MFA Directing Program
It is the mission of the MFA Directing Program to provide students with training that emulates the best practices of the theatre industry. Our goal is to help shape the artistic voices and leaders of the future, empowering students to be artist citizens in the theatre community and in our global society. The program is designed to give students the skills they will need to continue individual development and growth as directors in professional theatre.
Program Overview
The curriculum provides a careful balance of academic classes, studio work, and production experience. During the three years at FSU, students will direct fully mounted productions and a variety of other projects. Two students are accepted into the program every other year, ensuring close personal attention and sufficient production experience to support student success.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to applying to the program, students must also apply to Florida State University. For best consideration, we encourage you to apply by January 15. The next recruitment cycle is for the 2025-2026 academic year.. We will continue to review applications throughout the spring semester until the positions are filled.
The following criteria must be met for consideration of acceptance into the program:
- A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. Students who do not hold a Theatre degree must show evidence of substantial course work and/or experience in theatre to indicate probability of achieving success in advanced theatre studies.
- A grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) during the last two years of study for a bachelor’s degree, or 3.0 on a Master’s degree from an accredited institution; OR an acceptable score on the combined verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examination, taken within the last five years.
- Specific approval of the program head within the School of Theatre.
- Applicants must submit a completed Graduate School application, three current letters of recommendation, current resume, a portfolio, a statement of purpose, a directing philosophy, and an artistic concept statement.
- Prospective students may be scheduled for an interview and portfolio review. Interviews may be held at the School of Theatre in Tallahassee by appointment or at off-campus recruiting sites. For admission procedures, contact the Office of Academic and Student Services at 850.644.7234.
Supplemental Application Submission Requirements
Below are supplemental documents required for the MFA Directing Program Application found on the Graduate School website.
- Statement of Purpose: This statement should speak to your interest in FSU and personal goals you wish to achieve while in the program and in your professional career.
- Portfolio: Please submit a link to your website or upload production photos or prompt books, etc., that you would like to include. This is any information that tells us more about your work as a director.
- Directing Philosophy: This statement should reflect your values and purpose as a director and your general approach to directing.
- Concept Statement: This statement is a concept for a play or musical you have directed or would like to direct. In addition to articulating your artistic vision for the piece, please state what draws you to this play, why at this time is it important, and what do you hope to say to the audience and in what way.
Explore the Season
Each year, the Florida State University School of Theatre presents five exciting productions. See what the upcoming season has in store.
