Theatre (Directing), MFA
arts, directing, director, drama, stage, theater, theatre
ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.
Do you want to be a change-making director, creating innovative theatre and live performance through rewarding collaborations? Move the field forward while developing pioneering new works and groundbreaking takes on established plays.
The Master of Fine Arts program in theatre with a concentration in directing develops directors of live performance hungry to grow their artistry through deep study, experimentation and practical work. A high-engagement, mentor-student approach is emphasized with the intent of developing the skill, artistry and communication skills required to be an excellent professional director.
Students make bold new work in collaboration with playwrights as well as through ensemble-based devising. They are encouraged to tell contemporary, culturally specific stories as well as to reimagine well-known plays, all while nurturing their artistic curiosity. Students learn about current practices, allowing them to thrive as compassionate, inclusive and respectful artistic leaders.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
60 credit hours including the required applied project course (THP 693)
Required Core (6 credit hours) Concentration (21 credit hours) Other Requirements (12 credit hours) Electives (15 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information 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 MFA director. Additional information on degree requirements for this degree is available on the curriculum checksheet (located at the bottom of the page).
THE 504 Studies in Dramatic Theory and Criticism (3)
THE 520 Theatre History and Literature (3)
THP 505 Graduate Colloquium (6)
THP 518 Advanced Directing Lab (3)
THP 519 Directing: Works in Progress (3)
THP 580 Practicum (3)
THP 684 Internship (6)
THE 500 Research Methods (3)
THP 598 Special Topics (9)
THP 693 Applied Project (6)
Students should see their program advisor for a complete list of approved topics for THP 598.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
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 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 MFA in theatre with a concentration in directing recruits every three years. The next round of applications will be accepted in January 2028 for fall 2028. Interested students should check back for updates.
Students should see the program website for application deadlines and admission terms.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Apply collaborative methods for making theatre, experiential events, and other forms of live performance.
- Implement current best practices, such as approaches to theatrical intimacy and culturally competent theatre making, into directorial work.
- Evaluate their directing technique, employing reflective practice toward continuous growth.
Professionals with an MFA degree in directing have obtained a variety of creative roles within the arts, including directing professionally, 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 work for festivals or communities
- founding new theatre companies with like-minded collaborators
- joining the artistic staff of an established theatre company
- teaching in a variety of contexts as a visiting faculty member, professor of practice or tenure-track professor
- working as a freelance director
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
|
MUSIC E167
MDTAdmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
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.
