Design

Yale University requires all students, other than those with approved medical or religious exemptions, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to have obtained a booster shot. According to University policy, vaccine exempt individuals must wear a mask at all times and maintain a six-foot social distance from others both indoors and outdoors, in addition to twice weekly testing. Theatrical production activity is central to the training in all programs at David Geffen School of Drama. Production work at the School and Yale Repertory Theatre requires everyone taking part to be vaccinated and boosted because we cannot guarantee that the production environment will support the ability to socially distance throughout rehearsals, tech and performances. Additionally, there are many in-class activities where a six-foot distance from faculty and other students cannot be accommodated. Therefore, we are not able to offer candidates who are not fully vaccinated and boosted admission to our programs. If you receive an offer to attend the School you will therefore need to attest to being fully vaccinated and having received a booster, and ultimately show proof of full vaccination and booster as authorized by the World Health Organization and Food and Drug Administration in accordance with Yale's COVID-19 guidelines. 

 

The purpose of the Design program is to develop theater artists who are accomplished, committed, daring designers of costume, lighting, projection, set, and sound for the theater. The program encourages students to discover their own process of formulating design ideas, to develop a discriminating standard for their own endeavors, and above all to prepare for a creative and meaningful professional life in the broad range of theater activities.

The Design program is committed to dismantling racism by engaging in an ongoing examination of the policies and practices of the program and the profession in general in order to expose biases and systemic advantage/oppression where they exist and to build a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment through anti-racist practices.

 

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All students in degree and certificate programs receive full tuition scholarships.

67% of current students receive need-based aid for living expenses.

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Production Opportunities

Students apply theory to professional practice in production work at the School, Yale Rep, and Yale Cabaret.

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Affinity Groups

Coalition-building and networking among students who share common interests, goals, and/or a self-identified background.

Scenic Designer Anna Grigo ’22, Sound Designer Daniela Hart ’22, and Costume Designer Stephen Marks ’22 discuss their process bringing Tarell Alvin McCraney’s ’07 Choir Boy, directed by Christopher D. Betts ’22, to the Yale Rep stage.

Student Perspectives

Imaging Choir Boy Together: Designers Anna Grigo, Daniela Hart, and Stephen Marks

Dramaturg Jisun Kim ’22, Technical Director Dani Mader ’22, Costume Designer David Mitsch ’22, Sound Designer Noel Nichols ’22, and Stage Manager Kevin Jinghong Zhu ’22 about their experiences bringing an authentic Hawai‘i to the Yale Rep stage for Today is My Birthday by Susan Soon He Stanton ’10, directed by Mina Morita.

Student Perspectives

Creating a Real Hawai‘i: Dramaturg Jisun Kim; Designers Dani Mader, David Mitsch, and Noel Nichols; and Stage Manager Kevin Jinghong Zhu

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Program News

Marcelo Martínez García
Apr 25, 2023

Marcelo Martínez Garcia ’23 named 2023 Burry Fredrik Design Fellow

The scenic designer receives $10,000 grant.

Andrew Burnap
Nov 01, 2022

CAMELOT at Lincoln Center Features School of Drama Talent

Andrew Burnap (’16) will star, with designs by Michael Yeargan (’73, Faculty), Jennifer Moeller (’06).