Graduate Handbook

Courses

Students pursuing an MFA in directing must complete a minimum of 60 semester hours of course work. The program curriculum includes department core courses in literature, history and criticism; supporting courses in a variety of theatre topics; and courses particular to directing.

Plan of Study

Students develop a plan of study during their first semester. The plan takes into account the normal program requirements as well as the particular background and special interests of each student. It is developed in conjunction with the student’s program head and signed by the program faculty (including one faculty member outside the program), who serve as the student’s Committee. It must be submitted to the Program head and the Director of Graduate Studies no later than the end of the first semester; it is then reviewed at the end of each academic year. Modifications to this document must be approved by the program head and committee.

Typical Plan of Study

1st Semester

Directors Seminar: What is Theatrical?
Orientation to Graduate Studies (1s.h., Fall 2004)
Playwriting or Collaboration
Design I
Playwrights Workshop (1 s.h.)

2nd Semester

Director’s Seminar: Analysis and Style
Stage Combat
Acting: Advanced Scene Study
Theatrical Analysis

3rd Semester

Director’s Seminar: Type
Playwriting or Collaboration
Acting: Grotowski
Design I (second area)

4th Semester

Director’s Seminar: Social Responsibility and Outreach
Acting: Shakespeare
Theatrical Analysis
Elective

5th Semester

Director’s Seminar: Opera & Music
Acting: Comedy
Dramaturgy
History of Fashion and Décor

6th Semester

Theatre Director’s Seminar: Tutorial
Arts Management
Theatrical Analysis

Production Assignments

MFA Directing students must satisfactorily complete production assignments to fulfill the requirements for graduation. Students are expected to direct at least one public presentation every semester, though the specific number and scheduling of assignments may vary. Typical production assignments follow:

First Year
Direct first year project (Fall)
Direct a production in the New Play Festival (Spring)
Assistant direct a main stage production (could be second year as well)

Second Year
Direct a second year project (Fall)
Direct a production in New Works Festival (Spring)

In the second year, students may earn 1 hour of credit for work on the Second Stage production, and 1 hour for work on Festival. These hours are in addition to the 60-hour program minimum.

Third year
Direct a thesis production or Gallery production (Fall)
Direct a thesis production or Festival production (Spring)

In the third year, students may earn up to 3 hours of credit for work on a thesis production, provided the project is a Main Stage, Iowa Summer Rep, or professional production, or a new play if the director is an auteur. These hours are in addition to the 60-hour program minimum.

Academic Progression

The first year is a probationary period for all graduate students. During the year program faculty will decide whether a student is to be invited to return for a second year. This decision will be based on demonstrated talent, potential, originality, discipline and satisfactory progress in course work and productions. During the fall of their second year students will present a qualifying production, which will help determine if they are prepared to proceed to the third year and direct a thesis production. For the comprehensive examination in the spring of the second year, students will prepare a written self-assessment, resume, and plan for the thesis production. Students must present work of distinction in their academic and production assignments; failure to do so may be grounds for dismissal.

Internships

MFA Directors may propose an internship to take place during one semester of graduate study. The purpose of the internship is to augment students’ education and encourage the development of professional contacts. Ideally, students should serve as directors or assistant directors on one or more productions at a major theatre.

Before beginning an internship, students will submit a written proposal to their program head. The proposal should include a list of goals and duties, the time commitment, the name of the supervisor and other contact information. Internships may be completed with or without academic credit; credit requires a tuition charge.

Thesis

Directing students are required to complete a thesis under the supervision of their program committee. The thesis typically consists of a full-length work presented by University Theatres (or, with permission, presented elsewhere), and a written document which includes a prompt book from the production. The written document will include samples of supporting documentation as outlined by the program committee. Thesis proposals must be submitted in writing to the program committee, and to the play selection committee, for approval during students’ second year. The format of the written thesis must comply with the guidelines as outlined by the program committee and the Thesis Manual of the Graduate College.

Admission

To be admitted to the MFA program in Directing, candidates must:

• Submit to the Graduate College an application for admission.
• Submit to the department a resume with supporting materials, three letters of recommendation that speak specifically to the candidate’s skills and artistry in directing, a written statement of purpose specific to the program at Iowa, and an official transcript from each college or university you have attended.
• Have a personal interview with the program head or another member of the program faculty. Interviews may be arranged at U/RTA, at the University of Iowa, or by telephone.

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