Program Overview

Overview of the MFA in Theatre Arts, Directing Program

The Master of Fine Arts in Directing program at the University of Iowa combines rigorous professional training with a highly innovative curriculum. The program focuses on training the theatrical leaders of the future, who are dynamic artists that understand and promote the development of new work, and visionaries who believe in the transformative power of this art form.

Program Description

The MFA in Directing program is designed to train directors to engage their own unique visions, while learning to make theatre that opens audiences to new ways of seeing and being in the world. The program admits students with demonstrated expertise from a variety of theatrical and artistic backgrounds, who possess vital attributes such as being socially conscious, personally disciplined, and hungry for knowledge.

Program Components

The MFA directing program has three major components:

Course work

A series of courses, totaling a minimum of 62 semester hours, forms the academic core of the program. Students with previous training and/or practical experience may request some substitute courses.

Practical experience

Students direct minimally one play or workshop every semester, including a spring production in Iowa’s New Play Festival. Students also direct one act of a play of their choice as part of Iowa Directors Festival in their second year and one mainstage play in their final year.

Teaching or administrative work

Directors also teach or work in an administrative capacity; depending on their skills, they may lead sections in acting or dramatic literature courses. For this service, they receive a salary, full tuition, and health benefits.

Degree Requirements

• Plan of Study Overview: Students develop a plan of study during their first semester, which takes into account the normal program requirements as well as their particular background and special interests.
• Director's Seminar: The seminar is a series of courses that cover various aspects of directing, including applied kinetics and analytic techniques, directing modern drama, and directing the classics.
• Production requirements: MFA directing students must satisfactorily complete production assignments to fulfill the requirements for graduation.
• Other requirements:
  • Comprehensive review covering first two years of study
  • Written thesis: Director's Production Book/Analysis of Thesis Production (or other appropriate directed production)
  • Cumulative B average
  • At least 18 credits in “graded” courses (i.e. not Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading)

Thesis

The thesis normally forms the centerpiece of the third year in residence. The thesis typically consists of a full-length work presented by the department and a written document–that includes analysis and preparation materials. The production and the written document form the basis for the student's final evaluation.

Continuation in the Program

The first year is a probationary period for all graduate students. During that year, program faculty will determine whether the student is to be invited to return for a second year. This decision will be based on demonstrated talent, potential, originality, discipline, and satisfactory progress in course work and productions.

Faculty

The directing faculty includes:

• Mary Beth Easley, MFA, BFA, Associate Professor and Head of Directing
• Daniel Fine, MFA, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
• Johanna Kasimow, MFA, BA, Assistant Professor

Program Schedule

The program admits students every three years. The next class of directors will begin work in the fall of 2026. Inquiries and applications will be accepted beginning in the fall of 2025. The application deadline is January 15, 2026, or by special request.