MFA in Design & Technology How to Apply

MFA
Argonautika (2018) Photo by Dan Norman
Application Deadline to the Graduate School
March 31, 2024

Please send inquiries and a notification of application interest to the Head of Design & Technology Program, Professor Mathew Lefebvre, lefeb001@umn.edu.

Every year the program admits a varying number of candidates in the four areas of Scenic, Costume, Lighting and Sound Design & Technology. We strongly encourage prospective candidates to reach out to the Head of Design & Technology, Professor Mathew Lefebvre, to enquire which areas are accepting applicants and to arrange a portfolio review.

Admission into the Program is dependent upon a review by a committee of the MFA Design & Technology Program faculty and staff. Application to the D&T MFA Program includes a required Portfolio Review, either digital or in person. See further information on the Portfolio Review below.

In order to apply, you must submit several materials to the Graduate School online application system including a personal statement. See further information on the Personal Statement below.

FAQ:

If the application fee is a barrier, please contact the Head of Design & Technology Program, Professor Mathew Lefebvre, lefeb001@umn.edu, to request a fee waiver before you submit your application.

Scenic, Costume, Lighting and Sound Design & Technology

Application to the D&T MFA Program includes a required Portfolio Review. Share your work either digitally in pdf or website format or an in person portfolio sharing can be arranged. 

Portfolio description and recommendations from the URTA Candidate Handbook: "Portfolios should include the best examples of your work and design capabilities, as well as some of your process. Recruiters want to see your skills and abilities in design more than they want to see how well you can set up a nice portfolio; they’re looking for quality, not quantity. Portfolio materials should be clean and presented to their best advantage. Identify work as a class project or realized production with title, producer (organization or class), and date. Include documentation of your process work as well. Recruiters are interested in getting to know your whole process, not just the final product. Document the evolution of a complex technical project through a series of photographs. Use photos that are not repetitive and show your work clearly. At least one full stage shot of a setting and full figure shots of characters in costume are expected It is a good idea to have examples of non-theater work reflecting your taste and abilities (e.g., graphic arts projects, life drawings, photography)."

In a brief statement, please describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies, including your interests and goals, your educational and professional objectives, your specific interest in the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and any other information you believe will benefit the program in reaching a decision. Your statement should be approximately 2 double-spaced pages in length.