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Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Browse programs

Quick links

MFA Entertainment Design

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredNo University App

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Training

Three-year professional training in scenic, costume, and lighting design

Cultivates artistic, analytical, and practical design skills

Cohort of 4 design students admitted each year

Professional Development

Design at SMU and partner theatres including Dallas Theater Center (LORT), Undermain, Theatre Three, Kitchen Dog, and Amphibian Theatre

Individual mentorship with weekly classes and twice-a-semester in-depth reviews

Third-year NYC Showcase or Design Showcase West in LA

Faculty facilitate employment during studies, summer internships, and post-MFA fellowships

Value

Full tuition scholarship ($44,500/year tax-free) plus $12,000/year assistantship

Total 3-year package: $168,000

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.67

Admit rate

63%

school-wide

Grad rate

84%

Enrollment

7.3K

Earnings

$78K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$71,816

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$96,388

Before aid

Average net price

$40,892

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · smu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 21, 1:43 AM

Program Highlights

Training

Three-year professional training in scenic, costume, and lighting design

Cultivates artistic, analytical, and practical design skills

Cohort of 4 design students admitted each year

Professional Development

Design at SMU and partner theatres including Dallas Theater Center (LORT), Undermain, Theatre Three, Kitchen Dog, and Amphibian Theatre

Individual mentorship with weekly classes and twice-a-semester in-depth reviews

Third-year NYC Showcase or Design Showcase West in LA

Faculty facilitate employment during studies, summer internships, and post-MFA fellowships

Value

Full tuition scholarship ($44,500/year tax-free) plus $12,000/year assistantship

Total 3-year package: $168,000

Program Highlights

Training

Three-year professional training in scenic, costume, and lighting design

Cultivates artistic, analytical, and practical design skills

Cohort of 4 design students admitted each year

Professional Development

Design at SMU and partner theatres including Dallas Theater Center (LORT), Undermain, Theatre Three, Kitchen Dog, and Amphibian Theatre

Individual mentorship with weekly classes and twice-a-semester in-depth reviews

Third-year NYC Showcase or Design Showcase West in LA

Faculty facilitate employment during studies, summer internships, and post-MFA fellowships

Value

Full tuition scholarship ($44,500/year tax-free) plus $12,000/year assistantship

Total 3-year package: $168,000

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Program AppApplication

Dates

Dates TBA

Apply

School Website

Designmfa · smu.edu

Interview Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Application Materials

Official transcripts from each college or university previously attended

Three letters of recommendation from professors who know the applicant's personal and academic qualifications

ARTIST STATEMENT addressing graduate-study goals and fit with SMU

CV/resume listing relevant accomplishments, scholarships, residencies, exhibitions, screenings, or related experience

Portfolio

Present a portfolio of design work for faculty review

Include one complete show as a designer package with research, concept, scene breakdown, and supporting materials

Supporting work may include rough sketches, drafting, ground plans, model photos, renderings, magic sheets, cue synopsis, hook-up paperwork, and production photos

Production photographs should be at least 8 x 10

Slides and DVDs are not accepted

Designmfa · smu.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Submit the Meadows School of the Arts Graduate Application through SMU Graduate Admission

Complete the online application and deliver all supporting materials before February 15 for full fall consideration

Application materials are retained for one year and are not returned

Admission Pathway

Admits 4 design students each year

All new Theatre students begin courses in the fall semester

Important Notes

$75 application fee is waived for MFA in Theatre applicants at time of application

What's The Process

Audition Process

Design candidates must schedule an interview with design faculty and present a portfolio of design work

Interview is required for admission into the program

Faculty representatives attend U/RTA interviews in New York and Chicago

Applicants may choose to interview in Dallas and combine the interview with a campus visit

Audition Expectations

Expect the interview process to take a full day when possible

Visit may include classes, portfolio review, faculty interview, meal with current MFA students, campus tour, and an evening production

Contact Steve Woods, Head of Design: stevew@smu.edu

Scholarship Info

Full tuition scholarship ($44,500/year tax-free) plus $12,000/year assistantship. Total 3-year package: $168,000.

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.67

Admit rate

63%

school-wide

Grad rate

84%

Enrollment

7.3K

Earnings

$78K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$71,816

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$96,388

Before aid

Average net price

$40,892

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · smu.edu College Scorecard

Training

Three-year professional training in scenic, costume, and lighting design

Cultivates artistic, analytical, and practical design skills

Cohort of 4 design students admitted each year

Professional Development

Design at SMU and partner theatres including Dallas Theater Center (LORT), Undermain, Theatre Three, Kitchen Dog, and Amphibian Theatre

Individual mentorship with weekly classes and twice-a-semester in-depth reviews

Third-year NYC Showcase or Design Showcase West in LA

Faculty facilitate employment during studies, summer internships, and post-MFA fellowships

Value

Full tuition scholarship ($44,500/year tax-free) plus $12,000/year assistantship

Total 3-year package: $168,000

Updated Aug 21, 1:43 AM