MFA in Theatre - Directing in Austin United States | University of Texas at Austin

The directing program is an essential, forward-looking, and highly competitive professional development initiative designed for experienced mid-career theater practitioners who champion the dynamic responsibilities of contemporary directors. The Master of Fine Arts in Theatre with a directing specialization at The University of Texas at Austin offers an intensive, selective curriculum tailored to established theater professionals eager to engage with the changing landscape of modern stage direction.
Our department fosters holistic director education and new theatrical creations, viewing direction as both a cooperative and inventive practice. We encourage participation from artists across diverse theatrical fields and traditions who desire an interdisciplinary exploration of theater-making.
This distinctive program merges thorough training in directorial techniques with innovative collaborative theater frameworks. Emphasizing new works, M.F.A. directing candidates frequently collaborate with the university's acclaimed playwriting program, guiding and shaping original productions across academic, developmental, and performance contexts. While equipping directors for conventional scripted productions (featuring both renowned and up-and-coming writers), we also cultivate proficiency in alternative theater creation methods: original, adapted, devised, and community-driven approaches.