In the third year, students complete an internship with a professional theatre before returning to the School of Drama for one quarter for a final thesis project. The core of the program is a group of classes and seminars that bring designers and directors together to discuss the creation of works for the stage. The first of these classes is offered in the autumn quarter of the first year to lay the groundwork for productive collaborations at the School of Drama, and hopefully in the future. Other studio and skills courses develop proficiency. Professionals working in Seattle are regularly invited to attend classes and offer critiques or discuss their work.
Students regularly assist faculty on outside projects.
Scenic Design Students in scenic design are expected to acquire acceptable proficiency in drawing and painting, drafting, model building, scene painting, and scene and property construction through a rigorous succession of studio assignments and actual production work. Costume Design Students in costume design take courses in design, construction, patterning and shop management as well as completing a rigorous succession of studio assignments. Tutoring in shopping, pulling, fitting and tailoring occurs in the course of preparing actual productions. A strong emphasis is on actual production design. The lighting design program emphasizes communication with the director and other designers and a complete understanding of the lighting design process.