TUTD is accepting MFA in Theatre Design applications for Fall 2025, for more information please contact Victor Holtcamp.
The Masters of Fine Arts: Theatre Design & Production in the Department of Theatre & Dance at Tulane University tenders an inclusive study of design, production, and management for the evolving entertainment industry. We offer a thorough study in the areas of Lighting Design, Costume Design, Scenic Design, as well as Stage Management and Technical Direction. The Degree is earned upon successful completion of 60 hours of coursework comprised of a shared core curriculum, discipline-specific courses, and practical applications culminating in the final creative project.
Students will produce at minimum three realized productions on our stages while experiencing the varied requirements of working in an educational setting. Students will have an opportunity to collaborate on both theater and dance productions.
With a low student-to-faculty ratio, Tulane’s program offers personalized guidance from experienced professionals in the field. This mentorship ensures that students receive tailored support to hone their artistic vision and technical proficiency. Faculty members have extensive industry connections, which often translate into professional opportunities for students.
Tulane University, a prestigious institution ranked among the top research universities in the U.S., is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. As an MFA student in Theater Design and Technical Production, students will benefit from Tulane’s commitment to excellence in education, its diverse intellectual community, and its reputation for fostering innovative, world-class talent. With Tulane’s location in New Orleans, students are immersed in a unique culture with a vibrant music scene, world-class restaurants, and famous festivals.
what you see 2024
Rxchel Abrahams, MFA Dance
Brendan Mullenix, MFA Lighting
THE CURRICULUM
Our core curriculum is comprised of 12 credit hours steeped in collaboration and taken among the entire cohort of MFA Students in Theatre Design & Production. An additional 12 credit hours will be spent in Practical Applications and Final creative project to account for the time our students will spend in production. While the remaining credit hours spent in discipline specific study vary across each discipline, we are committed to offering elective credits during the final year of study to encourage students to explore other disciplines in and out of the Department of Theatre and Dance
ADMISSIONS
We seek graduate degree candidates who can contribute to and benefit from our professional training programs. Students are selected for admission into the programs based on academic potential, developmental maturity, prior achievement, and readiness for Tulane’s programs. Additional program requirements set forth for admission vary within the disciplines of study.
To maximize student experience and opportunities, the program admits two students to each discipline every odd year, our next cohort will commence in Fall of 2025. While applicants should endeavor to make Tulane’s February 1st application deadline, the Department will continue to receive applications until each cohort is filled. Please review the School of Liberal Arts Prospective Graduate Students page, then visit the Tulane Applygrad website to apply.
Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to the professor in their discipline to express their interest and begin a dialogue about the area of study.
Costume Design: Brandon McWilliams
Lighting Design: Sherrice Mojgani
Scenic Design: Diana Cupsa & Victor Holtcamp
Stage Management: Ellen Sovkoplas
Technical Direction: Vlad Ghinea
THE FINANCIAL PACKAGE
Graduate Students in the Department of Theatre and Dance are typically awarded a Graduate Assistantship in addition to a full tuition waiver. Assistantships are a stipend requiring up to twenty hours of work per week of the academic calendar. Assignments are made each term by the student’s major professor and offer around $16,000 per school year but vary annually.