The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Directing is structured to provide an intensive study of the art and discipline of directing for theater. The Directing student, in selecting plays for production, can focus his or her experience on specific genres or styles of theater that are of particular interest. Students are encouraged to select material that challenges their assumptions but engages their being. The BFA in Directing requires discipline-wide study in theatrical production and design, vocal and physical training, acting skills, and theater 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 Theater Management, and in specific areas of theater 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 theater 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 the theater. 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 the 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.

Students must maintain standards of performance.

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