Private school14.1K
Program
Program snapshot
Admissions
No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App RequiredAudition format
In-Person or VirtualProgram profile
SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsStudy AbroadProgram
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Program snapshot
Admissions
No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App RequiredAudition format
In-Person or VirtualProgram profile
SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsStudy AbroadBrowse programs
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BFA Scene Design
Program snapshot
Admissions
No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App RequiredAudition format
In-Person or VirtualProgram profile
SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsStudy AbroadProgram Recognition
•Conservatory-style BFA within The Theatre School — the Midwest's oldest theatre conservatory (est. 1925)
•Nearly 2,000 applicants compete for 134 spots across all Theatre School programs each year
Training
•Students learn to visualize, design, and create sets for on-stage performances, collaborating with directors, dramaturges, technicians, and Scene Shop staff
•Opportunity to work as assistant and lead set designer for 30+ public productions each season
•Head of Scene Design: Regina Garcia — recipient of the 2025 USITT Distinguished Achievement Award in Scene Design and Technology
Notable Alumni
•Lindsay Mummert (BFA '20) — scenic designer for Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Shattered Globe, and Lifeline Theatre; nominated for a 2022 Jeff Award in Set Design
•Kevin Hagan (MFA '96) — scenic designer working with The Artistic Home at The Den Theatre and other Chicago companies
Professional Development
•Fourth-year internship required; past placements include Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Santa Fe Opera
•Graduate Showcase: present designs to artistic directors and industry professionals in theatre, film, and television
•Combined Bachelor's and Master's degree available
Study Abroad
•One Design/Technical student per major may spend fall quarter of final year at Royal Central School of Speech & Drama (University of London)
Academic info
Snapshot
3.78
Avg GPA (W)
76%
Admit Rate
school-wide
69%
Grad Rate
14.1K
Enrollment
$69K
Earnings
10yr after
Costs & Aid
Average Annual Cost
$30,902
after typical aid
Tuition & Fees
$45,999
before aid
Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.
$0-30k$27,359
$30-48k$25,950
$48-75k$28,687
$75-110k$31,057
$110k+$37,092
Program info updated 2d ago
Program Highlights
Program Recognition
•Conservatory-style BFA within The Theatre School — the Midwest's oldest theatre conservatory (est. 1925)
•Nearly 2,000 applicants compete for 134 spots across all Theatre School programs each year
Training
•Students learn to visualize, design, and create sets for on-stage performances, collaborating with directors, dramaturges, technicians, and Scene Shop staff
•Opportunity to work as assistant and lead set designer for 30+ public productions each season
•Head of Scene Design: Regina Garcia — recipient of the 2025 USITT Distinguished Achievement Award in Scene Design and Technology
Notable Alumni
•Lindsay Mummert (BFA '20) — scenic designer for Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Shattered Globe, and Lifeline Theatre; nominated for a 2022 Jeff Award in Set Design
•Kevin Hagan (MFA '96) — scenic designer working with The Artistic Home at The Den Theatre and other Chicago companies
Professional Development
•Fourth-year internship required; past placements include Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Santa Fe Opera
•Graduate Showcase: present designs to artistic directors and industry professionals in theatre, film, and television
•Combined Bachelor's and Master's degree available
Study Abroad
•One Design/Technical student per major may spend fall quarter of final year at Royal Central School of Speech & Drama (University of London)
Program Recognition
•Conservatory-style BFA within The Theatre School — the Midwest's oldest theatre conservatory (est. 1925)
•Nearly 2,000 applicants compete for 134 spots across all Theatre School programs each year
Training
•Students learn to visualize, design, and create sets for on-stage performances, collaborating with directors, dramaturges, technicians, and Scene Shop staff
•Opportunity to work as assistant and lead set designer for 30+ public productions each season
•Head of Scene Design: Regina Garcia — recipient of the 2025 USITT Distinguished Achievement Award in Scene Design and Technology
Notable Alumni
•Lindsay Mummert (BFA '20) — scenic designer for Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Shattered Globe, and Lifeline Theatre; nominated for a 2022 Jeff Award in Set Design
•Kevin Hagan (MFA '96) — scenic designer working with The Artistic Home at The Den Theatre and other Chicago companies
Professional Development
•Fourth-year internship required; past placements include Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Santa Fe Opera
•Graduate Showcase: present designs to artistic directors and industry professionals in theatre, film, and television
•Combined Bachelor's and Master's degree available
Study Abroad
•One Design/Technical student per major may spend fall quarter of final year at Royal Central School of Speech & Drama (University of London)
Updated 2d ago
