Master's in Stage Design – Scenography Technische Universität Berlin

The Master’s in Stage Design ("Bühnenbild Szenischer Raum") at the TU Berlin is a two-year programme leading to a Master of Arts degree. The dual profile and a strong practical and project orientation are unique in German-speaking countries.

The further education programme combines two ways of thinking about the dramaturgical design of space: on the one hand, the design of stage space for drama, music theatre and dance – and on the other hand, the design of environments for exhibition, installation, performance.

Starting from the concept of “space”, we focus on designs in theatrical, urban and atmospherically exposed contexts.

The aim is to learn strategies of dramaturgical spatial design and their implementation methodically and technically to later master all the “varieties” and use them artistically powerfully, consistently, and efficiently in the respective field. New forms of spatial design are developed and tested experimentally in our degree programme.

Each year, a maximum of 22 new students are accepted into the programme bringing the total number to approx. 44. Our programme offers international students from different cultural backgrounds and field of studies the opportunity to create creative synergies through interdisciplinary work.

Our faculty, consisting of over 30 professionals from various fields, offers a diverse range of subjects and brings together the knowledge and insight from careers such as set designers, (video) artists, architects, curators, technical directors, theatre theorists, dramaturgs, directors, costume designers and many more.

Our spacious, bright and high-ceiling studios are located in lofts of the former red brick factory of the AEG in Berlin-Mitte. The rooms are accessible to all students 24/7. All students are assigned their own, fully accessible studio. In addition, students have access to a large multifunctional studio, libraries, seminar rooms, a tea kitchen and a canteen in the same building.

A key feature of our Master's programme is the continuous collaboration with external partners.

The organisation of competitions, collaboration with professional productions, commissioned Master's projects and creative workshops ensure a very practical education. Internships at theatres, museums or in agencies as well as a student-organised show reinforce the practical elements of the programme.

Theoretical research components are supported by close cooperation with selected German universities, such as HfM Hanns Eisler, HZT Hochschulzentrum Tanz, HfS Ernst-Busch, UDK Sound Studies, Beuth Hochschule and others. In addition, there is a well-maintained network of over 200 alumni and faculty.

Our full-time postgraduate course of study offers a standard study period of four semesters, culminating in a Master of Arts degree. Extensions are possible on an annual basis. Lectures and seminars are scheduled between 10am and 6pm. Excursions and theatre and exhibition trips can take place outside of core lecture periods. Weekend seminars and intensive courses will be announced in advance. Details will be available on our online curriculum. Semester breaks (mid-February to mid-April and mid-July to mid-October) should be used for project work and work experience. Lectures and seminars are mainly held in German. Some workshops are on offer in English. There is a strong focus on group work.

MODULE 1 - THEORY

The initial two semesters focus on the following basics: typology; set design, spatial composition / analysis; theatre, exhibitions / theatre forms; directing, dramaturgy, acting / theory; music history, costume history, spatial theory, musical composition, communication within a space.

MODULE 2 - PROJECTS STAGE DESIGN AND SPATIAL COMPOSITION

Each semester, a project-based assignment is carried out in small groups. Students can choose between concrete cooperation and realisation projects in set design and spatial composition (exhibitions, events, performances) and fictitious experimental tasks. Projects also cover costume, directorial methods and calculation (competition status).

MODULE 3 - TECHNIQUES / PRESENTATION

Project-integrated seminars, lectures and workshops teach the following: stage and lighting techniques and design, Spatial Media Design, drawing, visualisation, presentation techniques, experimental/digital design, model+design, interactive exhibits.

MODULE 4 - PRACTICE

Compulsory course components include two work placements (self-organised) or self-initiated independent projects (at least six weeks), ideally completed during semester breaks. According to each student's interests, placements and projects can be linked to relevant professional fields such as theatre, agencies, museums, film, etc. Through our department, students have access to a large professional network. The curriculum also offers a choice of excursions for various interest groups. Students can also enrol in a range of "wild courses" on offer at the TU and other institutions of higher education.

MASTER'S THESIS

The final Master's project (colloquium, Master's project, exhibition, documentation) must be completed within 20 weeks in the fourth semester. Students can choose from three subject areas with the option of entering a cooperation or realisation of a project:

• stage and costume design for a play or music theatre (for a given topic)
• exhibition scenography (for a given topic)
• personal artistic theme within the "Space Laboratory"

Two six-week internships or free projects are to be completed. Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship.

• Degree (e.g. Bachelor's) in architecture, interior design, product design, fine art, theatre, stage design, costume design, culture management, brand communication, stage direction, or similar
• work experience
• profound knowledge of the German language (see below)

Approx. 300 EUR per semester (Semester ticket / public transport is included.)

Working part time while studying will be possible. This is best only during the semester breaks or on a weekly basis of one or two days per week.