Graduate Degree Programs
MFA in Theatre: Directing
The ability to inspire and lead a team of artists that combines their best talents in the creation of vivid theatrical life is the defining attribute of a successful director. The directing program emphasizes a hands-on, mentor-student approach to develop the skill, craft, attitude and artistry required to flourish. You explore new work in collaboration with playwrights, re-examine existing work and delve into the creative devising process with the MFA Cohort of designers and performers. A new cohort including two or three directors is admitted only once every three years. For admission, you must demonstrate directing talent, scholastic achievement and, preferably, practical experience in the professional theatre.
Admission
You must meet all admission requirements of the Graduate College. In addition, the School of Theatre and Film requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of course work in theatre and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.20 for all course work in theatre.
Dates and sites for interviews may be obtained from the School of Theatre and Film.
For the concentration in directing, the School of Theatre and Film requires:
- Personal interview, either on campus or at one of the U/RTA sites
- Statement of purpose
- Current résumé
- Three references of professionals familiar with your work
- Written approach to dramatic work selected by the reviewing committee
Application Deadline
Admission to this program is cohort-based. We will accept applications for the 2011 academic year beginning in Fall 2010. The application deadline is Feb. 15 in the year of application. After that date, admission is subject to space availability.
Program of Study
You work closely with the MFA cohort steering committee to develop a program of study in required and elective course work. You are evaluated at the end of each semester by the steering committee, in consultation with faculty teaching that semester. You are responsible for documenting professional development. The advancement of each student through each of the three years in the MFA program is dependent upon a positive recommendation of the supervisory committee.
The program for theatre for youth consists of 60 semester hours, distributed as follows:
36 hours of required course work in the major:
Credit Before Admission
Subject to approval by the supervisory committee, a maximum of 24 semester hours of graduate work from a completed master's degree program earned at ASU or another accredited institution may be applied to the program of study. In other cases, a maximum of nine semester hours of non-degree graduate work from ASU or another institution may be applied. All course work for the degree must be completed within the six-year time limit.
Foreign Language Requirements
None.
Final Examinations
A comprehensive examination or comprehensive review in the area of concentration is required. In addition, students failing to receive a grade of "B" (3.00) or higher in THE 504 and 520 must pass a written comprehensive examination on the subject matter of those courses. THP 693 Applied Project must be supported by written documentation and defended in an oral defense.
Deficiencies
Deficiencies in undergraduate preparation of no more than 12 hours may be removed while pursuing the MFA degree; courses taken to remove deficiencies may not be counted toward the degree.