Overview

The Design - Theatre Technology program at University of South Dakota is a theoretical and practical course of study. The Department of Theatre recognizes that the designer and technician must seek to attain a broad knowledge of the theatre and its companion arts, a high level of analytical and communicative skills, an understanding of the design elements as they apply to live, three-dimensional performances revealed by light, a comprehensive understanding of art and theatrical design history, and the ability to communicate graphically. With major professor and graduate committee approval, candidates must select an area of emphasis and complete additional requirements for the emphasis area: Costume Design, Light and Sound Design, Scenic Design, or Technical Direction. Because specialization admissions are limited, each student receives a high level of individualized instruction, opportunities to design in the Arena season of plays, and, in most instances, the opportunity to design a mainstage production as part of the design candidate’s culminating project.

In addition to meeting the general requirements of the Graduate School, candidates for degrees must complete all specific program requirements as listed in the departmental Graduate Student Handbook and as indicated by the Graduate Advisory Committee. All candidates must pass a final written and/or oral examination as determined by the Graduate Advisory Committee. With major professor and graduate committee approval, candidates must elect an area of emphasis and must complete additional requirements for the emphasis area.

Write Your Next Scene at USD

With ties dating back to Ancient Greece, theatre has been a top art form for centuries. Today, it remains the innovative, crowd-pleasing type of entertainment as it was centuries ago. As a graduate-level theatre student at USD, you will hone and improve your skills at an in-depth level in the areas of directing or theatre design and technology with emphases in costume design, light and sound design, scenic design or technical direction. Gain a modern theatre education through intensive craft studies, close student-mentor relationships, supportive coursework and extensive production application in our newly renovated theatre facilities. The MFA at USD is ideal for those seeking careers in professional theatre or teaching in higher education.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Design/technical Theatre Studio

Contemporary Drama And Theatre

Graduate Studies In Theatre

Script Analysis And Dramaturgy

Scenic Design

Costume Design

Lighting Design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Application Deadline: Five weeks before the start of the semester

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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IELTS

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Vermillion, United States

Disciplines

Design Drama View 455 other Masters in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Application
Official Proof of English Proficiency
Official Transcripts - One official transcript (in English or with translation) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree or equivalent degree from an institution with regional accreditation and previous graduate credit and degrees must accompany an application.
Official Admission Test Scores
Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
You will need to submit a resume with your application.
Passport

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

12768 USD / year

≈ 12768 USD / year
Out-of-State

12768 USD / year

≈ 12768 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

7118 USD / year

≈ 7118 USD / year

Living costs

Vermillion

United States

1024 - 1781 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

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Design - Theatre Technology.

Available Scholarships

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About

Overview

Write Your Next Scene at USD

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

Living costs

Vermillion

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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