Technical Direction, MFA
Our program features small class sizes with in-depth, individualized training, and early opportunities for leadership positions. This 3-year course of study encompasses the design, construction, and implementation of scenery using industry standard technologies, materials, and techniques.
Through production, you’ll gain real-world experience in planning and managing the process from design to strike. You’ll have the opportunity to serve in leadership positions like assistant technical director, technical director, or production manager guiding undergraduate students through the creations of their designs.
Coursework provides training in drafting (hand and computer aided), carpentry, welding, rigging, project management, leadership, health and safety, automation, painting, portfolio development, and scenic design. Along with the design and technology core classes are electives to allow more in-depth training in subjects of your choice.
Your Degree Plan
The MFA in Technical Direction requires 61 credit hours and can be completed in 6 semesters (3 years).
With an emphasis on hands-on learning in a rigorous production environment, our MFA programs provide you with significant experience to develop and hone your craft. You will graduate with a significant portfolio of realized work. Furthermore, you’ll receive real-world teaching experience at the university level under the guidance of our faculty. Upon completion of the program, you are prepared for entrance into the professional markets of entertainment and academia.
Assistantships, tuition waivers, and scholarships are available.
School of Theatre and Dance MFA programs are accredited by the National Association of the Schools of Theatre and are terminal degrees.
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Canady Creative Arts Center
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Requirements
To be eligible for admission into a graduate program at WVU an applicant must submit official, bachelor's degree transcripts from a regionally accredited institution and hold a GPA of at least 2.75. WVU operates decentralized admissions. Decentralized admissions allows each graduate program to set its own application requirements in addition to the University requirements.
Admission Requirements
Additional application considerations:
- Portfolio (Physical)
- Interview (Please contact the program coordinator for more information regarding the additional application materials)
Applications that are incomplete or are submitted after the deadline may be reviewed if openings remain.
International applicants must also submit the materials required for international applicants.
Application Deadlines
Each graduate program sets their own terms for admission and application deadlines. Applicants can only apply for admission for the terms displayed below. Any questions regarding the application deadline should be directed to the graduate program representative.
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: January 1
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