MFA - Directing (Thesis-based) in Edmonton Canada | University of Alberta

We strive to cultivate in students a distinctive blend of hands-on abilities and analytical thinking, paired with a bold, forward-looking mindset. Our program encourages students to explore the very essence of theatre—its structure and meaning. We aim to push students toward autonomous thought while nurturing their natural creativity, problem-solving skills, and originality.

Leadership is central to our philosophy. Graduates frequently take charge as creative team leaders for departmental productions and emerge fully equipped for leadership positions in their professional careers.

Live performance serves as the core of our department, bringing together every facet of theatrical study. All graduate students engage in this dynamic environment of artistic exploration and scholarly inquiry. Cross-program collaboration enhances learning beyond individual specializations.

This program equips students with professional directing skills through immersive practical training across diverse performance settings and genres. Graduates emerge as cooperative visionaries, their artistic approach strengthened by rigorous intellectual foundations.

A two-year MFA Directing program culminating in a thesis production
Ample directing experience: five practical assignments progressing from small studio works to a fully realized thesis production at the Timms Centre for the Arts
Mentorship from accomplished directing professionals offering varied artistic perspectives
Four specialized directing seminars, plus interdisciplinary graduate seminars on diverse subjects
Flexibility to design personalized independent studies