“Students develop 50% of their skills by working on a production (solving problems, collaborating, and budgets) and 50% on classroom projects. In CFA’s Faculty Feature series, Fargo answers what students get out of the program, what she looks for in applicants, and career outcomes. In 2008, Fargo established BU’s Scene Painting Certificate program which has seen exponential growth and a positive job outlook for its graduates.

Senior Lecturer Diane Fargo has taught at BU since 2001 and has worked for many reputable designers on productions for theatres like the Manhattan Theatre Club, La Jolla Playhouse, Chicago Shakespeare, Ford’s Theater, and more! She’s also provided interior decorative painting of the Skylight Opera Theatre and store and window display and event decor for companies like Tiffany and Co., IBM, and Mohegan Sun Casino. Learn more about BU’s Scene Painting Program Head Internships with leading regional theatres and shops are encouraged. Production assignments and opportunities in a variety of venues are integrated into the curriculum in order to further one’s understanding of the level of coordination and collaboration that the art form demands, as well as adding to the refinement of the use of materials, techniques, and skills. Scene painting students gain facility with different mediums and tools in order to elaborate on and execute conceptual ideas. Students supervise and mentor production and crew assignments and are responsible for budgeting, scheduling, and creating samples. Students receive very individualized training and attention, as the student-to-instructor ratio is 2:1 with an average class size ranging from two to four students. Students engage in hands-on production work and take courses in scenic painting, history of architecture and décor, set design, color and design in light, fabric dyeing, figure drawing, and hand drafting. Two-year intensive master class education led by Program Head, Diane Fargo. The Artisan Certificate program is designed to further advance those who have already developed skills but are seeking further training for advanced or leadership positions within the field. BU School of Theatre offers a two-year certificate program providing skill and craft courses for theatre artisans and technicians seeking career training.

Artisan theater schedule