Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology

Turn your love of theatre, art and scenic design into a rewarding career combining creativity and technical skill. Design and Technology MFA students can choose to focus their studies in any of the following areas:Scenic DesignStudents participate in innovative projects related to visual storytelling, regularly collaborate with MFA students in the other design and technology emphasis areas, and have multiple design opportunities within the Conservatory and with regional theatre partners. After working in the scenic studio and developing integral skills in drafting, rendering, and digital and physical model building, students emerge ready for the professional world of design for live entertainment.Costume Design and TechnologyThe Costume Design and Technology focus strikes a balance between art and craft, providing numerous experiences in the creation and implementation of the costuming process and preparing students to work as elite-level costume designers, costume shop managers and more. Students receive personalized training from a faculty of established working professionals.Lighting Design and TechnologyThis focus integrates lighting design theory with emerging technologies in a hands-on, production-driven environment. Each semester includes a Lighting Design Studio where students explore and develop their design process. Technical training begins with Vectorworks drafting and other lighting design software, ETC Eos programming, and then expands into more challenging topics, such as advanced programming and ETCP certification preparation. Beyond the classroom, students design productions across dance, musical theatre, opera, and plays in both black box and proscenium venues. Third-year students work with professional partners as lighting designers or assistant lighting designers, preparing them for a wide range of industry opportunities.Sound DesignThe Sound Design focus pairs dramatic interpretation with a mastery of recording studio, audio production skills and composition. Graduates are prepared to design for professional theatres, broadcast productions, film compositions and more. Stage ManagementThis focus fuses theory and practice, helping students develop broad knowledge of production and the production process. The program emphasizes clear communication and problem-solving skills. Graduate coursework balances comprehensive education with extensive production opportunities across the UMKC Conservatory and Kansas City arts community in the areas of theater, dance and music performance, preparing students for a range of career opportunities.