Master of Fine Arts in Directing
About the Directing Program
The MFA in directing is an intensive three-year program designed to educate artists for the professional theatre. It is a highly personal program that respects the previous experience and training of its students and tailors its curriculum to serve their needs.
The program is composed of two elements: formal instruction and a wide range of directing opportunities. By the time students complete the program they will have directed at least six major projects including a thesis production. Depending on their interest and initiative, students may direct more productions.
Each year the Theatre Arts Department presents some 25 productions, about half of them new works for the stage. They include plays by professional artists-in-residence and students in the playwright's workshop, as well as pieces developed by ensembles led by directors. They also include works from the traditional repertoire informed by new directorial ideas, and neglected pieces which have been rediscovered. There are at least twenty-five readings of new plays and a wide variety of experimental, interdisciplinary work. Every project requires a director.
Each directing student, therefore, has the opportunity to work extensively with playwrights, actors, and designers interested in new work. No one leaves the department without a deep knowledge of and respect for the art of collaboration.
While classical works are not emphasized by the department, they are produced regularly in the main stage season and are the basis for many class projects. A thorough grounding in the reading of dramatic literature is a part of every student's work at Iowa.
We are seeking directors who wish to become leaders in the theatre of the future. Our goal is to help students develop their personal visions, their skills, and their commitment to the art of the theatre.
The Department of Theatre Arts seeks highly creative students who bring a special vision to their work. For this reason, there is no standard background required of directing students. The department is especially interested in attracting minority students.
Admission Requirements
Students admitted to the MFA program in directing should have an undergraduate degree in theatre, or equivalent training and experience in directing, theatre history, dramatic literature, and criticism.
To be considered for admission, you must:
Students who are accepted into the second year normally proceed to satisfactory completion of the degree. Nonetheless, evaluation is an ongoing process and students may be dismissed from the program if their grade-point average is unsatisfactory. Students also must continue to present work of distinction in their production assignments. If a student's average falls below 3.0, it must be raised to that level by the end of the following semester. Failure to do so may be grounds for dismissal from the program.
Thesis
The thesis normally forms the centerpiece of the student's third year in residence. Each director mounts a major production, and prepares a production book that includes preparation materials, production designs, and photographs. Under certain conditions students may satisfy the thesis requirement in other comparable professional or academic theatres, or as part of the Iowa Summer Repertory Theatre. The production is the basis for the student's final evaluation.
Contact Information
Eric-Forsythe@uiowa.edu; 335-2700
