Effective Fall 2024

Through careful, intentional choices, the CFA School of Theatre Faculty & Staff worked for over two years to develop retooled and enhanced graduate programs unlike any other.

Our MFA programs in Design, Directing, Production, and Management offer students the potential for tremendous growth and development without sacrificing key educational opportunities, meeting the economic and professional realities of today. 

These changes build on the strengths of our past practices and provide accelerated, robust educational pathways that directly respond to the dynamic changes occurring throughout the theatre-making world. We look forward to recruiting students for Fall 2024 who are excited by the potential within our reimagined and dynamic learning environment.  

The new Boston University School of Theatre MFA program is forward-thinking, nimble, and intentional, offering:

  • Renewed focus on theatre collaboration as holistic creations, fostering inclusive and accessible forms of theatrical expression for the next generation.
  • New course offerings that intentionally strengthen student understanding across the disciplines of design, directing, production and management. 
  • In-depth area-specific study targeting skills and crafts essential to the practice of theatre.
  • Individualized mentorship, career planning, creative growth, and development through “salon style” sessions between students and influential international professional artists working today.   
  • A 60 credit MFA that is designed for two year completion.
Table of Contents

MFA Costume Design

Our Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design program provides developing theatre professionals with the opportunity to cultivate their own individual artistic identity, and innovative and collaborative creative process, while refining and enhancing their craft.

Our program seeks to:

  • Enhance artistic expression, critical thinking, communication, and design skills through hands-on, mentored experiences within a wide range of production opportunities and classroom instruction.
  • Explore creative collaborations to tell important stories to today’s audiences.
  • Create inclusive and accessible forms of theatrical expression for the next generation.

MFA Costume Design students are being prepared for substantive careers in the professional world of theatre and the related performing arts. Training includes a rigorous curriculum, design opportunities, and exposure to the profession. Students are regularly mentored by working professional faculty and advisors through their studio coursework, hands-on, in-process Theatre in Practice advising, and end-of-semester conferences.

Financial aid is available to some students in the form of scholarships, living stipends, and teaching assistantships. Admission is highly selective, with the School of Theatre admitting one to three students each year into the Costume Design program.

Curriculum Highlights:
  • Robust schedule of guest artists, workshops, and intensives for special topics.
  • Mentored portfolio and resume development with introductions to Professional Theatre Initiative affiliates for summer opportunities following the 1st year.
  • Funded presentation at the National Design Portfolio Review or Showcase West at the successful completion of the program.
  • Curated portfolio and introduction to professional theatre and live performing arts industry network contacts provided at the successful completion of the program.
Learning Outcomes:

The Costume Design program aims to develop a complete theatre artist by fostering a passion for theatre, storytelling, design, and the collaborative process. Through their required coursework and design assignments, Costume Design students will:

  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of theatre as an art form and the essential role it plays in contemporary society.
  • Demonstrate spoken and written critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills in an arts-based discipline.
  • Demonstrate an ability to enrich creative storytelling and take artistic risks.
  • Demonstrate an awareness and ability to engage in the diverse community of theatre artists.
  • Demonstrate a high-level of artistic, interpretive, and craft skills and techniques in Costume Design as a foundation for entering into a career in theatre and the live performing arts.

MFA Costume Production

Our Master of Fine Arts in Costume Production program provides developing theatre professionals with the opportunity to cultivate their own individual artistic identity, and innovative and collaborative creative process, while refining and enhancing their craft.

Our program seeks to:

  • Enhance artistic expression, critical thinking, communication, and design skills through hands-on, mentored experiences within a wide range of production opportunities and classroom instruction.
  • Explore creative collaborations to tell important stories to today’s audiences.
  • Create inclusive and accessible forms of theatrical expression for the next generation.

MFA Costume Production students are being prepared for substantive careers in the professional world of theatre and the related performing arts. Training includes a rigorous curriculum, production opportunities, and exposure to the profession. Students are regularly mentored by working professional faculty and advisors through their studio coursework, hands-on, in-process Theatre in Practice advising, and end-of-semester conferences.

Financial aid is available to some students in the form of scholarships, living stipends, and teaching assistantships. Admission is highly selective, with the School of Theatre admitting one to three students each year into the Costume Production program.

Curriculum Highlights:
  • Robust schedule of guest artists, workshops, and intensives for special topics.
  • Mentored portfolio and resume development with introductions to Professional Theatre Initiative affiliates for summer opportunities following the 1st year.
  • Funded participation at USITT in 2nd year of the program.
  • Curated portfolio and introduction to professional theatre and live performing arts industry network contacts provided at the successful completion of the program.
Learning Outcomes:

The Costume Production program aims to develop a complete theatre artist by fostering a passion for theatre, storytelling, and the collaborative process. Through their required coursework and production assignments, Costume Production students will:

  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of theatre as an art form and the essential role it plays in contemporary society.
  • Demonstrate spoken and written critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills in an arts-based discipline.
  • Demonstrate an ability to enrich creative storytelling and take artistic risks.
  • Demonstrate an awareness and ability to engage in the diverse community of theatre artists.
  • Demonstrate a high-level of artistic, interpretive, and craft skills and techniques in Costume Production as a foundation for entering into a career in theatre and the live performing arts.

MFA Directing

Our Master of Fine Arts in Directing program provides developing theatre professionals with the opportunity to cultivate their own individual artistic identity, and innovative and collaborative creative process, while refining and enhancing their craft.

Our program seeks to:

  • Extend, intensify, and focus the director’s theatrical versatility, sensibilities, scholarship, and imagination.
  • Enhance artistic expression, critical thinking, communication, and directing skills through hands-on, mentored experiences within a wide range of directing opportunities and classroom instruction.
  • Explore creative collaborations to tell important stories to today’s audiences.
  • Create inclusive and accessible forms of theatrical expression for the next generation and envision possibilities for new artistic leadership in American theatre.

MFA Directing students are being prepared for substantive careers, either as resident or freelance directors, in the professional world of theatre and the related performing arts. Training includes a rigorous curriculum, directing opportunities, and exposure to the profession. Students are regularly mentored by working professional faculty and advisors through their studio coursework, hands-on, in-process Theatre in Practice advising, and end-of-semester conferences.

Financial aid is available to some students in the form of scholarships, living stipends, and teaching assistantships. Admission is highly selective, with the School of Theatre admitting one or two students each year into the Directing program.

Curriculum Highlights:
  • Robust schedule of guest artists, workshops, and intensives for special topics. 
  • Mentored portfolio and resume development with introductions to Professional Theatre Initiative affiliates for summer opportunities following the 1st year. 
  • Eligible for funded travel grants to assist/observe faculty and/or industry professionals 
  • Curated portfolio and introduction to professional theatre and live performing industry network contacts provided at the successful completion of the program.
  • One-year Associate Membership to SDC provided at the successful completion of the program.
  • An “artistic director” option is available that joins the MFA Directing curricula with a graduate certificate program in Arts Management or Commercial Theatre Development at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (separate application required).
Learning Outcomes:

The Directing program aims to develop a complete theatre artist by fostering a passion for theatre, storytelling, and the collaborative process. Through their required coursework and design assignments, Directing students will:

  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of theatre as an art form and the essential role it plays in contemporary society.
  • Demonstrate spoken and written critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills in an arts-based discipline.
  • Demonstrate an ability to enrich creative storytelling and take artistic risks. 
  • Demonstrate an awareness and ability to engage in the diverse community of theatre artists.
  • Demonstrate a high-level of artistic, interpretive, and craft skills and techniques in Directing as a foundation for entering into a career in theatre and the live performing arts.

MFA Lighting Design

Our Master of Fine Arts in Lighting Design program provides developing theatre professionals with the opportunity to cultivate their own individual artistic identity, and innovative and collaborative creative process, while refining and enhancing their craft.

Our program seeks to:

  • Enhance artistic expression, critical thinking, communication, and design skills through hands-on, mentored experiences within a wide range of production opportunities and classroom instruction.
  • Explore creative collaborations to tell important stories to today’s audiences
  • Create inclusive and accessible forms of theatrical expression for the next generation.

MFA Lighting Design students are being prepared for substantive careers in the professional world of theatre and the related performing arts. Training includes a rigorous curriculum, design opportunities, and exposure to the profession. Students are regularly mentored by working professional faculty and advisors through their studio coursework, hands-on, in-process Theatre in Practice advising, and end-of-semester conferences.

Financial aid is available to some students in the form of scholarships, living stipends, and teaching assistantships. Admission is highly selective, with the School of Theatre admitting one to three students each year into the Lighting Design program.

Curriculum Highlights:
  • Robust schedule of guest artists, workshops, and intensives for special topics. 
  • Mentored portfolio and resume development with introductions to Professional Theatre Initiative affiliates for summer opportunities following the 1st year. 
  • Funded presentation at the National Design Portfolio Review, Showcase West, or the Hemsley Lighting Portfolio Review at the successful completion of the program. 
  • Curated portfolio and introduction to professional theatre and live performing arts industry network contacts provided at the successful completion of the program.
Learning Outcomes:

The Lighting Design program aims to develop a complete theatre artist by fostering a passion for theatre, storytelling, design, and the collaborative process. Through their required coursework and design assignments, Lighting Design students will:

  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of theatre as an art form and the essential role it plays in contemporary society.
  • Demonstrate spoken and written critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills in an arts-based discipline.
  • Demonstrate an ability to enrich creative storytelling and take artistic risks. 
  • Demonstrate an awareness and ability to engage in the diverse community of theatre artists.
  • Demonstrate a high-level of artistic, interpretive, and craft skills and techniques in Lighting Design as a foundation for entering into a career in theatre and the live performing arts.

MFA Production Management

Our Master of Fine Arts in Production Management program provides developing theatre professionals with the opportunity to cultivate their own individual artistic identity, and innovative and collaborative creative process, while refining and enhancing their craft.

Our program seeks to:

  • Enhance artistic expression, critical thinking, communication, and management skills through hands-on, mentored experiences within a wide range of production opportunities and classroom instruction.
  • Explore creative collaborations to tell important stories to today’s audiences
  • Create inclusive and accessible forms of theatrical expression for the next generation.

MFA Production Management students are being prepared for substantive careers in the professional world of theatre and the related performing arts. Training includes a rigorous curriculum, production opportunities, and exposure to the profession. Students are regularly mentored by working professional faculty and advisors through their studio coursework, hands-on, in-process Theatre in Practice advising, and end-of-semester conferences.

Financial aid is available to some students in the form of scholarships, living stipends, and teaching assistantships. Admission is highly selective, with the School of Theatre admitting one to three students each year into the Production Management program.

Curriculum Highlights:
  • Robust schedule of guest artists, workshops, and intensives for special topics. 
  • Mentored portfolio and resume development with introductions to Professional Theatre Initiative affiliates for summer opportunities following the 1st year. 
  • Funded participation at USITT in 2nd year of the program. 
  • Curated portfolio and introduction to professional theatre and live performing arts industry network contacts provided at the successful completion of the program.
  • A “theatre management” option is available that joins the MFA Production Management curricula with a graduate certificate program in Arts Management, Commercial Theatre Development, or Project Management at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (separate application required).
Learning Outcomes:
  • Robust schedule of guest artists, workshops, and intensives for special topics. 
  • Mentored portfolio and resume development with introductions to Professional Theatre Initiative affiliates for summer opportunities following the 1st year. 
  • Funded participation at USITT in 2nd year of the program. 
  • Curated portfolio and introduction to professional theatre and live performing arts industry network contacts provided at the successful completion of the program.
  • A “theatre management” option is available that joins the MFA Production Management curricula with a graduate certificate program in Arts Management, Commercial Theatre Development, or Project Management at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (separate application required).

MFA Scene Design

Our Master of Fine Arts in Scene Design program provides developing theatre professionals with the opportunity to cultivate their own individual artistic identity, and innovative and collaborative creative process, while refining and enhancing their craft.

Our program seeks to:

  • Enhance artistic expression, critical thinking, communication, and design skills through hands-on, mentored experiences within a wide range of production opportunities and classroom instruction.
  • Explore creative collaborations to tell important stories to today’s audiences
  • Create inclusive and accessible forms of theatrical expression for the next generation.

MFA Scene Design students are being prepared for substantive careers in the professional world of theatre and the related performing arts. Training includes a rigorous curriculum, design opportunities, and exposure to the profession. Students are regularly mentored by working professional faculty and advisors through their studio coursework, hands-on, in-process Theatre in Practice advising, and end-of-semester conferences.

Financial aid is available to some students in the form of scholarships, living stipends, and teaching assistantships. Admission is highly selective, with the School of Theatre admitting one to three students each year into the Scene Design program.

Curriculum Highlights:
  • Robust schedule of guest artists, workshops, and intensives for special topics. 
  • Mentored portfolio and resume development with introductions to Professional Theatre Initiative affiliates for summer opportunities following the 1st year. 
  • Funded presentation at the National Design Portfolio Review or Showcase West at the successful completion of the program. 
  • Curated portfolio and introduction to professional theatre and live performing arts industry network contacts provided at the successful completion of the program.
Learning Outcomes:

The Scene Design program aims to develop a complete theatre artist by fostering a passion for theatre, storytelling, design, and the collaborative process. Through their required coursework and design assignments, Scene Design students will:

  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of theatre as an art form and the essential role it plays in contemporary society.
  • Demonstrate spoken and written critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills in an arts-based discipline.
  • Demonstrate an ability to enrich creative storytelling and take artistic risks. 
  • Demonstrate an awareness and ability to engage in the diverse community of theatre artists.
  • Demonstrate a high-level of artistic, interpretive, and craft skills and techniques in Scene Design as a foundation for entering into a career in theatre and the live performing arts.

MFA Sound Design

Our Master of Fine Arts in Sound Design program provides developing theatre professionals with the opportunity to cultivate their own individual artistic identity, and innovative and collaborative creative process, while refining and enhancing their craft.

Our program seeks to:

  • Enhance artistic expression, critical thinking, communication, and design skills through hands-on, mentored experiences within a wide range of production opportunities and classroom instruction.
  • Explore creative collaborations to tell important stories to today’s audiences
  • Create inclusive and accessible forms of theatrical expression for the next generation.

MFA Sound Design students are being prepared for substantive careers in the professional world of theatre and the related performing arts. Training includes a rigorous curriculum, design opportunities, and exposure to the profession. Students are regularly mentored by working professional faculty and advisors through their studio coursework, hands-on, in-process Theatre in Practice advising, and end-of-semester conferences.

Financial aid is available to some students in the form of scholarships, living stipends, and teaching assistantships. Admission is highly selective, with the School of Theatre admitting one to three students each year into the Sound Design program.

Curriculum Highlights:
  • Robust schedule of guest artists, workshops, and intensives for special topics. 
  • Mentored portfolio and resume development with introductions to Professional Theatre Initiative affiliates for summer opportunities following the 1st year. 
  • Funded presentation at the National Design Portfolio Review or Showcase West at the successful completion of the program. 
  • Curated portfolio and introduction to professional theatre and live performing arts industry network contacts provided at the successful completion of the program.
Learning Outcomes:

The Sound Design program aims to develop a complete theatre artist by fostering a passion for theatre, storytelling, design, and the collaborative process. Through their required coursework and design assignments, Sound Design students will:

  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of theatre as an art form and the essential role it plays in contemporary society.
  • Demonstrate spoken and written critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills in an arts-based discipline.
  • Demonstrate an ability to enrich creative storytelling and take artistic risks. 
  • Demonstrate an awareness and ability to engage in the diverse community of theatre artists.
  • Demonstrate a high-level of artistic, interpretive, and craft skills and techniques in Sound Design as a foundation for entering into a career in theatre and the live performing arts.

MFA Technical Production

Our Master of Fine Arts in Technical Production program provides developing theatre professionals with the opportunity to cultivate their own individual artistic identity, and innovative and collaborative creative process, while refining and enhancing their craft.

Our program seeks to:

  • Enhance artistic expression, critical thinking, communication, and production skills through hands-on, mentored experiences within a wide range of production opportunities and classroom instruction.
  • Explore creative collaborations to tell important stories to today’s audiences
  • Create inclusive and accessible forms of theatrical expression for the next generation.

MFA Technical Production students are being prepared for substantive careers in the professional world of theatre and the related performing arts. Training includes a rigorous curriculum, production opportunities, and exposure to the profession. Students are regularly mentored by working professional faculty and advisors through their studio coursework, hands-on, in-process Theatre in Practice advising, and end-of-semester conferences.

Financial aid is available to some students in the form of scholarships, living stipends, and teaching assistantships. Admission is highly selective, with the School of Theatre admitting one to three students each year into the Technical Production program.

Curriculum Highlights:
  • Robust schedule of guest artists, workshops, and intensives for special topics. 
  • Mentored portfolio and resume development with introductions to Professional Theatre Initiative affiliates for summer opportunities following the 1st year. 
  • Funded participation at USITT in 2nd year of the program. 
  • Curated portfolio and introduction to professional theatre and live performing arts industry network contacts provided at the successful completion of the program.
Learning Outcomes:

The Technical Production program aims to develop a complete theatre artist by fostering a passion for theatre, storytelling, and the collaborative process. Through their required coursework and production assignments, Technical Production students will:

  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of theatre as an art form and the essential role it plays in contemporary society.
  • Demonstrate spoken and written critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills in an arts-based discipline.
  • Demonstrate an ability to enrich creative storytelling and take artistic risks. 
  • Demonstrate an awareness and ability to engage in the diverse community of theatre artists.
  • Demonstrate a high-level of artistic, interpretive, and craft skills and techniques in Technical Production as a foundation for entering into a career in theatre and the live performing arts.

Theatre Artisan Certificate in Scene Painting

Our Theatre Artisan Certificate in Scene Painting program is designed for students who have completed a BA or BFA and are proficient in their craft but seek to enhance their artistic and technical experience in order to gain employment in leadership roles in the profession. The emphasis on training is geared to those who do not wish to pursue an MFA but find that they need additional refinement of skill, experience, and collaboration in a professional conservatory setting.

Curriculum Highlights:
  • Two-year intensive master class education. 
  • Hands-on, mentored experiences within a wide range of production opportunities. 
  • In-depth classroom instruction fosters the development of a visual critical sensibility through studying the craft of scenic painting, drawing, and the history of period styles, architecture and ornament.
Learning Outcomes:

Scene Painting students will gain facility with different mediums and tools in order to elaborate on and execute conceptual ideas. Production assignments and opportunities in a variety of venues are integrated into the curriculum in order to further one’s understanding of the level of coordination and collaboration that the art form demands, as well as adding to the refinement of the use of materials, techniques, and skills. Through their required coursework and production assignments, Scene Painting students will:

  • Demonstrate critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills in an arts-based discipline.
  • Demonstrate a high-level of artistic, interpretive, and craft skills and techniques in Scenic Painting as a foundation for entering into a career in theatre and the live performing arts.