Low-residency directing MFA options

[PoorlyMadeSpinachDip]

Posted: 11/16/17 at 8:09pm

What's out there? Specifically those that don't require residencies during the summer. Thanks for any feedback!

[FosseTharp]

Posted: 11/18/17 at 2:44pm

https://www.baylor.edu/theatre/index.php?id=48332

The above link has an extensive list of all the MFA Directing programs offered. A few might be missing from this list, and a good portion of programs aren’t recruiting candidates for the 2018 year. Many programs only recruit every other year or every 3 years.

If you are planning to apply now for Fall 2018 I would get started ASAP as Deadlines are looming. Most Deadlines are the beginning of December— some are January. It’s a very intense and rigorous application and interview process...

May I ask why you are against programs that require residencies? An MFA in Directing is an intense three year process and for three years it becomes your life. Even if you aren’t required to work during the Summer within the program you are still expected to be working in your field somehow: fellowships, symposiums, assisting, etc. with programs like Yale you are even expected to be working during breaks and Holidays.

I take it if you do not want to be working during the summer on residencies, you aren’t interested in programs that waive tuition since in those programs you are employed through the university and work to make up for your tuition waiver. In which case, I’d suggest Columbia University (Deadline is 11/30), CalArts, and DePaul. Those are highly selective, rigorous programs but also extremely expensive.

I believe all programs are three years except for Brooklyn College, which is two years. However it’s the same amount of work and credit hours, you simply will be doing your thesis project while also taking a full course load, which sounds intense; whereas in a three year MfA program your third year focuses on your thesis, dissertation, and internship only.