Directing MFA
Embrace a transformative directing journey, with a commitment to diverse voices.
The Directing specialization fosters unconventional, provocative work in an inclusive and interdisciplinary setting, with a commitment to diverse voices, pushing beyond the traditional realms of theater.
The Directing Program offers a robust curriculum, encompassing core studio courses, three production opportunities, and interdisciplinary electives. Encouraging holistic growth, students are urged to explore fields outside of theater, leveraging UCLA’s premier research status. Collaboration is key: students work intimately with playwrights, designers, and actors. A professional internship, within LA or nationally, complements the academic experience. A recent highlight is the Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Emerging Technologies for Performance, available for all MFA students.
This immersive program integrates advanced technologies like machine learning, AR, and real-time rendering into performance creation. Not only does it prime students for innovative theater production, but it also opens doors to industries like gaming, immersive design, and themed entertainment.
World-Class Faculty
Requirements
Students will be required to enroll in a minimum of twelve units per quarter. Required courses will be scheduled to permit completion of the program within a three year period. In addition to the successful completion of a minimum of 106 units or 26.5 courses, candidates for the degree must pass a comprehensive examination, including critical evaluation of the production projects which culminate in a manner to show professional competence in the field.
Under special circumstances, by petition, the 106 units or 26.5 course requirement may be fulfilled with approved alternate courses. However, a minimum of 94 units or 23.5 courses must be at the graduate level, a maximum of 10 undergraduate units, and a maximum of 12 units of 596 courses may be applied toward the degree.
Students admitted to the program are expected to have mastered skills and have a general knowledge of the materials and processes relevant to their field of study. Students may be required to complete additional courses upon recommendation of the advisor.
The Master of Fine Arts degree is awarded on the basis of successful completion of the required courses and critical evaluation of student work. The Department expects consistent progress as well as attainment of professional skills. These and other factors will also influence the Department’s allocation of production resources including the number, scale, and scheduling of projects and productions.
Courses
Background and Foundation Courses
- THEATER C212 Emerging Technologies and Their Uses in Live Performance
- THEATER 232 Manuscript Analysis
- THEATER 242 Introduction to Design in Production
- THEATER 266 Theatrical Conceptualization
- THEATER C404E-F (choose one) History of Design Décor
- THEATER 452A Lighting Design
- THEATER C454A Sound Design.
- WORLD ARTS AND CULTURES/ DANCE, 200 or 400 series
- FILM TV 200 series
- Elective History in Arts or Architecture
Core Directing Courses
- THEATER 260 Directing I
- THEATER 261 Directing II
- THEATER 262 Directing III
- THEATER C433B Script Development Workshop
- THEATER 460AF, 460AW, 460AS Contemporary Issues In Direction
- THEATER 272 Production Practice in Theater, Film, Video, and Digital Media.
- THEATER 498 Professional Internship
Directing Projects
- THEATER 263 Production Project in Direction for the Stage (1st year Project)
- THEATER 263 Production Project in Direction for the Stage (2nd year Project)
Directing Thesis
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- THEATER 596C Directed Individual Study (Thesis Prep)
- THEATER 463 Production Project in Direction for the Stage