Directing

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film and Media Production at Arizona State University is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for successful careers in the dynamic fields of film, video, and media production. This rigorous curriculum combines hands-on technical training with theoretical understanding, enabling students to develop their creative vision while mastering the essential skills required for the industry. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of disciplines within the media arts, including scriptwriting, cinematography, editing, sound design, and directing, allowing them to become versatile storytellers capable of independent and collaborative work. The program emphasizes innovative thinking, technical proficiency, and a strong conceptual foundation, encouraging students to produce compelling visual narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, students will learn to craft professional-quality productions, preparing them for careers in film, television, digital media, advertising, and emerging interactive platforms. The faculty members are experienced industry professionals and scholars dedicated to mentoring students and fostering a creative community that thrives on experimentation and critical inquiry. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to participate in internships, film festivals, and cross-disciplinary projects to build their network and gain real-world experience. Arizona State University's location provides students with proximity to a vibrant arts community and media industry hubs, offering additional opportunities for collaboration, internships, and employment after graduation. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue roles such as filmmakers, directors, producers, editors, screenwriters, and media entrepreneurs, armed with a solid foundation of technical expertise, creative insight, and professional readiness. Whether aspiring to create independent films or to work within larger media organizations, students will find this program to be a vital stepping stone toward achieving their artistic and career goals in an evolving media landscape.

60 credit hours including the required applied project course (THP 693)

This is a three-year program culminating in an applied project. Practical directing and directing classes are approximately 50 percent of the course work. Classes also include:

• acting: viewpoints and composition
• assistant directing for a professional or faculty director working on the main stage
• design collaboration
• directing the new play
• dramatic theory and criticism
• dramaturgy
• performance technology
• projects in community-based drama
• re-envisioning
• research methods
• solo performance
• theatre for social change
• theatre history and literature
• theatre organization and management

MFA directors will direct a new work every year. Major assignments may include:

• creating and directing an adaptation of an existing work
• directing a new play by an MFA playwright
• directing one applied project in the main-stage season
• guiding an ensemble in the devising process and directing the resulting devised piece

Directing faculty mentor all student projects. Academic and artistic progress is evaluated at the end of each semester by a faculty committee. Program continuation is contingent upon a successful review. A professional internship is required for each MFA director.

Students are admitted to this program every three years, forming a cohort with their colleagues in the other Master of Fine Arts programs in theatre practice.

Please see the program website for application deadlines and admission terms.

Applicants must submit an online graduate admission application.

An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Division of Graduate Education, the School of Film, Dance and Theatre, and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

In addition to the requirements outlined on the Division of Graduate Education website, the School of Film, Dance and Theatre requires additional application components for the Master of Fine Arts in theatre, directing concentration, including:

1. a personal interview
2. a statement of purpose
3. a current resume
4. a written directorial approach to a play selected by the reviewing committee
5. three letters of reference from professionals familiar with the student's work

The Arizona State University offers comprehensive financing options for students enrolled in the Directing program, designed to support diverse financial needs and promote access to higher education. Prospective and current students can explore a variety of funding avenues, including federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, loans, work-study opportunities, and departmental awards. Federal financial aid packages are available to eligible students, requiring completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which assesses the student's financial need and determines eligibility for grants such as the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). In addition to federal assistance, ASU offers numerous merit-based scholarships awarded based on academic achievement, artistic talent, leadership qualities, and financial need. These scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of tuition and related expenses.

Moreover, students can access institutional grants and work-study positions that provide part-time employment opportunities on campus, allowing them to earn money while gaining valuable professional experience. The university also partners with private lenders to facilitate student loans, which offer flexible repayment plans and competitive interest rates. Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, including state grants and private scholarships from community organizations or arts foundations. The university's financial services team provides counseling and guidance to help students understand their options, complete necessary applications, and develop a sustainable financial plan for their studies.

Arizona State University recognizes that the cost of a dynamic education like Directing can be substantial, and thus commits to providing transparent, accessible, and diverse financing solutions. The university’s Financial Aid Office offers resources such as financial literacy workshops, personalized counseling, and online tools to assist students in budgeting and planning for their educational journey. For international students or those with special financial circumstances, ASU provides tailored support to navigate the available financial pathways. Overall, the institution strives to ensure that financing is not a barrier for talented students committed to advancing their skills in directing and related fields, fostering an inclusive academic environment that supports long-term success and career readiness.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Directing at Arizona State University is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for careers in theatrical and cinematic directing. The program emphasizes the development of both creative and technical skills, enabling students to effectively translate scripts into compelling visual stories. Students gain hands-on experience through a series of rigorous coursework, practical projects, and collaborations with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. The curriculum covers vital areas such as script analysis, stage management, set design, acting techniques, and production management, ensuring a well-rounded education in directing for stage and screen.

Students have the opportunity to work on a variety of productions, including plays, short films, and multimedia projects, which allows them to develop their unique artistic voice and directorial vision. The program also offers courses in film theory, dramaturgy, and audience engagement, preparing graduates for the multifaceted demands of the entertainment industry. State-of-the-art facilities and technology support the learning environment, giving students access to professional-grade equipment for filming, editing, and stage production.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to participate in internships, festivals, and professional showcases, providing valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities. The faculty comprises experienced directors, producers, and scholars who mentor students and facilitate industry connections. The BFA in Directing aims to cultivate innovative storytellers who are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in diverse media platforms and entertainment sectors.

Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue careers as theatrical directors, film and television directors, production managers, or further their education in graduate programs. ASU’s emphasis on experiential learning, combined with its vibrant arts community and strong industry ties, makes it an ideal place for aspiring directors to develop their craft and launch successful careers in the arts and entertainment industry.