Theatre (Interdisciplinary Digital Media), MFA
Gain the experience and tools you need to succeed across the many contexts where performance and technology intersect. This program prepares you to thrive in digital performance and interactive media arts.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Theatre (Interdisciplinary Digital Media) master's description
The Master of Fine Arts program in theatre with a concentration in interdisciplinary digital media looks at digital media as a lens for making art, telling stories and creating meaningful experiences.
Daily lives are often saturated with information from a multitude of sources, and people rely on an increasing number of digital tools and processes. Simultaneously, the nature of live experience is broadening with an ever-expanding set of new forms for immersion and interaction. The possibilities to tell stories and engage audiences seem limitless.
This program trains you as an artist, creative technologist, evaluator, designer and entrepreneur in the field of digital media for live experience, building on a foundation of core courses in theatre. Courses from across the school are combined with research activities to prepare you to become a leader in your chosen area of focus by providing an individualized pathway developed in conversation with mentors.
At the heart of the graduate program is a spirit of collaboration. Offered through the School of Music, Dance and Theatre in partnership with The GAME School, the program fosters a supportive and engaging community where you can learn and grow alongside your peers.
Why specialize in interdisciplinary digital media at ASU?
At ASU's Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, the theatre program leads the way in developing equitable and wellness-oriented working practices in the performing arts, with production processes designed to empower every student. You'll strengthen your creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and storytelling skills as you explore acting, directing, education and design.
Additional Details
The theatre season features large-scale productions, classical theatre, experimental and contemporary plays, readings of student-generated work and student-produced plays. There are ample opportunities each year to get involved, whether you want to expand on existing skills or to learn new things. You can also gain experience in a variety of art forms including theatre, musical theatre, theatre for youth, dance, movement, opera, virtual reality, animation, fashion, television and film.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
60 credit hours including the required applied project course (THP 693)
Required Core (6 credit hours) Concentration (33 credit hours) Other Requirements (3 credit hours) Electives (12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Additional information on degree requirements for this degree is available on the Music, Dance and Theatre graduate degree page.
THE 504 Studies in Dramatic Theory and Criticism (3)
THE 520 Theatre History and Literature (3)
AME courses (15)
THE and THP courses (18)
THE 500 Research Methods (3)
THP 693 Applied Project (6)
The coursework in AME and theatre will be selected in consultation with the faculty advisor to ensure a breadth of transdisciplinary knowledge.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Create media applications for live performance that reflect advanced competency in media applications.
- Assess media design options for specific live performance projects, reflecting the application of academic rigor and contemporary theoretical knowledge in the fields of media design and engineering.
- Participate in cross-disciplinary collaborative processes at an advanced skill level.
Create media applications for live performance that reflect advanced competency in media applications.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information The statement of purpose should describe the applicant's background in theatre and interest in and suitability for work at the intersection of theatre and digital media. Applicants should thoroughly review application deadlines and requirements; however, applicants should also note that for financial aid purposes, The GAME School deadline is February 1.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 03/15 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this interdisciplinary digital media concentration prepares you for
Graduates are prepared to become intentional developers, makers, evaluators and entrepreneurs of digital media. They work in a variety of settings and industries, including interactive and experience design, themed entertainment, virtual production, extended reality, higher education, event design, professional theatre companies and community arts organizations.
Alumni of the program design projections on Broadway, design immersive experiences and interactive environments, lead university programs in interactive media, direct media teams at significant institutions, and produce field-leading research and creative work.
Career examples include:
- AR, VR or XR designer
- digital media artist or designer
- digital media arts educator or professor
- digital media composer
- interactive media designer
- interactive performance artist
- media technician
- performance designer
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
|
MUSIC E167
MDTAdmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
