Scenography University of Kansas

Overview

The Scenography programme at the University of Kansas offers a comprehensive three-year curriculum designed for individuals seeking the highest level of professional training in theatrical design. This Master of Fine Arts degree serves as a terminal qualification, preparing graduates for high-level careers across the global entertainment industry, including film and television.

Students engage with a curriculum that treats design as a holistic discipline rather than isolating set, costume, or lighting design into separate tracks. This unified approach encourages practitioners to find intersections between different artistic mediums, fostering a versatile skill set that is essential for the modern performance landscape.

Why Scenography at the University of Kansas?

The institution provides an exceptional environment for creative development, featuring two distinct performance spaces: the large Crafton-Preyer proscenium stage and the intimate Inge black box theatre. These facilities allow students to test their design concepts in varied physical contexts, ensuring they are prepared for the technical demands of different venue types. The programme is distinguished by its commitment to evolving visual vocabularies and contemporary ways of seeing.

Innovation is at the heart of the department, with significant opportunities to integrate new technologies into traditional stagecraft. Students can explore cutting-edge tools such as Virtual Realities, ensuring they remain at the forefront of digital advancements in the arts. By analysing the shifting constructs of reality in the 21st century, the university helps designers create dynamic spatial arrangements that reflect the complexities of the modern human condition.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 20712 per year
• National fee: USD 20712 per year
• Local fee: USD 8806 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around core design projects that challenge students to master a large palette of contemporary visual possibilities. Modules may include:

• Scenography
• Theatrical Design
• Performance Genres
• Contemporary Design
• Stage Space
• Virtual Realities in Theatre Design

Careers with Scenography

Graduates of this terminal degree programme are equipped to enter the professional world as versatile designers and artistic directors. The integrated nature of the training ensures that alumni are prepared for diverse roles within the performing arts and commercial media sectors. Many find success in traditional theatre environments, while others apply their spatial and visual expertise to the film and television industries.

The focus on both technical mastery and metaphoric thinking allows graduates to pursue careers in production design, art direction, and exhibition design. By developing a robust portfolio that spans multiple genres, students leave the university ready to influence the visual language of contemporary performance. The programme's emphasis on new technologies also opens pathways into digital media and immersive experience design.