Our next admissions cycle for all disciplines (Scenic, Costume, Lighting) will be for Autumn 2026 admittance. This program accepts candidates every other year. 

This page will be updated in Autumn 2025 for the Autumn 2026 admissions cycle. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the School of Drama's Graduate Program Advisor at (206) 543-0714 or email uwdrama@uw.edu.

Questions? Please review this page, then:

• For questions about the program, please contact the co-head of Design - Sara Walsh, swalsh1@uw.edu.
• If you have any questions about the application procedure, please contact the School of Drama's graduate program advisor at (206) 543-0714 or email uwdrama@uw.edu.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must meet minimum Graduate School admissions requirements. International applicants must meet the minimum TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores outlined under Graduate School English Proficiency Requirements. Students who hold (or will hold by September) a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution may apply. Most applicants have undergraduate degrees in theatre, but it is not essential. All must demonstrate outstanding talent to be admitted. The GRE is not required.

Application Deadline:

TBD - The deadline for all disciplines for Autumn 2026 admittance will be mid-January 2026.

Overview

Applicants to the Design program must submit a portfolio representative of their work, a personal artist statement, three recommendation letters, a set of unofficial transcripts, and the applicant must schedule an interview with the Design faculty. See below for further details.

The program generally accepts students in costume, lighting and scenic design every other year. It is extremely difficult to gain admission directly out of a BA/BFA program with no other credentials, though there is always room for the exceptional applicant. 

Design Portfolio

The portfolio is an opportunity to show us who you are as an artist and a theater maker. The portfolio may include previous set, costume, and/or lighting designs. It may also incorporate other forms of storytelling such as installation design, performance, directing, or multimedia work.  

In addition to finished work and past projects, the portfolio should have progress work such as sketches, models, storyboards, drafting, etc. It is particularly desirable to see examples of drawing, painting or lighting not intended as theatre design projects, but that relate to your aesthetic eye or interests: figure drawing, landscape or architectural sketching, sculpture, wearable art, lighting installations, photography etc. 

Work should demonstrate strong graphic skills and the ability to engage with storytelling through design and performance.

Interviews

A personal interview is required after the applicant submits the materials outlined below. We highly recommend that you interview in Seattle, although interviews with the Design faculty may be via zoom or phone. If the applicant chooses to interview in Seattle (preferred), it is expected that the applicant brings their portfolio with them to interview with the Design faculty and sits in on graduate design classes. Bring all relevant items to your interview (for example: set models, research photos, rough sketches, artwork you want to share with us, etc.). We are interested in your design process and having a discussion about how you think and approach design challenges. If you have questions about what to bring, please reach out to us.

NOTE: If you cannot make an in-person interview in Seattle, but are able to schedule in another city (for example, New York or Los Angeles), let us know. We cannot guarantee an in-person interview outside of Seattle, but we may be able to make an alternative location work on a case-by-case basis.

University/Resident Theater Association

In addition to interviewing applicants through direct admission, we will be also be attending U/RTA. Please visit urta.com for more information.

Applicants who plan to meet us through the University/Resident Theater Association (U/RTA) national unified interviews do not need to submit any initial application materials to us directly. If the head of the program is interested in considering you for the program, we will follow up with you and you will be required to apply through the Graduate School application process. (You may still apply for financial assistance available through the University by submitting the FAFSA and designating University of Washington-Seattle, Code #003798, in Step 6.)

Contact U/RTA at: 
1560 Broadway, Suite 414 
New York, NY 10036 
(212)221-1130 
auditions@urta.com 
www.urta.com

U/RTA's application deadline is usually in late November. They will accept late applications up to a certain date with the payment of a late fee.

Application Requirements

Please submit the following materials via the UW Graduate School application: 

1. Portfolio (digital file or a link to a website is acceptable)
2. A current résumé of training and experience in your field.
3. A personal artist statement including educational and professional goals.
4. Three letters of recommendation. Recommendations should come from individuals (for example, professors, mentors, directors, designers, and collaborators) familiar with the applicant’s creative and professional work.
5. One set of unofficial transcripts.
6. Application fee of $90. 
   Applicants may apply for a fee waiver through the Graduate school. 
   PLEASE NOTE: International students (students on an F or J visa are ineligible for a fee waiver. 

The GRE is not required for any applicant. 
International applicants must meet minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores and other Graduate School requirements . 

Funding

See our page on Graduate Tuition and Financial Aid for information about MFA funding.

More Questions?

For questions about the program, please contact the co-head of Design - Sara Walsh, swalsh1@uw.edu.

If you have any questions about the application procedure, please contact the School of Drama's graduate program advisor at (206) 543-0714 or email uwdrama@uw.edu.