Philosophy

The Master’s Bühnenbild_Szenischer Raum at the TU Berlin is a two-year programme leading to the degree “Master of Arts”. 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 – 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.

Students & Lecturers

Up to 22 students can be admitted per year, meaning a total of a maximum of 44 students from different nations and disciplines are enrolled. With around 30 freelance lecturers working in professional practice, we implement versatile, interdisciplinary teaching, close to practical conditions. Our lecturers work in the areas of: stage, costume, scenography, film, video, sound design, fine art, architecture, directing, dramaturgy, theater studies as well as technical direction and exhibition realization.

Study content

The full-time course is divided into four consecutive semesters and leads to a Master of Arts degree. Classes are mainly held on Mondays to Thursdays, although workshops or compact courses are occasionally also possible at weekends. All dates are announced and communicated in a joint calendar.

Classroom teaching is based on the semester rhythm. The lecture-free period from mid-February to mid-April and from mid-July to mid-October can be used for free project work and internships. The language of instruction is predominantly German; some workshops are offered in English. We encourage individual work as well as working in teams of different sizes.

In terms of content, the study examination regulations provide for 4 module areas (see diagram).

Study plan

Study and examination regulations and admission regulations

Module

Theory

In the form of lectures and seminars, the basics are taught in the first two semesters: typology of stage design / scenic space, analysis of theater / exhibition, forms of theater, directing / dramaturgy, history of acting / musical theater, spatial theory, music dramaturgy, costume history, communication in space

Projects stage design / scenic space

Each semester, two projects are developed in small groups: either the design of stage and scenic spaces (exhibition, event, performance) in the form of cooperation or realization projects or fictitious exercises and experimental free tasks. Deepening of the projects in the areas of costume, staging means and calculation/tendering.

Technique/presentation

The following areas are developed in project-integrated seminars, lectures and workshops:
Stage technology / lighting technology, lighting design, media staging, life drawing / free drawing, visualization, presentation training, make-up painting, interactive exhibits.

Practice

A compulsory part of the course of study are two self-organized internships or your own free projects (each lasting at least 6 weeks), which are, if possible, completed during the lecture-free period. Depending on the students’ interests, these can take place in related professional fields (theater, agencies, museums, film, etc.). The course of study provides helpful support with its network. A variety of excursions are part of the curriculum and can be chosen depending on your focus of interest. In addition, an elective subject from the offerings of the TU Berlin or other universities is taken.

Master’s thesis

The master’s thesis in the 4th semester must be completed in a total processing time of 20 weeks. The final thesis consists of four components: colloquium (theoretical and dramaturgical introduction), master’s project, exhibition and documentation. There are three subject areas to choose from, these can also be cooperation/implementation projects; the decision on the choice of topic is made in close consultation with the course director.

Design of stage and costume for drama or musical theater

Draft of an exhibition scenography 

own artistic themes within the framework of the interdisciplinary spatial laboratory

Teaching formats

As part of lectures and seminars, the basics are taught, especially in the first two semesters: typology of stage design / scenic space, analysis of theater / exhibition, forms of theater, direction / dramaturgy, drama / musical theater history, spatial theory, music dramaturgy, costume history, model & design.

The practical lessons take place in small groups in the stage design_scenic space project area and are supported from the 2nd semester onwards through implementation-relevant seminars such as media staging (video and sound design), interactive exhibits, mask design, calculation, etc. e.g. T. supplemented in a project-integrated manner.

Studios

In a former AEG brick building in Berlin-Mitte, there are more than 1,000 square metres of spacious, light-flooded rooms and studios for the degree programme. Each student has their own studio space – accessible all day, with all the necessary facilities. A large multifunctional studio, seminar rooms, a workshop, material rooms, a black box for photo and video work and an own kitchen are available.

Address: Ackerstrasse 76, 13355 Berlin, courtyard 3, staircase H, 4th floor, rooms ACK 476-484.
Public transport: U8 Voltastr., S1 Nordbahnhof, Bus 247 Gartenplatz

Cooperations

A characteristic of the Master’s programme is the cooperation with external partners (theatres, museums, festivals, companies, etc.). By means of realization projects, commissioned idea workshops, etc., a distinctly practical and project-oriented education is made possible. Two external internships and free projects, as well as the Master’s degree exhibition staged by the students themselves, also increase the practical relevance during the degree programme.

In teaching, we work closely with other Berlin universities such as HfS Ernst-Busch (directing, contemporary puppetry), HZT Hochschulübergreifendes Zentrum Tanz (choreography), HfM Hanns Eisler (directing, singing), UDK (acting, sound studies), TU (i.e. 1-Literary Studies), Berliner Hochschule für Technik (theatre technology) and others.

In addition, there is a well-maintained network of more than 350 graduates and lecturers to date. The program is actively involved in associations and professional organizations: VerA, Szenografiebund, PAF (Performing Arts Festival)LAFTDTHG (Deutsche Theatertechnische Gesellschaft)Deutscher BühnenvereinGesellschaft von Freunden der TU Berlin e.V.