M.F.A. in Stage Design

The Stage Design programme is purposely designed to allow students to either specialise on one area of stage design (set, costume or lighting design) or to combine disciplines as desired (for example, set and costume design or set and lighting design).In addition to the core classes and workshops, individual and group tuition from The Lir’s Head of Design will be a key feature of the training. In addition, master classes by visiting practitioners will supplement the student experience. Professional placements are a key feature of the programme and all students will showcase their work in public productions at the culmination of the course. Students can opt to take this course either part-time (24 months) or full-time (12 months).The course is designed to complement the MFA in Playwriting and the MFA in Theatre Directing. Students on all three programmes will work together in collaboration, developing a shared understanding of contemporary theatre practice and a collective appreciation of the dedication and commitment required to make innovative performances happen.

Applicants must fill out all the information required on the online form, which includes the submission of two references, one academic and a professional reference, copies of the transcripts of previously completed education levels, and a CV. In addition, applicants are also required to upload a copy of the following documents separately, within the Additional Documents section: a) Letter of application – a letter that outlines the applicant’s theatre education and design experience to date. This may also include experience in other areas of theatre, especially work in technical theatre. Ideally, applicants will have some experience in their chosen major to be accepted on to the course or otherwise demonstrate previous engagement with the performing arts or a passion for adapting their skillset to their chosen discipline. Candidates for the Lighting Design Major must have technical experience in the field. b) Statement of purpose – a statement outlining the applicant’s ambitions in terms of stage design. Applicants should describe the role of theatre in their life, justify the choice of a career as a designer in their chosen major, and why they wish to pursue further education. c) Portfolio – a portfolio of the applicant’s theatre work to date, including visual accounts of work processes and finished pieces, as well as illustration of the conceptualising and research work developed (sketches, swatches, model boxes, technical plans, etc).