A complete application to the School of Theatre and Dance includes:
- Statement of Experience & Goals: A one-to-two-page statement describing the applicant’s background and interests as they consider graduate study.
- Resume or CV detailing the applicant’s experience and education.
- Process-based Portfolio of their design and production work.
- Three contacts that can provide personal or professional reference (uploaded as part of the Graduate School application).
- An unofficial transcript showing a combined GPA of 3.0 or higher in all prior coursework.
Applications are open now and are reviewed on a rolling basis. The School of Theatre and Dance currently does not require the GRE as part of a complete application.
Note: candidates accepted to the School of Theatre and Dance will also be required to apply to the University of Houston Graduate School. Additional information about this second application is available at https://www.uh.edu/graduate-school/admissions/how-to-apply. Candidates should not apply to the Graduate School until they are accepted by the School of Theatre and Dance.
Faculty
Paige A. Willson Professor of Costume Design & Technology pawillso@central.uh.edu
Barbara Niederer Associate Professor of Costume Technology bniedere@central.uh.edu
Tatiana Vintu Associate Professor of Scenic Design tvintu@central.uh.edu
Kali Vlahos Assistant Professor of Technical Direction kvlahos@central.uh.edu
Matt Webb Assistant Professor of Lighting Design mcwebb2@central.uh.edu
About the Program
The Design and Technology program at the University of Houston is a three-year intensive that creates a challenging and supportive environment where an inquisitive, motivated, and resourceful theatre artist can develop their individual voice through collaboration with their peers and mentors. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be qualified for a career in the theatre and the related entertainment industry.
The program offers three primary areas of study: design (scenery, costumes, and/or lighting), costume technology, and technical direction. All areas share a core curriculum, including a collaborative Design and Production Studio in each semester, but each has unique curricular pathways for individualized study. Typically, the program accepts six designers, two costume technicians, and two technical directors per class. It is normally the case that a class enters the program together and remains together for three years, with one class trained at a time.
In their three years of study, students should expect to design and/or execute six to eight productions for the College of the Arts, in a variety of venues including a Broadway-style proscenium stage, a three-quarter thrust black box, and an intimate studio. Each production area is led by active faculty with extensive experience in their fields, and all are supported by expert resident staff members who operate fully stocked production shops. The program also brings in guest directors and other professionals from across the country to participate in both its own season and the School’s Houston Shakespeare Festival. Additionally, students connect with artists from the local Houston arts organizations such as the Alley Theatre, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, Theatre Under the Stars, and many others.
