The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Directing is structured to provide an intensive study of the art and discipline of directing for theatre.
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge in and appreciation for all areas of theatre practice.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the theory and practice of directing necessary for the preparation of a script, the planning and execution of rehearsals, and collaborating with actors and designers in the service of their direction of a full-length play.
- Demonstrate the organizational skills necessary to mount credible productions of scripted and original material.
- Demonstrate fluency in the discipline-wide study of theatrical production and design, vocal and physical training, acting skills and theatre history.
- Have directed a one-act play and at least one full-length play.
- Have a completed portfolio that has charted their growth and accomplishments as directors.
Students are encouraged to select material that challenges their assumptions but engages their being. The BFA in Theatre Directing requires discipline-wide study in theatrical production and design, vocal and physical training, acting skills, and theatre history; and it deepens this learning through sequenced classes in directing, text analysis, and dramaturgy, as well as providing more opportunities for the student to direct full-length plays. Electives in Theatre Management, and in specific areas of theatre practice, provide breadth. Through advanced capstone classes and a reflective portfolio process, the BFA student is offered the opportunity to synthesize this learning in preparation for a career in professional theatre or study at the graduate level.
In the classroom, students work with a faculty of working professionals who bring their pragmatic approach to the art, craft, and business of theatre. In production, we stress collaboration as students work closely with their peers to rehearse and prepare plays for performance. The practical experience and responsibility of producing plays for performance is in itself a large step toward mastery; no other undergraduate program in the country that we know of offers the student more opportunities to put this work into practice.
BFA students are required to maintain a portfolio that charts their growth and accomplishments as directors. Faculty members will regularly meet with each student to discuss progress and suggest directions for growth. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their major and show continued development as directors in order to continue in the program.
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