Graduate Programs
School of Theatre & Film
Application Process
In order to apply to either the MFA or PhD program at the LSU School of Theatre & Film, you will need to submit your application through the LSU Office of Graduate Admissions website.
Applicants to the MFA Program in Acting should first be accepted into the program by the School of Theatre & Fim before applying to the LSU Graduate School. Please read the Admissions Process below under MFA Acting.
MFA in Acting
The MFA in Acting program provides rigorous physical, vocal, emotional, and critical actor training approaches. The MFA acting students are the primary acting pool for Swine Palace, LSU's Equity resident theatre company. To promote holistic actors, candidates create and perform a 20-minute solo work of theatre as their thesis, concluding with an oral presentation on the creative process. A traditional written thesis option is also available.
MFA in Costume Technology & Design
LSU’s MFA in Theatre in Costume Technology and Design provides a solid foundation of costume construction techniques, design, rendering, and management skills. Classroom instruction is complimented by hands-on experience in a variety of areas including draping, flat patterning, millinery, crafts, tailoring, etc. All students will undertake production positions on LSU Mainstage and Swine Palace productions. Teaching, Design and Shop Manager opportunities are available to the qualified student.
MFA in Scenic Technology and Design
The MFA in Scenic Technology and Design prepares the theatre artisan/manager to undertake positions with a wide scope of responsibility. The intention of the course of study is to develop skills in scenic technology and design especially in the areas of structural analysis and design, entertainment rigging, theatre machinery and automation, production management, set and lighting design, and theatre safety. There is some flexibility in the program to better serve the student’s academic needs. All students will undertake production positions on LSU Mainstage and Swine Palace productions. Teaching, design and management opportunities exist for the qualified student.
MFA in Properties Technology & Design
The LSU School of Theatre & Film is proud to be one of the few departments in the country to offer the MFA in Properties Technology. The course of study includes a detailed examination of the many and varied items considered properties, and different techniques and materials that can be used to create them. The intention of this course of study is to develop advanced skills in woodworking, metalworking, practical application of electrical circuitry and wiring in props, digital and graphic manipulation and design, paper-mâché, foam carving, mold making and casting, puppetry, upholstery and drapery, flat patterning, sewing, period research, leadership, and project management. The curriculum is augmented with classes in scenic and costume design, painting for the theatre, CAD, and dramaturgy. All students will undertake production positions on LSU Mainstage and Swine Palace productions. Teaching, Design and management opportunities exist for the qualified student.
PhD in Theatre
The PhD in Theatre at LSU is a scholarly degree consisting of two or more years of in-person coursework in theatre and performance history, theory, criticism, and practice. This coursework then leads to the student proposing, researching, writing, and defending a substantial intervention into a critical subfield of theatre and performance studies (i.e., the dissertation). The PhD in Theatre is the terminal degree for academic studies of theatre and performance (as opposed to the MFA, the terminal degree for training in acting, playwriting, directing, or design). We welcome dedicated researchers as well as practitioners who seek to complement their production skills with a rigorous engagement with theatre history, theory, and criticism.
Pinkie Gordon Graduate School
Graduate students looking for additional support beyond the department can find a variety of resources through the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School. From professional development and funding opportunities to academic support and campus-wide services, the Graduate School is here to help you succeed throughout your graduate journey.