Design and Technology
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Turn your love of theatre, art and scenic design into a rewarding career combining creativity and technical skill. During this program, you will develop your abilities in design, idea development, production and entrepreneurship under the tutelage of professional stage directors and practicing artists.
Focus areas:
- Scenic design
- Sound design
- Costume design
- Lighting design
- Technical direction
- Stage management
- Digital and immersive media
- Program Type: Master's
- Academic Unit: Conservatory
- Degree Type: Master of Fine Arts
- Standard credit hours: 63
- Delivery Mode: In-person
- Typical Program Length: 1-4 years
- Typical Course Load: 1-5 per semester
Why UMKC
Find career success
From academic and career advising to employment services and community partnerships, our award-winning faculty and staff can help you leverage industry connections and deliver the direction and support you need to succeed in your career.
Contribute to world-changing research
UMKC faculty and students break ground in key areas of science, technology, healthcare, education, law, the arts and the humanities — bringing in millions in funding in the process. If you want to work on the cutting edge of these fields and set yourself up for a career in innovation, there aren’t many better places to be.
Kansas City is our classroom
Our university is deeply integrated into the community, providing students with exclusive opportunities to gain hands-on experience, connect with area employers and network with local industry professionals.
After Graduation
Set and exhibition designers have a diverse skill set that allows them to work in a variety of areas, including theatre, motion pictures and video, museums and historical sites, advertising and public relations and the performing arts.
Potential careers
- Costume designer
- Creative strategist
- Entertainment coordinator
- Lighting designer
- Materials buyer
- Production assistant
- Production manager
- Set designer
- Stage manager
- Technical director
- Theatre educator
$78,312
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Producers and Directors (27-2012.00)
Potential Courses
Branding for Theatre Designers
This course teaches students how to create a unique brand identity and marketing toolkit for live entertainment designers. Through guided practice, students reflect on their visibility, develop their …
Rendering Techniques for the Theatre Designer II
Continuation of rendering techniques with the introduction of color, pastels, watercolor and goauche. Skills are applied in developing projects for design in the theatre.
Repertory Theatre Residency
This residency consists of authorized participation with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, the Department of Theatre or an approved outside professional company. It is arranged under departmental adv…
Related Programs and Pathways
How to Apply
- Gather your materials
- As an URTA member school, we frequently will attend audition dates around the country, as well as the virtual audition options. Details for those auditions can be found on the URTA website.
- Official transcripts.
- Names and locations of previous college(s) and dates you attended.
- Citizenship, residency and visa information (if applicable).
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A portfolio (uploaded to your application status page), which includes the following:
- Artistic renderings.
- Drafted materials.
- Photographs and slides.
- Resume.
- An interview with the faculty of the Division of Theatre.
- Please plan to submit your application, portfolio materials, and have your interview completed by no later than Feb. 1.
- Transcripts and test scores from domestic and international undergraduate students may be sent in after the Dec. 15 Conservatory application deadline but must be received by UMKC Admissions by Feb. 1.
- Complete the online application
- $45 for domestic graduate students or $75 for international graduate students.
Have questions? Request information to have an admissions counselor contact you about the requirements for this program.
Application Dates
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: Dec. 15
Classes begin in August