The Theatre School’s Master of Fine Art (MFA) degree in Directing is a three-year program that allows directors to develop and explore their artistic vision and then apply their ideas through constant collaboration with other artists – actors, designers, and dramaturgs. Coursework is focused on preparation – research, theory and analysis – as well as practical application through scene study, workshops and quarterly full-length directing assignments.
| Program Requirements | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|
| Degree Requirements | 167 |
| Total hours required | 167 |
Learning Outcomes
Core Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Identify and describe the historical and theatrical significance of a range of theatrical artists, works, and artistic approaches from antiquity to present, encompassing a broad range of periods, cultures, and styles.
- Synthesize and apply elements of their education and training to the preparation, rehearsal, and presentation of theatrical productions with discipline, respect, and maturity.
- Identify and explain their theatrical work in the context of the cultural and social impact of the arts.
Program Specific Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Identify and create dramatic action through text analysis, personalization, and imagination, telling the story of the play clearly and dynamically in space and time.
- Articulate the intent of the play and the director’s point of view.
- Lead organized and creative collaborations with designers, technicians, and actors.
- Articulate a personal aesthetic vision and demonstrate intent to impact the field.
Degree Requirements
Course Requirements
| First Year | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| DES 360 | THEATRICAL COLLABORATION | 3 |
| Directing I Sequence | ||
| PRF 581 | DIRECTING I | 3 |
| PRF 582 | DIRECTING I | 3 |
| PRF 583 | DIRECTING I | 3 |
| Directing Seminar Sequence | ||
| PRF 691 | DIRECTING SEMINAR | 3 |
| PRF 692 | DIRECTING SEMINAR | 3 |
| PRF 693 | DIRECTING SEMINAR | 3 |
| Acting I Sequence | ||
| PRF 511 | GRADUATE ACTING I: TRUTH IN ACTION | 4 |
| PRF 512 | GRADUATE ACTING I: SCENE STUDY | 4 |
| PRF 513 | GRADUATE ACTING I: ENSEMBLE | 4 |
| Dramaturgy I Sequence | ||
| THE 534 | DRAMATURGY I | 4 |
| THE 535 | DRAMATURGY I | 4 |
| Directing Theories Sequence | ||
| PRF 591 | DIRECTING THEORIES | 3 |
| PRF 592 | DIRECTING THEORIES | 3 |
| Topics in Design Collaboration: Two Quarters | 8 | |
| PRACTICUM:TOPICS IN DESIGN COLLABORATION | ||
| Rehearsal & Performance I Sequence | ||
| Select two of the following in consultation with the Advisor: | 10 | |
| REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE I | ||
| REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE I: MFA ACTORS PROJECT | ||
| REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE I: CASTING POOL | ||
| Second Year | ||
| THE 603 | GRADUATE SEMINAR | 3 |
| PRF 500 | PRACTICUM:TOPICS IN DESIGN COLLABORATION | 4 |
| Directing II Sequence | ||
| PRF 681 | DIRECTING II | 3 |
| PRF 682 | DIRECTING II | 3 |
| PRF 683 | DIRECTING II | 3 |
| Topics in Scene Study Sequence | ||
| PRF 617 | DIRECTING: SCENE STUDY | 3 |
| PRF 618 | DIRECTING: SCENE STUDY | 3 |
| Directing Seminar Sequence | ||
| PRF 691 | DIRECTING SEMINAR | 3 |
| PRF 692 | DIRECTING SEMINAR | 3 |
| PRF 693 | DIRECTING SEMINAR | 3 |
| Acting II, Classical Sequence | ||
| PRF 611 | GRADUATE ACTING II: SHAKESPEARE | 4 |
| PRF 612 | GRADUATE ACTING II: ACTIVISM & COMMUNITY | 4 |
| Rehearsal and Perfomance II Sequence | ||
| PRF 661 | REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE II: CASTING POOL | 5 |
| PRF 662 | REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE II: CASTING POOL | 5 |
| PRF 663 | REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE II: CASTING POOL | 5 |
| Third Year | ||
| PRF 690 | INTERNSHIP | 2 |
| PRF 619 | THE DIRECTOR AND THE NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS | 3 |
| Directing Seminar Sequence | ||
| PRF 691 | DIRECTING SEMINAR | 3 |
| PRF 692 | DIRECTING SEMINAR | 3 |
| PRF 693 | DIRECTING SEMINAR | 3 |
| Thesis Project Sequence | ||
| PRF 781 | THESIS PROJECT IN DIRECTING | 9 |
| PRF 782 | THESIS PROJECT IN DIRECTING | 9 |
| PRF 783 | THESIS PROJECT IN DIRECTING | 9 |
| Rehearsal & Performance III | ||
| Select one of the following: | 5 | |
| REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE III | ||
| REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE III | ||
Work on The Theatre School’s production season extends outside of the university’s academic calendar. Some production assignments may require participation up to two weeks before the beginning of fall quarter, during a portion of the winter break, or during spring break. Specific details pertaining to different programs, specific assignments, and options for students not able to participate outside of the university’s academic calendar are available in the Theatre School Student Handbook and the Theatre School website.