on the development of design and technology skills in the chosen area of focus. Students can expect to design or serve as costume technologist for at least one, and often two shows for the Rutgers Theater Company season. All second year MFA students study one play per week in a two semester dramatic literature course. Year III - The third year of the program concentrates on advanced classes in the chosen area of focus and thesis productions, and usually two shows for the Rutgers Theater Company, or one show and one internship. Classes are taught by a distinguished faculty of working professional designers and technicians who seek to present an honest, practical view of the profession and its demands as a way of developing the artistic potential of each student. A solid education in theater design and technology will provide the foundation for work in a wide range of related fields: motion pictures, television, concerts, industrials, video, theme parks, etc. The training philosophy is pragmatic and assumes that good art is dependent on good craft, and that they are not mutually exclusive. A solid grounding in the basic technologies coupled with a broad-based awareness of the artistic possibilities allows the students to form their own opinions and create their own style of working. Intensive studio and class work is coupled with the practical experience gained from building the shows produced by the Department. All design and technical programs are fully merged with the professional training programs in acting, directing, playwriting, and stage management. About Rutgers Theater Company The Mason Gross School of the Arts' Theater Arts Department combines rigorous studio class work with a demanding production schedule to provide students with in-depth training and practice in theater. The Rutgers Theater Company is a resident company of student actors, designers, directors, playwrights, stage managers and technicians whose work is guided by master teachers and accomplished professionals. Rutgers Theater Company fully produces a seven-play mainstage season consisting of classics, modern dramatic and new works each year. Each play runs for 8 to 14 performances in one of our two main 335 seat theaters. The Jameson Project presents a series of plays directed by the MFA directing students in an eight to ten play season that includes provocative and relevant contemporary, full length plays and one acts as well the world premieres of three one act plays each year. The plays are fully rehearsed and produced on a set of aluminum and wood modules for a total of 6 performances. In addition there are numerous studio projects performed in the department's three acting studios. The Department of Theater has fully equipped shops to construct scenery, props, costumes and maintain lighting and sound equipment. Each shop is headed by a full-time staff member who helps train the students in construction. About the Design Showcase Graduates are presented to the professional world each spring by hosting a Design Showcase in New York City. Students present their portfolios and are introduced to the professional colleagues of the faculty and staff. Internships in all areas are available, and are carefully focused on each student's particular goals. Students have interned on Broadway shows, The Metropolitan Opera, The Walt Disney Corporation in Orlando, Florida, and others.
For further information please contact: R. Michael Miller, Head of Design and Production Vickie Esposito, Associate Head of Design Theater Arts Department The Theater Arts Department participates in the University/Resident Theater Association (U/RTA) National Unified Finals. Interviews are also held by appointment at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Admission to all programs requires an interview and a portfolio review. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is dedicated by law and by purpose to serving all people on an equal and nondiscriminatory basis. | ||
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Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers, The State
University of New Jersey, offers programs in set design,
costume design, lighting design, and costume technology.
The program requires a three year full-time residency
and the completion of 70 credits, including 12 credits
of thesis for production design and/or costume technology
projects. Shows for the Rutgers Theater Company subscription
season, as well as for the Jameson Project, are designed
by students. A student can expect to graduate with a
portfolio of 4 to 5 produced designs or costume technology
assignments.