Master of Fine Arts in Theatre: Directing

The Graduate Directing Program at Illinois State University offers a three-year intensive study in the artistry and craft of the theatre director. The program features a broad-based curriculum, extensive production experience, and opportunities for internships with professional companies, including the Illinois Shakespeare Festival.

Curriculum

The School of Theatre trains directors to be creative artists and collaborative leaders. To that end, in coursework and in production work, the directors' focus is two-fold: 1. developing, exploring, and challenging the artistic impulse through the study of drama theory, history, and criticism; and 2. dealing with the practical aspects of production, through text analysis, reseach and preparation, acting training, and honing rehearsal techniques. Throughout the three years, directors practice their craft in diverse forums, ranging from scene work in the classroom to full productions in various performance spaces.

More detailed information on program requirements and course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Catalog (pdf).

Production Opportunities

M.F.A. directing students take on a variety of production responsibilities each year. First year students direct two shows (a one-act and a full-length) in an intimate proscenium space with a minimum of technical support. The focus for these projects is on the actor-director collaboration. First year students also assist faculty directors in MainStage productions. Second year students direct two full-length plays; one of which is a Shakespeare or period "language" play. Both productions receive design and technical support, although budgets are kept small to model the challenges of Chicago storefront theatres. In the third year, students direct a full-length production in either the Center for the Performing Arts or the Westhoff Experimental Theatre. This production receives full design and technical support.

Professional Practice

Third year M.F.A. students in directing are required to complete a semester interning with a professional urban or regional theatre affiliated with Illinois State University. Students have worked at such prestigious theatres as The Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, the Manhattan Theatre Club, and Chicago theatres such as The Goodman, Victory Gardens, and Steppenwolf.

Graduate directing students also have the opportunity to intern with the Illinois Shakespeare Festival during the summer, working as assistants for professional directors from across the country.

Teaching Opportunities

M.F.A. students at Illinois State University receive training and gain experience in teaching at the college/university level. Graduate students in directing are required to engage in supervised instructional experiences, including the teaching of a beginning undergraduate directing class. M.F.A. directing students may also teach a variety of other courses as well as participate in the educational outreach program of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival.

Financial Aid

M.F.A. directing students are awarded Graduate Assistantships with a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend to aid them in defraying a portion of their educational expenses. Graduate assistantships usually require a minimum twenty-hour work week commitment to the School, which may include teaching assignments and work with the educational outreach program. Information about additional financial aid is available through the Financial Aid Office.

Recruitment

The Graduate Directing Program at Illinois State University accepts two talented candidates each year who have demonstrated the potential to become professional directors. They bring a wide range of sensibilities, but they share some key qualities: they are passionate about their work, have a deep respect for text and story-telling, and are curious about political and social issues in the world around them.

Admission

Application to Illinois State University may be made on-line through the University Admissions Office. Prospective directing students must meet with members of the directing faculty at established U/RTA interviews or on the Illinois State University campus.

Further information regarding admission requirements and the application process can be found in the Graduate Catalog (pdf). Specific questions may be directed to Deb Alley, Head of the Graduate Directing Program.

Success for Recent Graduates

Graduates from the directing program at Illinois State University work in a wide variety of academic and professional positions. Directing MFA alums include Gary Griffin (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Color Purple on Broadway), Nancy Robillard (New York and regional theatre director), Mace Archer (Artistic Director of Venture Theatre in Bozeman, Montana), Stephen Alexander (Producing Artistic Director of the Painted Maniac Theatre in Portland, Oregon), Eric Bramlett (Creative Arts Director at Community Christian Church in Naperville, Illinois), Bill Osetek (Associate Director at Drury Lane Theatre in Chicago, Illinois) and Steve Young (playwright and freelance director). Bill Jenkins is chair of the theatre department at Ball State University. Other recent alumni teach at institutions of higher learning including SUNY/Oneota, Louisiana State University, Illinois State University, George Fox University, and Mount Allison University. For more information about School of Theatre alumni, visit our alumni page.