Directing

Admission to the directing, performance and performance design concentrations is cohort-based.

The MFA in theatre with a concentration in directing is a program for students who demonstrate serious purpose, professional aspirations, theatrical daring and the desire to explore new work in collaborating with playwrights and in the devising and creation process. Respect for fellow artists and a desire to learn about how all the parts fit together are essential qualities in the successful candidate and, indeed, the successful director. Students are introduced to varied critical viewpoints from select artists and scholars. A hands-on, mentor-student approach is emphasized, with the intent of developing the skill, artistry and communication skills required to be an excellent professional director.

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