Overview

Through a uniquely structured curriculum, the program interacts with the Master of Fine Arts in Directing Program. A faculty of four full-time professional designers provides the program’s vision and guidance. Adjunct faculty from the Chicago professional theater community also teach in the program.

Philosophy

The MFA in Stage Design Program at Northwestern University exists to prepare, a select group of scenery, costume, and lighting designers for professional careers in the American Theatre, international theater and related design fields. Central to this three-year program of study is an emphasis on intensive collaboration between designers and directors, rigorous analysis of texts, thorough research and a fervent effort to nurture unique artistic voices. It is our belief that passionate, insightful artists immersed in a team-based environment, will generate bold, compelling theatrical works.

Necessary for continuation each year is the student’s development toward mastery of a complete repertoire of graphic techniques and a heightened conceptual and design aesthetic in a primary design field, mastery of a range of fundamental abilities in a secondary field, and maturing collaboration skills. The first year of study emphasizes the importance of skills training and design process. The second year prioritizes collaboration, research, and imagination and serves as a transition from the activities and points of view of the entering student to the professional profile and attitudes of the graduating designer. The final year’s activity concentrates on designing and the preparation of the thesis portfolio.

Distinguishing features

the development of classic studio skills in freehand drawing, rendering, theatrical drafting, model building, costume construction classes, and contemporary skills in computer graphics.
four cornerstone classes for directors and designers together in the first two years to develop collaborative relationships and interpersonal skills and the methods of script interpretation and research unique to directors and designers in order to develop a strong visual response to a play.
an emphasis on the importance of produced work in the designer’s development by working in teams designing a significant number of productions in a variety of performance spaces.
attendance at major professional productions in Chicago and interaction on campus with significant national and international artists.
optional internship opportunities to project the graduate designer into a professional environment thereby advancing his or her expertise beyond the academic setting.
the opportunity for teaching introductory design courses in Northwestern’s nationally renowned undergraduate theatre program.
a thesis portfolio revealing the graduating student’s vision of design through professional-quality theoretical and produced design, research, and supporting graphic work

Programme Structure

The MFA in Stage Design is a terminal degree program requiring twenty-seven academic units over nine quarters during a three-year residency. The MFA degree is granted upon completion of the program with a minimum grade point average of “B” and successful presentation of a design thesis portfolio.
The portfolio must show clear evidence of mastery of the full range of graphic and conceptual support skills pertaining to the student’s major area(s) of concentration and an acquisition of fundamental skills in the secondary design area(s). Two additional years are allowed for the successful preparation, presentation and defense of the MFA thesis portfolio.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-31 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

80 alternative credits

units

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Evanston, United States

Disciplines

Design Drama View 455 other Masters in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Packets should include the following:

A statement of purpose. This statement should address the following points: what defines you as an artist, why you have chosen to pursue stage design as your medium, and why the MFA program at Northwestern is the right program for you. It should also explain your current goals, career plans, and reasons for selecting theatre as a major field of graduate study. The statement should be no more than two pages, double-spaced.
Two official transcripts (bearing registrar’s signature and/or the institution’s seal) from each post-secondary institution attended, documenting all courses taken (within or outside a degree program), grades received, and degrees earned.
Three reference names: individuals who can discuss you as a designer and/or your design work.
A sample portfolio of design work.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

45946 USD / year

≈ 45946 USD / year
Out-of-State

45946 USD / year

≈ 45946 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

45946 USD / year

≈ 45946 USD / year

Additional Details

tuition per quarter

Living costs

Evanston

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Stage Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Philosophy

Distinguishing features

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Evanston

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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