Theatre - Directing (M.F.A.)

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The M.F.A. Directing specialization is a theoretical and practical course of study that prepares students to be interpretive artists and educators. Students are expected to develop a high level of skill in text analysis, interpersonal communication, and the director’s tools for effective storytelling, while also attaining a broad knowledge of theatre and its companion arts. In addition to focused instruction in acting, directing and design, students are encouraged to develop an understanding of how the present and the past intersect so that they may help others discover the common threads which link human experience. Because specialization admissions are limited, each student receives a high level of individualized instruction, opportunities to direct in the Arena season of plays, and, in most instances, the opportunity to direct a mainstage production as part of the directing candidate’s culminating project.

In addition to meeting the general requirements of The Graduate School, candidates for degree must complete all specific program requirements as listed in the departmental Graduate Student Handbook and as indicated by the Graduate Advisory Committee. All candidates must pass a final written and/or oral examination as determined by the Graduate Advisory Committee.

All M.F.A. directing candidates must stage-manage two approved productions and direct three approved productions. M.F.A. directing candidates may be required to assistant stage manage an additional approved production. At least 50% of the graduate program of study credit hours must be in courses numbered 700 or above. The M.F.A. Directing program requires 60 credit hours of study, to include:

Program Overview

The MFA is designed for the student seeking a career in professional theatre or higher education. You may choose to specialize in directing or theatre/technology to attain a broad knowledge of the theatre and its companion arts and a high level of analytical and communicative skills. Through intensive craft studies, close student-mentor relationships, supportive coursework, and extensive production application we encourage personal and creative growth. This program has been accredited by NAST since 1991. Learn more at usd.edu/theatre.

DELIVERY: On campus

Master of Fine Arts, Theatre-Directing, Academic Thesis

Major Area Coursework - 60 Credit Hours

THEA 501 - Performance Theatre Studio 1 to 3 cr Professional Aspects (3 credit hours required)
THEA 503 - Design/Technical Theatre Studio 3 cr Production Team Communication (3 credit hours required)
THEA 552 - Stage Management 3 cr
THEA 563 - Modern Drama and Theatre 3 cr
THEA 564 - Contemporary Drama and Theatre 3 cr
THEA 701 - Introduction to Graduate Studies in Theatre 3 cr
THEA 731 - Directing 3 cr (9 credit hours required) three semesters required
THEA 734 - Script Analysis and Dramaturgy 3 cr
THEA 794 - Professional Internship 1 to 15 cr (1-7 credit hours required)
THEA 798 - Thesis Research in Theatre 1 to 6 cr (6 credit hours required over 2 semester period)
Theatre/other electives 7-13 credit hours
Two courses to be chosen from:
THEA 532 - Acting: Shakespeare 3 cr
THEA 585 - Movement Specialties (Combat) 3 cr
THEA 730 - Acting Ensemble 3 cr
Two courses to be chosen from:
THEA 735 - Voice Dynamics 2 cr (Repeatable)
THEA 736 - Movement Dynamics 2 cr (Repeatable)

Master of Fine Arts, Theatre-Directing MFA Thesis Production

Major Area Coursework - 60 Credit Hours

THEA 501 - Performance Theatre Studio 1 to 3 cr Professional Aspects (3 credit hours required)
THEA 503 - Design/Technical Theatre Studio 3 cr Production Team Communication (3 credit hours required)
THEA 552 - Stage Management 3 cr
THEA 563 - Modern Drama and Theatre 3 cr
THEA 564 - Contemporary Drama and Theatre 3 cr
THEA 701 - Introduction to Graduate Studies in Theatre 3 cr
THEA 731 - Directing 3 cr (9 credit hours required) three semesters required
THEA 734 - Script Analysis and Dramaturgy 3 cr
THEA 788 - Research Problems/Projects 3 cr
THEA 794 - Professional Internship 1 to 15 cr (1-7 credit hours required)
Professional elective 3 credit hours required
Theatre/other electives 7-13 credit hours
Two courses to be chosen from:
THEA 532 - Acting: Shakespeare 3 cr
THEA 585 - Movement Specialties (Combat) 3 cr
THEA 730 - Acting Ensemble 3 cr
Two courses to be chosen from:
THEA 735 - Voice Dynamics 2 cr (Repeatable)
THEA 736 - Movement Dynamics 2 cr (Repeatable)

General Application Requirements

Completed application
$35 application fee
Official transcripts*
Letters of recommendation*
Statement of purpose
Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

Location Matters for Non-Licensure Track Programs

This program is not designed or advertised to lead to a professional license or certification required for employment.

USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.

Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. Please contact a program representative if you have questions regarding supervised field study.

Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.

For more information, please visit USD’s State Authorization page or contact your admissions counselor.

Questions?

Department of Theatre
605-658-3484 | theatre@usd.edu | usd.edu/theatre

Graduate Admissions
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu | usd.edu/grad