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Theatre (Directing), MFA
FADIRMFA
arts, directing, director, drama, stage, theater, theatre
ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.
Do you want to collaborate with some of the most innovative theatre minds in the country? Come and explore how to develop new work with gifted playwrights, devisors and community-engaged artists.
Program description
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Degree awarded: MFA
Theatre (Directing)
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. Holding respect for fellow artists and having a desire to learn about how all the parts fit together are essential qualities in the successful candidate and 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 abilities 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. 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 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 a Master of Fine Arts 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 Master of Fine Arts director.
Additional information on degree requirements for this degree is available on the curriculum check sheet located at the bottom of the school's program page.
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 applicants must have 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 Master of Fine Arts in theatre with a concentration in directing recruits every three years. The next round of applications will be accepted in January 2024 for fall 2024. Interested students should check back for updates.
Students should see the program website for application deadlines and admission terms.
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about
ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Program learning outcomes▲
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 a Master of Fine Arts degree in directing have obtained a variety of creative roles within the arts, including directing professionally, starting theatre companies, 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 theatres for festivals or communities
- directing at theatres
- teaching in a variety of contexts as a visiting faculty member, professor of practice or tenure-track professor
- working as a teaching artist at a public or community school
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See
https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information:
https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
Students from western states who select this major may be eligible for a reduced nonresident tuition rate of 150 percent of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program
Web site.
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A minor is an approved, coherent focus of academic study in a single discipline, other than the student's major, involving substantially
fewer hours of credit than a corresponding major.
Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate either by the college or department of the major or minor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving graduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary graduate degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S.Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.
