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MFA in Design & Technology »
Master of Fine Arts, Theatre Technology Program The MFA in Theatre Technology combines a range of production opportunities for realized portfolio work and a strong diverse curriculum as the foundation for training students in Technical Production. Taught by working professionals, the sixty credit hour program offers intensive training in both production studio and classroom settings coupled with one-on-one tutorials with the students major professor. Students receive instruction in the use of traditional and contemporary tools of production technology as it relates to the theatre and allied fields. With a focus on theatre safety, construction methods, structural understanding, electronics, mechanization technologies, both hand drafting and CAD; importance is placed on script analysis and research in not only the traditional areas, but also materials, construction processes, and mechanization and the coordination of these ideas into the needs and resources of productions. To enhance a broader understanding of related theatre design areas a student will also earn a minor in one of the following: Scenic Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, or successfully complete an approved sequence of courses from at least three of these areas. In an atmosphere of healthy collaboration, and effective communication, students participation in production work is equally balanced and enhanced with course work. The goal of the program is to foster a students' development of their artistic abilities, production methodologies, and to prepare them for participation in professional theatre and associated disciplines. Admittance Students are admitted into the program after proving competency as shown by their portfolio, statement of goals, and required onsite interview. Judgments of portfolio, writing quality, and professional potential are made by members of the Design and Technology Faculty Committee. Retention Each year students are invited to continue in the program after the faculty has accessed a student’s academic success, artistic growth and professional development. A 3.2 GPA or higher typically indicates academic success. The student’s faculty advisor provides an interim evaluation at the end of each Fall semester, and at the end of the first and the second year, students are required to present their portfolio with an oral interview to the Design and Technology Faculty Committee. At this time the committee will determine whether a student shall be advanced in the program. Weaknesses in the areas of academic success, artistic growth and professional development will be identified and may result in a probationary semester or dismissal from the program. Specifics of Program MFA Theatre Technology candidates are assigned as Master Carpenter on at least six productions during their tenure in the program. Students also receive production (and possible design) experience by being the properties master, supervising undergraduate stagecraft students, assisting faculty designers, serving as the technologist on complex productions, doing technical drafting for various productions, and possibly working in conjunction with the IATSE staff of the IU auditorium on many of the more technologically complex touring productions. Summer production experience is also available at our thrust theatre, Brown County Playhouse. The MFA thesis project is a progressive activity that is defined by the student with approval of the faculty advisor. The student may choose one of the following areas: Research into existing technologies of theatre, current or historical; Original research on new applications of materials or technologies in theatrical problems; Specification and manufacture of original devices or unique material applications for a specific production; Research and application of original teaching approaches to theatre technology. The Thesis Project is individualized and therefore could include a combination of these ideas. Emphasis is placed on original thought and practical application.
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