The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers an MFA in Theatre Arts with emphases in Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Costume Design or Technical Production.
This exciting program is part of an innovative theatre and film school with an award-winning faculty who seeks to reshape how theatre is made in the 21st century. The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film is a premier training program of theatre and film artists with an alumni network stretching from New York to L.A.
The Carson School was established, thanks to the philanthropic support from the late Johnny Carson, whose endowment to the School provides substantial support for technology, programs, and scholarships. In late 2015, the Johnny Carson Foundation announced another $20 million donation as part of an overall $57 million investment by the University to create the new Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts, an exciting new program that creatively fuses performative experiences across film; theatre and live stage performance; gaming, interactive media, broadcast and internet media; and augmented and virtual reality.
Lincoln Nebraska is ranked #1 Happiest and Healthiest City by Gallup –Healthways; #2 Best City for Creative Professionals by the SmartAsset personal finance website; and Top 10 downtowns by Livability.com. The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film is part of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts that, through its endowment, further supports the theatre faculty and students by funding a professional film series, scholarships, student and faculty travel, and productions for the Nebraska Repertory Theatre, the professional wing of the School.
Core Concepts
- Idea development/realization
- Artistic communication
- Critique and evaluation
- Professional presentation
- Principles of design
Opportunities
- Realized Design/Production in Theatre, Dance, Opera
- Assisting USA 829 Designers & Professional Technical Directors
- Teaching
- Leadership
- Attend Professional Conferences – USITT, LDI
Careers
- Scene Designer
- Costume Designer
- Lighting Designer
- Technical Director
Application to this program
The MFA programs in Design recruit through the University/Resident Theatre Association's portfolio review and interview process in January and February annually. On campus portfolio presentations and interviews are conducted throughout the year.
Read more about application process below.
MFA Area of Concentration in Scenic Design
School Requirements
A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent training is required for admission to the program. To be considered for entrance into the graduate program the applicant must show records of current and past experience at the academic and/or professional level through résumé and references. Students are minimally expected to have had acting, directing, basic stagecraft (as a formal course) and two semesters of theatre history.
Students must also show evidence of drawing abilities and/or technical skills and have a portfolio of work.
The MFA program in Stage Design recruits through both the University/Resident Theatre Association and SETC LiNK portfolio reviews, as well as at USITT. Interview processes begin in November and run through February annually. On campus portfolio presentations and interviews are encouraged and conducted throughout the year. Contact Prof. JD Madsen at jdmadsen@unl.edu to set up an on campus appointment or if you have questions regarding the process or openings in the program.
Graduate Design Application
Applicants for admission can begin their application at the Office of Graduate Studies Website.