Training Overview

The MFA Directing program is a three-year, 63-credit hour course of study in theatre direction, history and analysis, performance, and design, leading to a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre with directing emphasis. We accept only two students every three years. Our program incorporates intentional elements of consent-based practice, facilitating the student’s ability to engage in dynamic industry-wide conversations about the role of the director in promoting supportive, brave, and productive environments.

Each student will direct at least two full-length, public productions, including a thesis production in the third year that receives full technical support. Each student will assistant-direct at least one full-length, public production. Opportunities for directing across different levels of production support as a student are possible.

MFA students are required to complete a professional internship as part of the degree; additionally, graduate directing students are required to complete a written thesis that supplements their direction of a final project. The program requires residence in Columbia, SC during the academic year, excluding the professional internship semester.

A typical day may include graduate classes, undergraduate teaching or other assistantship assignments, homework and time to prepare for classes, and production work.

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course of study, the graduate will gain advanced professional competence in directing including, but not limited to, the following skills:

1. Integration of advanced understanding and capabilities in play analysis, performance, and design to create the concept of a production.
2. Development and leadership of productions of a variety of theatrical material from statement of concept through public performance.
3. Demonstration of a broad knowledge of dramatic literature and theatre history, including the ability to undertake inquiry, investigation, or research associated with various aspects of performance and production.
4. Collaboration with actors, designers, and technical staff in the processes of production, including the ability to conduct effective pre-production activities and acting and technical rehearsals.
5. Utilization of design principles and knowledge to articulate a multisensory comprehension of theatre and other dramatic media.
6. Synthesis of knowledge of all the theatre arts and crafts at a sufficient level to communicate with other artists and producers and to make informed critical judgments in all areas of the theatre.

 

Why USC?

South Carolina and its surrounding states are home to a rich and complex ecosystem of arts, theatre, history, and culture, not only in Columbia, the state capital, but also in the nearby cities of Greenville, Charlotte, Charleston, and Atlanta.

The program’s favorable student-to-faculty ratio and small cohort encourages personalized interactions with faculty and peers, focused attention and support, and the ability to have a significant cultural impact on the departmental community.

 

Theatre Spaces

Our varied theatres give directing students opportunities to work in a wide range of spaces, including a mid-sized arena stage, a mid-sized proscenium, and a flexible black box. Find out more about our facilities.