The MFA Graduate Stage Design program at California State University, Long Beach is dedicated to intensive training in all aspects of stage design. The program is specifically designed so the curriculum may be tailored to the individual student's needs. The student has the option to concentrate in scenic design, costume design, or lighting design — or the program may be tailored to individual needs in multiple design areas. The program admits into each class only a select few graduate students who demonstrate exceptional design potential. This allows for more individualized attention and greater design opportunities.
The program will prepare the student to enter the increasingly competitive design profession. Members of the faculty are working professionals with extensive experience in theatre, opera, dance, television, industrial, and special event design. They are in touch with current theatrical methods and new technology, and routinely expose students to the profession as design assistants on national and international productions.
Training in design is based on a balanced combination of classroom projects, professional exposure through internships at national and international venues, and fully realized laboratory productions. Students are given priority in design opportunities so they may see their work realized in full production. We believe that you learn theatre by creating theatre, and therefore offer our students extensive laboratory and professional experience. In addition, professional directors from Los Angeles and Europe are engaged to direct on and off campus, exposing our design students to professional techniques and professional contacts. Many of our present and former design students are working for directors who they first met and collaborated with at CalRep.
Along with their acting and management colleagues, Design students are engaged members of California Repertory Company, Long Beach's professionally modeled conservatory theatre. Cal Rep currently produces the finest in unconventional theatrical productions at The Royal Theatre aboard the Queen Mary. Design students design and work on professional productions throughout their three-year tenure, and collaborate with the company's artists and craftspeople. Guest professional designers and directors are engaged at Cal Rep to offer the students varied points of view and approaches to design.
In addition, students live, learn, and create in the center of the entertainment industry: Los Angeles, California.
The graduate program in Scene Design at California State University Long Beach is an intense training program preparing students for a career in both the professional and educational theatre. Led by Danila Korogodsky, whose work on the stages of Europe and America is renowned, the program is innovative and challenging.
Our approach emphasizes a concentration on the student's understanding of the conceptual elements of the profession. Scenic designers are encouraged to analyze texts and discover unique, deeply personal responses to the work. We train students who are contemporary, thinking theatrical artists.
Today's theatre requires thorough visual training. The greatest conceptual ideas are worthless if they are not communicated in a clear and exciting way. We offer classes in visual expression, drawing and painting.
Our work is centered around a department that produces a repertory of productions in our four theaters, including the newly remodeled Royal Theatre aboard the Queen Mary in downtown Long Beach — the home of Cal Rep, our professionally-modeled company. This affiliation provides our students with the opportunity to execute their scenic ideas in a professional environment.
Scenic design students are exposed to a variety of influences during their years with us as our program has strong international connections. Two of our recent graduates were selected to represent the United States at the Prague Quadrennial — the most important exhibit of stage design in the world. Guest visitors include designers from the national theaters of Ireland and Hungary, and a number of prominent designers from Europe and the United States.
The technical aspects of the profession play an important role in the program. Under the guidance and supervision of experienced professionals, our students not only design, but also draft and build their own sets.
Preparing students for the challenge of the ever-changing world of theatre design and leading them toward a life of true artistry is the basic philosophical approach of this program.
The graduate program in Costume Design is intended to stimulate and arouse the creative spirit. It challenges students to explore and experiment. In a three-year program combining design, crafts, aesthetics, and hands-on production, students are given a wide variety of experiences to prepare them to meet the challenges of the costume profession.
The graduate program in design is kept small, with only a select few students chosen each year. Students get individual attention and the opportunity to specialize in their studies. They collaborate with professional directors, designers, and actors in California Repertory Company and are exposed to professional guests in the classroom.
The faculty in the graduate program are all practicing designers, artists and teachers. Nancy Jo Smith, head of the costume area, has designed for theatre, dance, theme parks, television and video. She is also a nationally recognized fiber artist with work in galleries throughout the United States. Students are invited to accompany her on professional design engagements and participate in distinguished workshops and seminars.
The costume shop is well equipped with professional machinery, a dye shop, crafts shop, and extensive stock. The costume shop staff are also designers and pattern makers with extensive professional experience and contacts.
The MFA program in Costume Design is recognized nationwide as a program of excellence with high standards and outstanding graduates. Our alumni designers work in a variety of venues — theatre, dance, film, video, theme parks — as designers, craftspeople, and teachers.
The MFA Graduate Program in Lighting Design offers the student the opportunity to learn the artistry and techniques of professional lighting design. Mentored by international lighting artist Professor David Martin Jacques, the program stresses the holistic approach to lighting design and theatre art. Students are taught how to think like directors, develop their own points of view, and articulate their ideas through the development of artistic and verbal skills.
As Professor Jacques is an active professional designer, the program focuses primarily on preparing the student for entrance into the profession. Lighting design students learn current professional techniques in the classroom, laboratory, and through professional exposure. Students accompany Professor Jacques on outside engagements to experience first-hand how assistants and designers function in the professional world. This includes exposure to professional theatre, opera, television, and architectural lighting through internships and externships with Central City Opera in Colorado and other professional companies throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Through these opportunities, most of our MFA lighting students graduate with professional experience.
Students of lighting design are exposed to the collaborative process through classroom and practical projects. As only a select few graduate lighting designers are chosen for the program, students enjoy many opportunities to learn through exposure to the profession, and designing, assisting, and programming for the Department of Theatre Arts. Students are assigned lighting and video designs for Cal Rep, the school's professionally-modeled theatre company. As members of Cal Rep, student lighting designers not only work with colleagues, but also enjoy opportunities to collaborate with guest directors and designers. The artistic mission of Cal Rep encourages lighting designers to take risks and express their points of view through light.
As the mastery of skills is essential for preparation for the profession, students are also trained in video content design, moving light programming, and professional assistant techniques. Students practice these skills in laboratory experiences on productions at CalRep and on-campus. We believe that students learn theatre by creating it, therefore lighting design students usually design at least one production a semester. This offers our students plenty of opportunities to practice the skills they learn in the classroom.
In addition to the CalRep Royal Theatre (located off-campus aboard the Queen Mary in downtown Long Beach) students of lighting design have two other theatres in which to develop their skills: the Studio Theatre (a large flexible venue) and the Players Theatre (a small experimental venue). The Studio Theatre has a state-of-the-art computerized lighting control system including automated lighting utilizing Elation and Vari*Lite automated fixtures, controlled by ETC Ion, Hog, along with WYSIWYG and ESP Vision Virtual lighting control. Through Professor Jacques' professional connections, we usually incorporate new lighting and video technology on many of our productions.
Students of lighting design at Cal Rep experience a challenging and rewarding process throughout their three-year graduate tenure. Designed for only the most committed and passionate students, the lighting design program at California State University, Long Beach is dedicated to the training of the next generation of theatre artists.
The MFA degree in Theatre Arts is the terminal degree offering the professional training deemed necessary by the major theatre arts schools in the United States for university and college teaching positions as well as professional positions in design, theatre, television, film, stage, opera, and theme parks.
The MFA curriculum emphasizes full-time professionally oriented study of specific theatre practice. It requires three years of full-time graduate study and the completion of sixty semester credit hours. In addition to academic and professional studies, internships under professional conditions with California Repertory Company are an integral part of the program.
The curriculum consists of 60 units in the area of specialization, comprising both practical and theoretical work.
Repertory Theatre I, II, and III (Designing and working on the productions at Cal Rep)
Students applying for the MFA program must have completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Theatre Arts (or a related discipline) from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA in upper division major courses, meet university admission requirements, and submit evidence of creative ability and professional intent.
When an undergraduate degree has been completed in a program having different requirements than those at CSULB or in some field other than Theatre Arts, additional preparation and time may be required before the student can be considered for classified status in the degree program. Up to 24 units of credit from an MA degree program may be acceptable after review of the faculty evaluation committee and approval by the Dean.
Admission to the programs in Design requires an interview and/or submission of original works such as manuscripts, designs, renderings, slides, models and/or working drawings. A committee will review the student's work no later than the end of his/her first year in residence and judge whether the student should continue in the program. In order to obtain full classified status, a committee from the Theatre Arts graduate faculty will evaluate academic progress, individual skill development, and review performance or portfolio work at the end of the student's first full year in residence.
Evaluation of the student's development and progress, along with an assessment of his or her potential in the profession is provided periodically for retention in the program. Candidates present a final project showing professional competence in the area of their concentration. Opportunities for design experience are provided in a variety of formal and informal settings.
Design candidates are required to schedule an interview with our design faculty and present a portfolio of design work. We strongly urge that potential students visit the campus to get a better sense of us, the environment, and the nature of our training. Faculty representatives will be present at the U/RTA NUAI's, held in New York and Chicago. In addition, representatives will be at the national USITT Convention. For an interview appointment, either in Long Beach or at one of the national auditions, contact:
The Applicant's portfolio is one way that we assess the student's suitability to the training at Cal Rep. Primarily, we are looking for students with the ability to express themselves verbally, as well as through the use of visual elements. We would like to see work not confined to theatre design. Work in areas other than your specialization is encouraged (i.e., painting, figure drawing, photography, etc.). We believe that the theatre designer must have a broad base from which to work. Projects outside your area of specialization are recommended.
Following are a few suggestions on what to bring to your interview. If you do not have some of these, then bring what you have. Include finished set and/or costume designs, developmental sketches (thumbnails), color sketches and/or models (or good photographs of models), pattern drafting, and photos of realized sets, lighting, and/or costumes. Try to include only photo prints. If you must bring slides, then put them in 8x10 presentation sheets. Digital photos on CD-ROM are also accepted. Include examples of your drafting for costume designers. Lighting designers should also include magic sheets, hookups, and instruments schedules. If you have them, include lighting sketches and/or storyboards. If your background is other than theatre (i.e., art, architecture, photography), a portfolio showing your work in that area is welcome. We encourage applicants from other disciplines to apply. Please date all of your material so that we can see the chronology of your work. If you wish to mail us your portfolio, please put it in a compact, strong, reusable container in which we can return it. Please include a current resume.
If you have any questions concerning the portfolio presentation, please call us. If you wish to participate in the U/RTA NUAI's, please visit www.urta.com for further information and requirements. For a private interview in Long Beach, please contact the Department of Theatre Arts so that we can arrange a mutually convenient appointment.
Most members of the company will be offered an assistantship in their area of concentration. There are many opportunities to teach while one is a member of the company. Assistantships range from $5000 to $8000 per academic year.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the MFA Program. Design, preparation, rehearsals, and performances of selected plays in California Repertory Company and University Players. Traditional grading only. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 units (6 hrs lab.)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the MFA Program. Design, preparation, rehearsals, and performances of selected plays in California Repertory Company and University Players. Traditional grading only. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 units (6 hrs lab.)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the MFA Program. Design, preparation, rehearsals, and performances of selected plays in California Repertory Company and University Players. Traditional grading only. may be repeated for a maximum of 4 units. (6 hrs lab.)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Creative use of non-traditional materials in the design and fabrication of props, accessories, and set dressing. Exploration into decorative techniques and processes in fabrication and finishing. (4 hrs lab)
A study of content and presentation forms for the designer’s portfolio, resume, and cover letter. Acquaints the designer/technician with interview skills and practical business information. Traditional grading only. (4 hrs lab.)
Critical exploration of the evolution of design theory and styles through historical evidence from the Renaissance to the present.
Foundations in visual conceptualization emphasizing the development of visual discipline, creative skills, and the poetic nature of theatre design. Traditional grading only. (4 hrs lab)
Hands-on course centered on the creation and use of computer-based graphic images, and their application to theatre management, and costume, scenic, and lighting design. Emphasis will be placed on illustration, photo and scanned image manipulation, figure drawing, and paint programs. Traditional grading only.
Exploration and creative application of techniques of manipulating, painting, and dyeing textiles for theatrical design. Traditional grading only. (4 hrs lab.)
Development of skills in visual communication and style, including advanced rendering techniques and presentation. Traditional grading only. (4 hrs lab.)
Prerequisite: THEA 556A or consent of instructor. Development of skills in research, interpretation, conceptualization, and integrating multiple sources in design. Traditional grading only. (4 hrs lab.)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Advanced techniques of lighting projection for the stage. Traditional grading only. (4 hrs lab)
The direct application of cueing and the structuring of the total lighting design within the time constraints of rehearsal and production. Traditional grading only. (4 hrs lab.)
Prerequisites: THEA 648A or consent of instructor. Development of skills in the lighting design process for a variety of scripts and styles with specific challenges and complex production format. Traditional grading only. (4 hrs lab.)
Development of skills in lighting for the musical, opera, and dance. Traditional grading only.
Prerequisite: 649A or consent of instructor. Development of skills in lighting for other production venues. Traditional grading only.
Development of skills in costume design for the musical, opera, and dance. Traditional grading only. (4 hrs lab.)
Prerequisite: THEA 656A or consent of instructor. Development of skills in costume design for other production venues. Traditional grading only. (4 hrs lab.)
Development of skills in scene design for the musical, opera, and dance. Traditional grading only. (4 hrs lab.)
Prerequisites: THEA 685A or consent of instructor. Further development of skills in scene design for other production venues. Traditional grading only. (4 hrs lab.)
Investigation of tailored garments and understructures in selected historical periods. Projects in traditional and contemporary hand machine tailoring techniques, and in specialized construction for undergarments. Supervision in the practical application of these elements in university-sponsored productions. (4 hrs lab.) Traditional grading only.
A study of theoretical aesthetics as it applies to the creative act. Practical application of research and variable aesthetic elements in production style and conceptualization. Traditional grading only.
Prerequisite: Advancement to candidacy and consent of department chair. Planning, preparation, and completion of thesis related to field of specialization. Traditional grading only. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.
Development of scene design through script analysis and understanding of space, form, line, color, texture, and mood. Planning and development of the scenic rendering and model. Traditional grading only.
Prerequisite: THEA 580A or consent of instructor. Exploration of the elements of scenic design as demanded by a variety of scripts and styles with specific challenges and complex production format. Traditional grading only.
A study of the drafting techniques used to translate the designer’s vision to the finished set on stage. Includes both traditional and computer-aided design and drafting tools. Traditional grading only.
Exploration of fitting, advanced patterning, and construction techniques. Projects in fitting problems, flat patterning, draping, under-structures, and tailoring for the theatre. Traditional grading only.
Introduction to the basics of rendering and painting, stressing a link to the arts of theatre design; developing an ability to depict form and space. Emphasizes the development of visual discipline, drawing, and rendering techniques used in the visual presentation of stage design and scenic painting. Traditional grading only for majors. (6 or more hours lab)
Projects in scene design for the multi-set play. Consideration of stylistic unity, current trends, and approaches as well as shifting problems. Development of advanced rendering techniques. Traditional grading only. (4 hrs lab.)
Prerequisite: THEA 585A or consent of instructor. Further development of skills in scene design for the multi-set play. Development of advanced model making techniques. Traditional grading only. (4 hrs lab.)
Prerequisite: Acceptance into MFA Program. Advanced design projects and concepts with faculty supervision. Limited to 6 units in any one area and no more than 6 units in all areas in any one semester. Area will be designated by letter at time of registration as
Traditional grading only.
Topics of current interest in Theatre Arts selected for intensive study. May be taken for maximum of nine units. Topics will be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Traditional grading only.
Advanced individual projects with faculty supervision in an area of Theatre Arts specialization. Limited to three units in any one area per semester and no more than six units in one semester with a total of nine units in any one area. Areas will be designated by letter at time of registration as
Traditional grading only. Course may be repeated to a maximum of 9 units.
Critical exploration of the major schools of thought between 1970 and the present including styles, genres, and both national and international trends. Contributions of theatre practitioners and theorists and the role of the audience in this period. Traditional grading only.
A study of theoretical aesthetics as it applies to the creative act. Practical application of research and variable aesthetic elements in production style and conceptualization. Traditional grading only.
Prerequisites: Advancement to candidacy and consent of department chair. Preparation, completion, and submission of thesis. Traditional grading only.
Prerequisite: Advancement to candidacy and consent of department chair. Planning, preparation, and completion of thesis related to field of specialization. Traditional grading only. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.
