Master’s Program in Scenography – Production Design at DAMU

Overview

The Master’s program in Scenography – Production Design at the Theatre Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (DAMU) is a two-year, English-language course designed for graduates of scenography, architecture, design, or related visual-spatial disciplines. Rooted in the rich tradition of DAMU’s Department of Stage Design, the program equips students with a combination of artistic, technical, and production-oriented skills necessary for modern film, television, and media environments. It balances creative expression with practical application, preparing graduates to contribute as independent and collaborative professionals in highly competitive audiovisual industries.

The program emphasizes the translation of narratives, scripts, and concepts into compelling visual and spatial designs, blending traditional scenography with contemporary production design practices. By integrating historical knowledge, technological innovation, and production management skills, students acquire the expertise required to realize a creative vision while navigating the technical and logistical realities of a production.

Program Goals

The program aims to develop students into versatile professionals capable of combining artistry with practical expertise. Key objectives include:

• Cultivating a strong artistic and conceptual identity in spatial design.

• Integrating scenographic knowledge with architectural and design principles.

• Encouraging systematic, project-based work that mirrors real production environments.

• Providing historical, technological, and cultural perspectives on scenography and production design, both in the Czech context and internationally.

Through these goals, graduates are prepared to function not only as creative artists but also as professional collaborators who can lead or contribute to the visual development of film, television, and related media.

Curriculum Structure

The program spans four semesters and combines theoretical study with intensive practical experience:

• First and Second Semesters: Focus on foundational skills in designing interior and exterior spaces, emphasizing technical drawing, perspective, and basic construction techniques.

• Third Semester: Introduces advanced production design techniques, including virtual and hybrid scenography, reflecting the increasing integration of digital technologies.

• Fourth Semester: Dedicated to the master’s thesis project, in which students create a comprehensive scenographic concept for a feature-length film, simulating professional production conditions.

In addition to studio practice, students engage in courses covering:

• Visual scenography for film and television

• Construction methods and budgeting

• History and theory of scenography and cinematography

• Interdisciplinary collaboration with students from FAMU (Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague)

This combination ensures that students gain both the creative vision and practical skills necessary for success in professional media production.

Graduate Profile

Graduates of the program possess a wide range of competencies:

• Artistic and creative skills: Ability to design and implement distinctive visual concepts that support storytelling and create immersive spatial experiences.

• Technical and production expertise: Proficiency in construction, budgeting, and production management, ensuring projects can be realized efficiently and within practical constraints.

• Collaborative and leadership abilities: Preparedness to work as part of a multidisciplinary production team or to lead visual design departments.

• Critical and theoretical awareness: Capacity to contextualize work historically and theoretically, articulate a personal artistic voice, and engage in reflective professional practice.

Graduates are well-positioned for careers in film, television, advertising, music videos, video games, immersive media, exhibition design, or academic and research contexts within scenography.

Why Choose DAMU?

Studying scenography in Prague offers several advantages:

• Prestige and tradition: DAMU’s Department of Stage Design has a history dating back to 1946, with internationally recognized artists such as Josef Svoboda and Jan Dušek shaping its legacy.

• Interdisciplinary environment: Students benefit from collaboration across visual arts, film, and media production disciplines.

• International accessibility: The English-language program attracts students worldwide, fostering a diverse and global learning environment.

• Practical immersion: Small class sizes and project-based learning simulate real-world production scenarios, ensuring graduates are ready to enter professional settings immediately.

• Career opportunities: The program provides the skills and professional networks necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving global audiovisual industry.

Admissions Requirements

The program is designed for motivated students who:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in scenography, architecture, interior design, or a related field.

• Can demonstrate a strong creative portfolio reflecting their interest in audiovisual media and scenography.

• Are prepared to participate in a talent evaluation, submit a motivation statement, and complete potential design assignments.

• Possess sufficient English proficiency to study at an advanced level (typically B2 or above).

Small cohort sizes ensure personalized guidance, intensive mentorship, and a collaborative learning atmosphere.

Career Prospects

Graduates of DAMU’s Master’s program in Scenography – Production Design are prepared for a wide range of professional paths, including:

• Feature films and television productions as production designers, art directors, or set designers.

• Commercial media projects such as advertising, music videos, and video game environments.

• Exhibition design and immersive media installations.

• Academic, research, and pedagogical roles that contribute to the development of scenography as a discipline.

The program fosters both creative and strategic thinking, enabling graduates to establish a distinctive professional identity and a long-term career in the international visual media landscape.

This structure makes the program accessible, engaging, and professional while highlighting its artistic and technical rigor, international context, and career relevance.