Program Overview

Master of Fine Arts with a Specialization in Directing (Drama)

Introduction

The Department of Drama offers graduate programs leading to the degree of PhD in Performance Studies, Master of Fine Arts degrees in Theatre Design, Directing, Theatre Voice Pedagogy, and Theatre Practice, and Master of Arts in Drama degree. The Department provides students with access to a range of professional facilities, including performance, workshop, rehearsal, and classroom space, libraries, graduate student offices, and access to computers and seminar rooms.

Why Study this Program?

The aim of the MFA programs is to train candidates to a level of competency sufficient to enter the profession. The MA program, essentially research-oriented, also offers training in dramaturgy as one of the means by which candidates may be actively involved in the creative pursuits of the Department, and also prepares for further PhD studies. The PhD in Performance Studies offers students advanced-level scholarship, study, and research in Drama and Performance, with a thorough interdisciplinary focus.

Entrance Requirements

• The Departments minimum admission requirements for the MA degree are an undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.
• The Departments minimum admission requirements for the MFA degree are normally a four-year degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.
• The Departments minimum admission requirements for the PhD degree are a Masters degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.
• Applicants must meet the minimum GPS English Language Requirement.
• Applicants to the MA and PhD programs are required to submit:
  • Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  • A recent writing sample on a drama-related topic
  • A research proposal
  • Three letters of recommendation
• Applicants to the MFA programs are required to have significant practical theatre experience and must submit:
  • Letter of intent
  • Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Portfolio

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of 33 units in coursework, and a thesis-equivalent consisting of a creative project presented in performance, accompanied by a supporting document.

Required Courses

Required courses depend on the area of specialization and the undergraduate background of the student, including:

• DRAMA 601 - Methods and Tools of Research
• DRAMA 683 - Essentials of Directing
• DRAMA 684 - Approaches to Staging the Contemporary Play
• DRAMA 685 - Approaches to Staging the Style Play
• DRAMA 686 - Devised Theatre and Performance for Directors

Elective Courses

Six graduate courses selected in consultation with the Directing Coordinator, which may include:

• Graduate courses from any area of the Department of Drama
• Special topics seminars
• Graduate courses from another department
• DRAMA 605 or DRAMA 606 - Special Projects

Thesis

The thesis-equivalent will be a full-length production, normally produced within the Studio Theatre season, and a written document about that work. An oral defense will be held after the production.

Ethics Requirement

All MFA Directing students must meet the GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Training Requirement through the completion of INT D 710 by the end of the first term of registration in their degree program.

Residence Requirement

The minimum period of residency for the MFA Directing is two years.

Length of Program

The maximum time to complete the MFA program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is four years.

Tuition and Fees

Graduate assistantships are available to qualified students. Graduate students are also eligible to compete for University and provincial scholarships.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.