The School of Theatre and Dance programs in Scenic, Lighting, and Costume Design and in Costume Technology are designed to develop the skills, communication, and creative thinking required for theatre artists who intend to work at the highest level of the profession. Students gain experience in the art and discipline of design and technology for the live performance through hands-on training and work as part of a highly collaborative team on a variety of realized theatre and dance productions.

Candidates for admission should have an earned baccalaureate degree in theatre or a closely related field. In cases where the undergraduate degree is not in the chosen area of graduate study, the student must demonstrate adequate training and/or experience in their specific discipline. A candidate found deficient in certain areas will be required to remove deficiencies by successful completion of appropriate courses. Prospective candidates are assessed through portfolio review and personal interview. Acceptance is based on skill level, evident talent, academic standing (3.0 undergraduate grade point average or a combined total of 1,000 on the verbal and quantitative section of the Graduate Record Examination) and potential for excellence. The portfolio should illustrate the student’s work in costuming and related areas of the visual and performing arts.

Design and Technology students are accepted yearly with an average of two students per specialization per academic year. The Program is designed to develop the skills, communication, and creative thinking required for designers and technicians who intend to work at the highest level of their professions. Students gain experience through hands-on training and work as part of a team on a variety of realized theatre and dance productions.

The MFA program requires 60 credit hours completed over seven semesters of training. Five semesters of course work must be taken at the University of Florida. One summer session must be fulfilled through an internship in a professional environment (6 credits) or in a summer repertory season within or outside of the University of Florida (6 credits). The student is permitted the option of electing to complete both the summer rep as well as the internship.