Master of Fine Arts in Directing

Develop skills as an artistic leader and creative communicator with the Master of Fine Arts in Directing in 51动漫鈥檚 School of Theater, Film and Media Arts. The goal of this three-year, 60-credit theater program is to train students to become master storytellers. Collaborate with actors, production teams and writers to deliver a unified, compelling theatrical event. The program is primarily designed to prepare graduates for careers in theater.

Culminating in the Thesis Production, the student's fully supported mainstage event, the Theater-Directing MFA curriculum includes听

  • acting and movement,
  • dramaturgy,
  • design and
  • film.

In addition,听you are encouraged to participate in projects such as a stage reading or new plays.听

Full-time 鈥攁ward-winning professionals who have led some of the most successful productions in American theater鈥攁re available to mentor students individually. Students can also take advantage of 51动漫's affiliations with numerous professional theaters including the following.

  • 听

The city of Philadelphia鈥檚 thriving arts scene provides the perfect backdrop for students interested in pursuing a creative degree.

A female student is directing actors on stage.

Program Format听& Curriculum

Through design, staging, thematic and theatrical interpretation, and artistic/team collaboration and leadership, the curriculum focuses primarily on the director鈥檚 commitment to the illumination of text for an audience.

Required courses听include

  • Directing Practicum,
  • Seminar in Dramatic Literature I,
  • Seminar in Dramatic Literature听II听and
  • Teaching in Higher Education.

Depending on your focus, you may also have the opportunity to pursue classes tailored to your specific interests.

Learn more about Theater-Directing MFA courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51动漫鈥檚 commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Fine Arts听offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024鈥�2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,221.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,634.00 per credit

You can view the full .

Concentrations

You can focus on Theater-Directing or you can take one of the following concentrations.

  • Directing
CA-THDI-MFA

Additional Program Information

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