Lighting
The UMass Department of Theater is not accepting any applications to its graduate programs this year, as no new students will be admitted in Fall 2010. We accept students 2 out of every 3 years, and we are currently in the "off" year of our application cycle. Please do not apply this year. We will once again be accepting applications next year (2010-2011) for admission starting Fall 2011. For more information about a specific graduate program, please contact the faculty member listed for that area.
The Lighting Program is fueled by passion — passion for the ability of light to transform, and for the potential of the theatrical event. Technical and creative training in class is augmented by yearly production assignments. Designing and assisting on realized productions affords our students the opportunity to articulate their artistic voices and to learn to work effectively as part of a collaborative team. Students are mentored individually to uncover their own voices in a supportive yet challenging environment, both in the classroom and in the theater. This close mentoring relationship is an integral part of our lighting program — each graduate class is kept small to allow for an honest and challenging one-on-one relationship between professor and student. At the same time, the graduate student will have the opportunity to practice teaching both inexperienced and experienced undergraduates, and will be mentored in developing his or her own educational skills as part of the program. These close relationships often lead to further academic and professional opportunities after graduation. When they leave the department, students will enter into a valuable network of UMass graduates in the professional field. Graduating students will be equipped with artistic, technical and professional skills that render them prepared for the rigors of working in the professional theater as well as for teaching.
Download the benchmarks for the Lighting MFA program (PDF).
Download a sample plan of study for the Lighting MFA program (PDF).
Email professor Penny Remsen or visit her website.
Email department master electrician Michael Dubin.
For a student perspective on the classes and design process, visit first-year MFA Lighting Design student Jonathan Hicks' blog, Havenworth Performing Arts Center.
Student Work and Links
- Lighting Design MFA student Jonathan Hicks shares his thoughts about design and his work in our program and elsewhere on his blog Havenworth Performing Arts Center.
- Dramaturgy MFA student Liana Thompson was the literary associate at Williamstown Theatre Festival last summer.
- Directing MFa student Shawn LaCount directed Assassins for Bostons'
Company One, of which he is the artistic director. The production
has been nominated for an
Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) Award. The production received a nomination from the group for Best Musical as well.
More information about the Program
