Program Overview
The Professional Directing Program at Ohio University trains advanced students for careers as professional directors in the theater industry. The program emphasizes collaboration with actors, designers, and playwrights, and provides hands-on experience through directed projects and internships at professional theaters. Students develop skills in directing, actor and playwright collaboration, and theater production. The program culminates in a fully supported main stage project and an internship at a League of Resident Theaters (LORT) theater or equivalent organization.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Professional Directing Program at Ohio University prepares advanced students for careers as professional directors. The program is designed to train and prepare directors for a career in the professional theater. All training is centered on the principle of collaboration with actors, designers, and playwrights.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Fundamentals in directing (a two-semester journey through the directing process, from pre-production work through opening night, including auditions, table work, rehearsal techniques and the tech process)
- The director-designer collaboration
- Developing skills working with actors and playwrights
- Realized production includes directing a “Realism Project”
Year 2:
- Student directed “Style Projects” and practicum experiences
- Workshops in period style and sound design for the director
- Students work with playwrights in the MFA Playwriting program on new work, culminating in readings, workshops, or full productions for the annual Seabury Quinn Jr. Playwriting Festival in the spring semester
- Courses in acting, playwriting, design, theater history and criticism, and electives complete the first two years
Year 3:
- Culmination of the previous two years and serves as an entry into the professional theater
Careers:
- Director
- Theater manager
- Arts administrator
- College professor
- Arts educator
