Master of Fine Arts in Theatre (Design)
The Graduate Program in Design at the University of Florida provides rigorous, comprehensive training for emerging theatre designers, emphasizing both artistic development and professional practice. Students admitted to the program join our community that focuses on collaboration, critical thinking, and sustained creative growth. The program is structured to support students as they navigate the intellectual, aesthetic, and practical dimensions of advanced study in design.
A central component of the program is its mentorship model. Faculty and students work in continuous, meaningful conversation through critique, mentorship, and collaborative inquiry to advance artistic growth, deepen technical expertise, and ensure professional preparedness. This mentorship approach is designed to build trust, encourage reflective practice, and support each student’s long-term development as an artist and scholar.
Through a combination of individualized mentorship, production experience, and scholarly inquiry, the Graduate Program in Design prepares students for professional careers in theatre, dance, opera, live entertainment, and themed environments, as well as for continued academic or artistic research in the discipline.
The MFA is a 60-credit 3-year program. Most graduates receive a graduate assistantship. For more information, please contact Graduate Coordinator Jennifer Dasher: j.dasher@arts.ufl.edu
Costume
The costume program is led by Associate Professor in Costume design, Jennifer Dasher. Professor Dasher holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Production from Texas Christian University. A collaborative designer whose creative vision elevates and shapes the storytelling of high-profile, innovative live entertainment, her portfolio spans global tours for superstars including Beyoncé (“Formation”), Madonna (“Rebel Heart”), and Taylor Swift (1989, The Era’s Tour). She has worked with companies including Cirque du Soleil, Disney, and Tait where her sense of aesthetics, performance flow, and technical execution transform the imagery audiences remember.
Required Courses: Design Studio, Costume Design I, Costume Design II, Detail Design, Advanced Theatre Graphics, Cognizant Design Theory, Applied Theatre
Where Our Graduates Work: Shakespeare Theatre Company, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Asolo Conservatory, Universal, Off- Broadway, Broadway, Henry Ford College, University at Buffalo, Beloit College, Hippodrome Theatre, Orlando Shakes, West Coast Black Theatre Troupe
Lighting
The lighting program is led by Assistant Professor in Lighting Design, Leo Lei. Leo holds a Master of Fine Arts in Lighting Design from Kent State University, Leo has been sharing his expertise with students for many years, he started his teaching career at Santa Fe University of Art and Design (NM) with Lighting Design and Technologies, and had previously served as Program Director of Entertainment of Design and Technology, and Associate Professor of Lighting and Sound in the School of Stage and Screen at Western Carolina University (NC). Leo’s design credits include notable productions such as Into the Woods, Beauty and The Beast, Twelfth Night, Noises Off, Cabaret, Company, Footloose, Grease, and Mousetrap, among others. His recent media design for This Ability was featured on Chicago Children’s Theatre’s virtual stage, while his recent sound and projection design for Jabari Dreams of Freedom was showcased at New Victory Theatre Off-Broadway in New York. Leo is a versatile designer who is sought after not only for his theatrical work, but also for his ability to design lighting and sound for corporate events, concerts and music festivals internationally. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including 1st Place of Graduate Lighting Design Award for Side Show in the 67th Southeast Theatre Conference (SETC), and the Best Lighting Design of a Play or Musical from Broadway World Central New York Awards in 2022, and 2023.
Required Courses: Design Studio,Lighting Design I, Lighting Design II, Lighting Specialties, Drafting, Advanced Theatre Graphics, Cognizant Design Theory, Applied Theatre
Where Our Graduates Work: Adrienne Arsht Center, Zoetic Stage, Santa Fe Opera, Olney Theatre Center, EXP, Available Light
Scenic
The scenic program is led by Associate Professor in Scenic design, Mihai Ciupe. Professor Ciupe holds a dual Master of Fine Arts degree in Scene and Costume Design from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Scenography from the University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Prior to his work in the United States, he served as resident designer at the National Theatre of Cluj-Napoca. His professional experience includes extensive European touring productions and engagement with diverse theatrical traditions in England, Scotland, Hungary, France, and the former Yugoslavia. His ongoing professional work—designing three to four productions annually at regional and national venues—creates meaningful opportunities for students to observe and engage with the professional theatre industry.
Required Courses: Design Studio, Scene Design I, Scene Design II, Advanced Theatre Graphics, Drafting, Scene Painting, Cognizant Design Theory, Applied Theatre
Where Our Graduates Work: Mills James Scenic, Adirondack Studios, Themeworks, Titusville Playhouse, Off-Broadway, Broadway