Directing M.F.A.

M.F.A. – Directing Curriculum

We will be recruiting for our next cohort of MFA directors in January 2027.

MFA in Directing: Three Year Curriculum Guide (Class of 2026)

THTR-T Acting, Voice or Movement Elective (3 courses)
THTR-T 442 Directing II: Production Process
THTR-T 443 Directing Style
THTR-T 500 Intro to Grad Studies
THTR-T 503 Pedagogy for Theatre
THTR-T 504 Movement: Combat II or approved Elective
THTR-T 583 Choreography or other approved course
THTR-T 583 Directing Seminar I - Realism
THTR-T 583 Directing Seminar II - Non-Realism
THTR-T 583 Directing Seminar III - Music Theatre
THTR-T 583 Directing Seminar IV - Shakespeare/Classical
THTR-T 583 Double Exposure/Directing for the Camera
THTR-T 583 Graduate Playwriting Seminar
THTR-T 583 History of Directing
THTR-T 583 Professional Development/Entrepreneurship
THTR-T 583 Reimagining the Canon
THTR-T 705 Design Collaboration
THTR-T 722 Performance Practicum (6 courses)
THTR-T 897 Thesis Hours
THTR-T History, Theory, Lit Elective
THTR-T Optional Approved elective
· 6 credit hours must be completed in approved HTL courses.
· A final thesis document and oral defense is required.
· Any electives (including Independent Study) must be approved by Area head and Course Instructor before they are scheduled.
· Each semester, the student’s course grades, written reflection + faculty evaluation will determine academic standing for the subsequent semester.
· Each year, successful completion of the Reading List Exam is required.
· No more than 9 credits may count toward the degree in courses outside the department.
· Performance Practicum includes at least one Assistant Directing assignment, one Assistant or Stage Management assignment, and Directing a major project each semester after the first semester.
· The Directing MFA degree requires a minimum of 68.5 hours of coursework. Current SAA contracts include up to 12 hours of tuition remission each semester + 6 hours each summer. Students may enroll for additional credits in any given semester once the required courses are scheduled.

Program components + curriculum

The M.F.A. Program in Directing is a 60-hour course of study (often more hours are taken) over a three year period. We make an effort to create internships for directors, and offer research and travel funds on a competitive basis.

Our faculty is committed to preparing directors through specific classes in technique and process, using demanding texts of the classical and contemporary theatre. More than 75% of classes taken are in directing and other practical technique or performance courses.

We offer a foundation for creating learned, skilled, and dynamic directors. Our students gain exposure to theoretical and historical knowledge, working with a faculty of theatre professionals. They develop analytical, interpretive, and directorial skills in the studio, and enjoy a practical and mentored experience of the directing process through the realization of three creative projects.

Director candidates benefit from the guidance of many teacher/artists who are full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty, interacting with most of the performance faculty either in the classroom or on various creative projects. Guest directors and instructors periodically enhance training and bring current professional perspectives and experiences to our directors.

Learn more about requirements in our Student Portal

Assessment + Evaluation

M.F.A. directors must complete a major creative project in each of the first two years in the program, receiving faculty assessments of their success.

Admissions

Our program maintains a maximum of three directors in each highly selective three-year cohort. We admit a new cohort of three directors every three years. While we typically start reviewing applications in January, we will continue to accept them until all available spots are filled. If you have any questions about the application process, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Note: Prospective candidates are encouraged to reach out to Mr. Ansley Valentine (arvalent@indiana.edu) the Head of MFA Directing program before applying to the University Graduate School.

Learn how to apply

Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance

Directing M.F.A.

M.F.A. – Directing Curriculum

Program components + curriculum

Assessment + Evaluation

Admissions

The College of Arts & Sciences

Directing M.F.A.

M.F.A. – Directing Curriculum

Program components + curriculum

Assessment + Evaluation

Admissions

Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance social media channels

The College of Arts & Sciences