MA/MFA in Theatre Directing is a unique degree designed specifically for students who already are or wish to become professional theatre directors.
This course is open to students from across the world and students can also study individual modules, usually lasting four to five weeks each. East 15 runs some modules overseas, most recently in Moscow, Thailand and Bali, involving specialist practical study in another cultural environment. The course has a strong international focus with options to study abroad. Teaching is by a wide range of experienced directors and professional practitioners from the UK and overseas, like Samuel West and Fiona Shaw.
The MA runs for one year on a full-time basis and the MFA for 20 months. The MA/MFA is available part-time (maximum five years) and as short modules of approximately four to five weeks. Full-time students either take four modules during two consecutive semesters, followed by a three-month period of independent study at the end of which they present their dissertation or Director's Workbook (MA) or take two modules a semester during four consecutive semesters (MFA) followed by a written dissertation or practical project. Part-time students can take any number of modules in a given semester.
Students will have the opportunity to select modules from a menu offered each academic year, from subjects including Shakespeare, Contemporary British Drama, Comedy, Musical Theatre, and Opera Commedia dell'Arte, Physical Theatre, Brecht, Techniques of Adaptation, Improvisation and Devising Techniques, Collaborating with Designers, Beckett and Pinter, International Workshop Exchange, Contemporary American Theatre, Attachment (Assistant Director), The Artistic Director (Business, Policy, Planning, Contracting) and Directing for Camera.
Overseas modules in Bali and Thailand include: World Theatre and Theatre of the East and, in Moscow at the GITIS Institute: Directing Chekhov, Stanislavskian Acting Methodology, Michael Chekhov and his Approach to Acting, Meyerhold and Biomechanics.
Applicant information
MA/MFA in Theatre Directing is open to applicants with a background in theatre directing or related fields, and is specifically tailored to students seeking professional development in this area. It allows both intensive full-time study and part-time study with periods away for professional work.
The first year
Full-time MA and MFA students take four modules. At the end of the year, MA students work on a written dissertation, the Director’s Workbook or a practical project.
The second year
MFA students take a second year in which they undertake further modules and produce a written dissertation or practical project.
MA/MFA Theatre Directing requires a first degree in an appropriate field or directing experience. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a mature attitude to the profession as well as a good working knowledge of English, especially verbal understandin
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