Once every four years, a group of exceptionally talented students is selected for admission to the graduate conservatory at University of Delaware’s Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP) for three years of training leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree.
Because there is only one class enrolled at any one
time, the faculty is able to focus its full energies–as well as the program’s entire time, space and budget–toward fulfilling the potential of each member of this select group.
The PTTP is specifically designed to train for the stage, where human, rather than electronic, energy is the medium of communication.
Training is focused on plays from the classic repertoire and the PTTP seeks students with a particular commitment to, and appetite for, the classics.
The Technical Production curriculum prepares students for careers in professional theatre as one or more of the following: technical director, property master, master electrician, audio engineer, and/or shop supervisor. The training is accomplished through mentoring, class work, and production assignments. In addition to providing the management skills necessary for successful technical direction, the curriculum includes rigorous training in the following areas:
- CAD and other computer skills
- Scenery construction
- Rigging
- Stage mechanics and automation
- Painting
- Properties construction and management
- Lighting
- Sound
Throughout the Training
- The majority of each student’s time is spent in practical
work, carefully chosen to address individual needs.
- Students work closely with faculty, professional staff artisans, as well as guest designers and directors.
- Productions are typically mounted in groups of two or more, providing the student with the stimulating challenges of producing in a variety of venues as well as in rotating repertory.
- Students supervise and manage undergraduates in a variety of shop
and crew assignments.
- The quality of the finished product is measured against the highest
professional standards.
Three Year Curriculum
