Theatre Directing (M.F.A.)

Program Overview

The M.F.A. in Theatre Directing at Trinity College Dublin is a practice-based program designed to equip students with the skills needed for a career in professional theatre. Full-time and part-time study options are available, combining classroom instruction, workshops, and professional placements. Graduates are prepared for roles as directors, playwrights, producers, and more, with a strong foundation in collaboration and theatrical craftsmanship.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The M.F.A. in Theatre Directing program is the first entirely practice-based Masters program of its kind in Ireland. It was developed in response to the needs of the Irish theatre community and emerging artists.

Objectives:

• To provide students with the skills necessary to pursue a career in professional theatre and related industries.
• To develop students' skills in leadership, management, and artistic creativity.
• To expose students to the crafts of various theatre practitioners, including actors, designers, stage managers, production managers, and stage technicians.

Outline:

• Course Structure: Students can choose to study full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months).
• Full-time: Students take three concurrent modules in the first two terms, followed by a final module in the third term and subsequent summer months.
• Part-time: Students take three concurrent modules in the first two terms, followed by a final module in the second year of the course.
• Course Content:
• Compulsory Modules:
• Contemporary Theatre Practice
• Directing Workshop
• Theatre Production
• Drama for Theatre Directing
• Additional Features:
• Individual and group tuition from The Lir's Head of Directing
• Masterclasses by visiting practitioners
• Professional placements

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program combines classroom instruction, workshops, individual and group tuition, masterclasses, and professional placements.
• Faculty: The program is led by The Lir's Head of Directing, with additional instruction provided by visiting practitioners.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Professional theatre practitioner (director, playwright, producer, performer, facilitator)
• Academia (Ph.D. level)
• Related industries (publishing, broadcasting, education)

Other:

• The program is tailored to provide talented individuals with the necessary skills to pursue a career in the professional theatre and related industries.
• Graduates are also well-suited to fields such as publishing, broadcasting, or education.
• The program emphasizes the collaborative nature of theatre making, exposing students to the crafts of various theatre practitioners.
• Professional placements are a key feature of the program, providing students with practical experience in the field.
• Students will showcase their work in public performances at the culmination of the course.