MFA in Directing in Evanston United States | Northwestern University

The Master of Fine Arts in Directing program at the School of Communication equips aspiring stage directors with comprehensive hands-on theater expertise and familiarity with diverse theatrical storytelling approaches. The Theatre Department provides two specialized MFA tracks: Stage Design and Directing. Those considering advanced academic pursuits should review the Interdisciplinary PhD in Theatre and Drama program details. Both the Stage Design and Directing MFAs represent terminal degrees comparable to a PhD.

The Stage Design MFA, covering scenery, costumes, and lighting, cultivates the artistic vision, technical abilities, theoretical foundation, and communication techniques essential for successful theater careers. Participants concentrate on primary and secondary design specializations aligned with their professional aspirations. Design students also engage in seminars exploring script analysis, historical research, and collaborative methods, with particular emphasis on the vital designer-director partnership that generates both realized productions and conceptual theater projects.

The Directing MFA curriculum develops stage directors' practical theater knowledge while exposing them to various narrative techniques and theatrical traditions. Coursework introduces students to multiple literary and performance styles, script analysis, fundamental and advanced directing principles, and stage design fundamentals. Directors refine collaborative methods with designers through both classroom exercises and production work. Professional apprenticeships at Chicago-area and national theaters offer valuable experience and industry networking. A core program focus involves mastering the cooperative process that unites individual artistic talents toward a unified theatrical vision.