graduate programs

A large set that looks like a living room, covered in white twinkle lights, with a large projection of the moon in the background, four actors center stage with their arms raised in the air.

Ignite Your Creativity

The School of Drama’s graduate training programs offer an exceptional blend of academic study and hands-on experience. The curriculum combines rigorous classroom training with practical application in the school’s ambitious production season. Students learn from and engage with faculty and alumni who are leading industry professionals, positioning them to enter the field immediately upon graduation.

MFA Programs

Earn your Master of Fine Arts in one of the following programs.

Costume Design

Elyse Grimaldi, third-year costume production graduate student works on her thesis project inspired by the novel “Radius” by Yasmin El-Rifae, in the Costume Studio Friday, March 24, 2023 located in Purnell Center for the Arts.

Costume Production

Directing

Dramatic Writing

A stage beautifully lit in orange and purple sunset colors, window frames suspended from the ceiling, curtains draped off to the sides, and two actors wearing white dresses and holding parasols are center stage.

Lighting Design

A large set that looks like a living room, covered in white twinkle lights, with a large projection of the moon in the background, four actors center stage with their arms raised in the air.

Scenic Design

Sound Design

Stage and Production Management

Technical Direction

Video & Media Design

Unique Platforms

A silhouette of a dancer kicking one leg up with arms positioned in opposite directions; the backdrop is lit in bright orange and yellow.

Dance/Light

Dance/Light provides an opportunity for students to explore the art form of dance. As the largest and longest-running cross-discipline project in the School of Drama, Dance/Light unites the elements of choreography, performance, lighting design, costume design, and stage management in a dance concert format.

A group of students in a dark lobby watching a light show; the lighting effects are green and purple spotlights pointing in all directions.

Playground

Playground – a festival of independent student work – is one of the hallmark experiences of the School of Drama. For one week each year, classes are cancelled and students are given the time, space, and creative resources to develop collaborative live performances, short films, light shows, art installations, murals, and more throughout the Purnell Center for the Arts.

A group of students poses, smiling in front of the large Universal Studios silver globe sculpture.

Showcase

The School of Drama Showcase presentations in New York and Los Angeles are designed to give all graduating students from all disciplines the opportunity to meet with and present work to leading arts and entertainment professionals.

Are you ready to take the next step toward your dreams? Learn more about our application, audition, and interview process.

Graduate Admission
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