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Theater

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

Plan of Study Grid
First YearHours
DES 641 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