Program
No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualModerately SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
Moderately Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•4-year professional training program in costume, lighting, and scenic design
•Faculty are distinguished working professionals providing one-on-one mentoring
•First year: all design students take core classes together, building community and collaborative skills
•Second year: in-depth exploration into areas of concentration, including "Global Theater" course analyzing current theater styles and theories across the globe
STUDY ABROAD
•All design students spend the fall semester of their third year in London, studying with distinguished British designers and attending theater productions, museums, and galleries
SPECIALIZATIONS
•Costume design students shop fabrics and conduct research at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other NYC cultural institutions
•Lighting design faculty have extensive experience in Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theater, opera, film, television, and architectural lighting
•Scenic design students collaborate on productions for the Rutgers Theater Company and see their designs realized on stage
INDUSTRY & CAREER
•Fourth year: professional development, networking, and portfolio development
•Design students are presented to the industry at a portfolio presentation in New York City in their final semester
•Visiting professional designers and directors provide networking opportunities
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Amith Chandrashaker (BFA '05) — lighting designer for Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway, Lucille Lortel Award nominee
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Regular DecisionDec 1, 2025
TransferFeb 1, 2026
Program AppApplication
Apply atSlideRoom
Deadlines
Rutgers University ApplicationDec 1, 2025
Mason Gross Talent AssessmentJan 15, 2026
Auditions
Interview (On-Campus or Zoom)Jan 31, 2026
Interview (On-Campus or Zoom)Feb 14–15, 2026
Audition Requirements
•Talent Assessment fee
•Theater QUESTIONNAIRE (4 prompts — see application_notes)
•PORTFOLIO:
-Portfolios can include designs, drafting, drawings, photographs of productions, clothing and scenic construction, paperwork, and anything else that shows your background and interest in theater
-You may also include non-theatrical artwork, drawings, photography, craftwork, or construction projects that demonstrate who you are as an artist and your desired field of study
-Costume Design, Scenic Design, and Lighting Design applicants follow the above portfolio guidelines
•RESUME and photograph (required for Dramaturgy applicants only)
Good to Know
QUESTIONNAIRE (4 PROMPTS — REQUIRED)
•Why do you want to be a theater designer, costume technologist, technical director, stage manager, or dramaturg?
•Have you been active in working on the production of plays at your high school, current college, or in community theater? Please explain
•What is your favorite pastime outside of theater and why?
•A "beloved community" as defined by a commitment to working together to embody, reflect, and respect the complexities of all our parts — please share how you, or your artistry, creativity and/or talent reflect this value of diversity, equity, and inclusion
ELIGIBILITY
•Fall admission only
What's The Process
INTERVIEW
•All applicants will be scheduled to interview live or on Zoom with Design and Production faculty
•Expect questions about your submitted portfolio, background, interest, and goals in theater
TALENT ASSESSMENT PORTAL
•A unique link and temporary pin will be emailed upon submission of Rutgers application or Common App
Program info updated 5h ago
TRAINING
•4-year professional training program in costume, lighting, and scenic design
•Faculty are distinguished working professionals providing one-on-one mentoring
•First year: all design students take core classes together, building community and collaborative skills
•Second year: in-depth exploration into areas of concentration, including "Global Theater" course analyzing current theater styles and theories across the globe
STUDY ABROAD
•All design students spend the fall semester of their third year in London, studying with distinguished British designers and attending theater productions, museums, and galleries
SPECIALIZATIONS
•Costume design students shop fabrics and conduct research at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other NYC cultural institutions
•Lighting design faculty have extensive experience in Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theater, opera, film, television, and architectural lighting
•Scenic design students collaborate on productions for the Rutgers Theater Company and see their designs realized on stage
INDUSTRY & CAREER
•Fourth year: professional development, networking, and portfolio development
•Design students are presented to the industry at a portfolio presentation in New York City in their final semester
•Visiting professional designers and directors provide networking opportunities
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Amith Chandrashaker (BFA '05) — lighting designer for Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway, Lucille Lortel Award nominee
Updated 5h ago
Academic School Information
3.86
Avg GPA (W)
58%
Admit Rate
84%
Grad Rate
37,751
Enrollment
$74,479
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$17,929
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$37,441
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$24,406
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$16,343
Family Income $30k - $48k$16,210
Family Income $48k - $75k$18,282
Family Income $75k - $110k$25,106
Family Income $110k+$35,016
