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MFA Directing
Program Description
Our two-year, plus thesis MFA Directing program is primarily a series of workshops and directing experiences. Productions and practical directing exercises are mounted as part of directing and thesis courses in combination with course work involving graduate students from other Drama programs to broaden your knowledge of drama and related fields.
The thesis production is part of the U of A Studio Theatre season, the Department's resident theatre company. Each thesis production receives full design and production assistance, and a substantial budget.
For detailed information on our MFA Directing program, see the MFA Directing Handbook.
Ideal Candidates
Successful applicants have an undergraduate degree and a record of theatre work beyond their undergraduate education. Engagement with the theatre profession as director or in other capacities and/or a record of self-produced theatrical work are significant assets. We seek creative artists who aim to extend their knowledge and enhance their approaches to theatrical interpretation and creation. If you fall outside these guidelines we recommend that you contact the Department before applying.
We accept 2 directing candidates each year.
Why choose the UofA for your MFA?
- Instituted in the fall of 1968, the University of Alberta's Master of Fine Arts in Directing was the first professional degree of its kind in Canada, and we continue to be adaptive to the current demands of the profession.
- MFA Directing candidates at the UofA direct 6 productions of varying style and scale in a range of venues, including a fully designed thesis production in the U of A Studio Theatre season and participation in a new play workshop. Production opportunities abound for our candidates!
- Our MFA Directing graduates contribute significantly to the development of Canadian theatre. Many of our graduates enjoy successful and rewarding freelance careers as directors, and our alumni hold significant positions as Artistic Directors of professional theatres across Canada and as leading teachers in university and college Drama programs.
Contacts: Ruth Vander Woude, Graduate Advisor
Email: ruth.vanderwoude@ualberta.ca
Phone: 780.492.2274
Jan Selman, MFA Directing Coordinator
Email: jan.selman@ualberta.ca
Phone: 780.492.8799
Application Procedure:
- Apply for admission to the University of Alberta's Faculty of Graduate Studies and submit your $100 (Canadian) processing fee online by February 1, 2013.
**Extended to April 15, 2013 or until positions filled.**
- Submit your application materials by April 15, 2013:
- Official transcripts from all universities attended
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Letter of intent outlining why you want to pursue a professional directing degree, where you see yourself after this program, and any other articulation of your ambitions, skills, experiences and interests.
- Portfolio including a resume and copies of reviews or commentary on your theatre work. Do not include originals in your portfolio. Candidates will have to make arrangements to pay for portfolios to be returned by post or courier.
- Directorial preparation of one of these plays: The Seagull by Anton Chekhov, Translations by Brian Friel, Harlem Duet by Djanet Sears, The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek by Naomi Wallace, League of Nathans by Jason Sherman, or Lilies by Michel Marc Bouchard. The directorial preparation should include a production concept and a study of major characters, dramatic action and story. It is not necessary to send a prompt book.
- DVD of you speaking directly to us, making your first rehearsal address to the company with whom you are about to direct the play. Other video formats are not acceptable. Maximum 15 minutes in duration.
- TOEFL or MELAB score, when applicable
Send application materials to:
Ruth Vander Woude
Graduate Advisor
Department of Drama
3-146 Fine Arts Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB T6G 2C9