Theatre (Directing), MFA
arts, directing, director, drama, stage, theater, theatre
Do you want to be a change-making director, creating innovative theatre and live performance through rewarding collaborations? Move the field forward while developing pioneering new works and groundbreaking takes on established plays.
The Master of Fine Arts program in theatre with a concentration in directing develops directors of live performance hungry to grow their artistry through deep study, experimentation and practical work. A high-engagement, mentor-student approach is emphasized with the intent of developing the skill, artistry and communication skills required to be an excellent professional director.
Students make bold new work in collaboration with playwrights as well as through ensemble-based devising. They are encouraged to tell contemporary, culturally specific stories as well as to reimagine well-known plays, all while nurturing their artistic curiosity. Students learn about current practices, allowing them to thrive as compassionate, inclusive and respectful artistic leaders.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
60 credit hours including the required applied project course (THP 693)
This is a three-year program culminating in an applied project. Directing classes and mentored directing projects constitute approximately 50% of the coursework. Classes also include:
- acting (viewpoints and composition)
- assistant directing for a professional or faculty director working on the main stage
- design collaboration
- devising methodologies
- directing the new play
- dramatic theory and criticism
- dramaturgy
- performance technology
- projects in community-based drama
- reenvisioning
- research methods
- theatre for social change
- theatre history and literature
MFA directors 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 Theatre or Music Theatre season
- guiding an ensemble in the devising process and directing the resulting devised piece
Directing faculty members 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.
Additional information on degree requirements for this degree is available on the curriculum checksheet (located at the bottom of the page).
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- School of Music, Dance and Theatre Application, including statement of purpose, current resume and a written directorial approach to a play selected by the reviewing committee
- three letters of reference from professionals familiar with the student's work
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
A personal interview is required. Interviews via phone, video conference or campus visit are available by appointment.
- The MFA in theatre with a concentration in directing recruits every three years. The next round of applications will be accepted in January 2025 for fall 2025. Interested students should check back for updates.
Students should see the program website for application deadlines and admission terms.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Develop a directing approach suitable to the shepherding of a substantial production process from start to finish.
- Apply understanding of directing methods in assistant directing situations.
- Evaluate one's directing technique, employing reflective practice toward continuous growth.
Professionals with an MFA degree in directing have obtained a variety of creative roles within the arts, including directing professionally, working within established theatres and arts organizations, and building entrepreneurial ventures that bridge the arts with other sectors. Career examples include:
- creating and producing original devised work for festivals or communities
- founding new theatre companies with like-minded collaborators
- joining the artistic staff of an established theatre company
- teaching in a variety of contexts as a visiting faculty member, professor of practice or tenure-track professor
- working as a freelance director
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
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MUSIC E167
MDTAdmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
