Production Technology Master's Degree

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Production Technology program prepares students for careers as technicians in the professional theater and related fields. Our training provides a strong foundation in design and technology and the skills to compete in the professional market.

We strive to provide students opportunities that will be a first step into their professional careers. The first year focuses on unleashing the imagination and examining the process of translating visual images into practical physical reality. The second year emphasizes skill development and specialization in an area of concentration. The third year contains three primary elements: thesis project, portfolio refinement and internship, as well as rounding out skills.

Areas of Concentration include Costume Technology and Costume Crafts Technology, Props Technology, and Technical Direction.

Technology students are involved in production, craft, and skill classes leading to the development of fine craft, technical skills and top-notch managerial skills. Participation in a specified production activity which is related to a student’s area of concentration is required each semester. These assignments will require mastery of senior supervisory staff positions on the main stage, such as shop manager, technical director or cutter/draper. 

Training

Production Technology areas include technical direction, costume technology and crafts, and props technology (artisanship). The program is structured to allow specialization and to encourage dual area interests. With a graduate population of 25-30 design and technology students, classes tend to be small and intense, so students get a lot of individual attention and mentoring.

Each semester ends with a review by all of the faculty of recent student work. Over the course of the three years, emphasis is placed on professional portfolio development that synthesizes classes, production and resume building employment. Classes in Performance Photography and Portfolio support this emphasis.

Summer work in the field is required, as is yearly national conference attendance.

View full curriculum details in the Academic Catalog

Year 1

They initial year includes fundamentals in technology, the director-designer collaboration, and developing relevant skills in specific areas. Realized production assignments generally begin with an assistantship and follow with a technical assignment in the second semester.

Year 2

The second year is focused on synthesis of skill and practical experiences. Students take advanced courses in technology and design as well as a business class, theater history and criticism and electives to complete the first two years. Realized production will continue with at least one assignment per semester as well as production work related practicum credits or graduate stipends.

Year 3

Students lead a fully supported main stage thesis project in their area of expertise and intern at substantial professional theater or an equivalent producing organization. The final requirement of the program is the presentation of a digital and traditional "exit portfolio" and website that meets prevailing professional standards.

Opportunities

On Campus

The majority of our productions are designed by students and all are produced by our students. With two main staged and four lab spaces, all production technicians get at least two main stage and several lab theater design experiences. All technicians will work with professional directors, designers and actors as part of the Tantrum Theater professional component of the School. Production technician students are widely sought after for student films and dance productions.

Off-Campus Experience

We regularly place students in theaters over the summer or during academic breaks. Typical placements include Santa Fe Opera, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Glimmerglass Opera, Shakespeare Theater in DC, Arena Stage, Baltimore Center Stage, Berkshire Theater, Williamstown Theater Festival, Actors Theater of Louisville, and the Pittsburgh Public Theater.

National and International Conferences

It is our expectation that students will attend at least one national conference such as USITT, LDI, SETC, or ACTF each year to participate in competitions, portfolio reviews, and job interviews. Outstanding students are invited to participate in the USITT Young Technician's Forum. The 2017 World Stage Design and the 2011 rogue Quadrennial featured several OHIO students' work and in 2007 we produced a Tobin Prize winner at the Quadrennial.

Internships

Because a requirement for graduation is an internship, we regularly place our students at theaters across the country or in professional shops. Recent placements include Santa Fe Opera, Production Resource group, The Public Theater, Jacob's Pillow, Chicago Shakespeare, Tantrum Theater, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival to name a few.

Faculty

The faculty maintains active professional careers and provide students with the opportunities through our wide professional network.

Admission to the program is by interview at the annual U/RTA sits and at scheduled interviews and portfolio reviews on campus. No GRE required. We strongly encourage an on-campus visit for a more in depth look at the program to visit classes and see a production.

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Application Requirements