Program Overview

Theatre Directing (M.F.A.)

NFQ Level 9

The Master of Fine Art in Theatre Directing programme is the first entirely practiced-based master's programme of its kind in Ireland. It was introduced following extensive consultation with the Irish theatre community and is a direct response to the stated needs of the industry and of talented emerging artists. This innovative course is taught in The Lir, National Academy of Dramatic Art at Trinity College Dublin, which is the professional training institution of the School of Creative Arts.

Overview

The programme is tailored to provide talented individuals with the necessary skills to pursue a career in the professional theatre and related industries. Many now work as practitioners in the creative industries (in roles such as playwrights, producers, performers, facilitators); others go onto further study at Ph.D. level and begin careers in academia. Graduates are also eminently suited to fields such as publishing, broadcasting, or education.

Career Opportunities

This programme is designed to equip students with the skills to pursue a career in the professional theatre and related industries. Career opportunities include:

• Practitioners in the creative industries (playwrights, producers, performers, facilitators)
• Further study at Ph.D. level and careers in academia
• Fields such as publishing, broadcasting, or education

Course Structure

Students can opt to take this course either part-time (over 24 months) or full-time (over 12 months). Full-time and part-time students will take three concurrent modules in the first two terms. The final module will be taught in the third term and subsequent summer months (for full-time students) or in the second year of the course (for part-time students) and will culminate with a professional production staged in one of The Lir’s performance studios.

Course Content

Students on the M.F.A. in Theatre Directing will take five compulsory modules:

• Theatre in Context
• Contemporary Theatre Practice
• Directing Workshop Theatre Production
• Dramaturgy for Theatre Directing In addition to the core classes and workshops, individual and group tuition from the Course Director for Theatre Directing will be a key feature of the training. In addition, masterclasses by visiting practitioners will supplement the student experience. Professional placements are a key feature of the programme and all students will showcase their work in public performances at the culmination of the course.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fill out all the information required on the application form, which includes the submission of two references, one academic and a professional reference, copies of the transcripts of previously completed education levels, and a CV. In addition, applicants are also required to upload a copy of the following documents separately:

• Letter of application – a letter that outlines the applicant's theatre education and theatre directing experience to date
• Statement of purpose – a statement outlining the applicant’s ambitions in terms of theatre directing
• Portfolio – a portfolio of the applicant’s theatre and directing work
• Critical assessment – a critical assessment of recently directed work

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements for their application to be considered for shortlisting to the programme.

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section.

Related Courses

• Digital Arts and Intermedia Practices (M.Phil.)
• Playwriting (M.F.A.)
• Screen Studies (M.Phil.)
• Stage Design (M.F.A.)
• Theatre and Performance (M.Phil)
• Theatre Producing (M.F.A.)