Year 1

In the first year, directing students will take a balance of courses including directing; performance; history, theory, criticism, or text analysis; and design courses. They will assist a faculty member or guest director on a production in the school’s season. If teaching, they will receive mentorship and support from faculty. In addition to any course-related or extracurricular directing projects students may do, the first year will culminate in the production of a one-act play in our black box (the Lab Theatre), or equivalent space, with minimal technical support.

Year 2

In the second year, directing students will continue coursework in directing; history, theory, and criticism; and design, with space for electives that support the student’s interests, especially in preparation for the thesis production. Students will identify the required internship for their final year. They will also prepare proposals for the thesis project, which will be identified by the end of the third semester of study. Students may teach undergraduate courses. Voluntary opportunities to assistant-direct and extracurricular opportunities to direct may be available. The second year will include the production of a full-length play in the Lab theatre, or equivalent space, with modest technical support.

Year 3

In the third year, directing students will prepare for post-graduate life and re-entry into the field. Coursework will include any remaining required coursework, electives, and practicum and thesis hours to support the student’s direction of the thesis project and writing of the required thesis paper. The timing of the required internship will be coordinated with the timing of the student’s thesis project, which will receive full technical support.

 
Actual coursework will depend on faculty availability and other factors.