Directing (MFA)
In this program, you’ll have access to facilities, technical excellence and support from our renowned faculty.
You’ll direct short projects and at least one full-length mainstage play, where you will helm the final production and submit a full report under faculty supervision. We offer our directing graduate students apprenticeships and assistant design projects.
| Expected length | Project or thesis | Course-based |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years | Yes | No |
Quick facts
- Program options:
- Master's
- Study options:
- Full-time study
- Program delivery:
- On-campus
- Dynamic learning:
- Co-op optional
Outcomes
Students in this program will:
- analyze and evaluate texts for performance accurately and effectively
- choose collaborators judiciously, including performers and designers
- stage text with both efficiency and imagination
- learn and practise good interpersonal skills
- acquire and practise good communication skills
- prioritize and execute tasks effectively
- ground the whole practice of the art of directing in knowledge of history and theory
Find a supervisor
All graduate students in this program must have a faculty member who serves as their academic supervisor. When you apply:
- you must list a potential supervisor on your application
- this faculty member must agree to be your supervisor and recommend your admission
To find a supervisor, review the faculty contacts. When you've found a faculty member whose research complements your own, contact them by email.
Alexandra (Sasha) Kovacs
Assistant Professor Theatre History: theatre and performance history, historiography, Canadian theatre, theatre archives, devised performance, dramaturgy
Allana Lindgren
Professor Theatre History: dance history, theatre history, modernism, Canadian cultural history
Conrad Alexandrowicz
Professor Performance: acting, movement for actors, devised theatre
Kirsten Sadeghi-Yekta
Associate Professor Applied Theatre: language revitalization and theatre, aesthetics of theatre, ethics of theatre, community projects, devising for performance
Peter J. McGuire
Assistant Teaching Professor Performance: acting, directing, production and management, self-directed
Tony Vickery - Chair
Teaching Professor Theatre History: especially commercial theatre finance and business administration in the United States and Canada, melodrama and British and North American theatre of the 19th and 20th centuries
Yasmine Kandil
Associate Professor Applied Theatre: celebratory theatre, applied theatre in post-revolution Egypt, forum theatre, ethics of practice, theatre for development, community-based theatre, theatre for social change, immigrant & refugee theatre, scenario training with police officers
Show me program details
Providing you accurate admission requirements, application deadlines, tuition fee estimates and scholarships depends on your situation. Tell us about yourself:
Your program details
Application deadlines
September – apply by February 1
Submit supporting material to the Department of Theatre by February 1
September – apply by February 1
Submit supporting material to the Department of Theatre by February 1
Admission requirements
Program specific requirements
As part of your application, you must submit:
- a statement of purpose highlighting your interests and aspirations in the field (including any special areas of interest) and how they relate to the program specifics
- a detailed resumé of your educational background, theatre experience and teaching experience (if applicable)
- a writing sample that speaks to your academic excellence
- names and email addresses of two references who are theatre professors and/or recognized theatre professionals
- a digital portfolio
You should have a strong background in dramatic literature and dramatic theory, as well as substantial practical experience in acting and directing. You must have undergraduate-level knowledge of directing, acting, theatre history, lighting, costume and scene design. We may assess your knowledge with a diagnostic exam.
Please note that we only accept one student into this program every two years.
Portfolio
Your portfolio must demonstrate your practice-based work in the field by supplying digital materials used for a maximum of five creative projects. Examples include:
- a digital recording of an acting scene
- a stage manager's prompt script
- design project photographs
- a directorial concept for a play you either directed or would like to direct
We accept links to Facebook or YouTube.
Acceptable file formats:
- JPG
- Word files (.doc or .docx)
Email these documents to theatre@uvic.ca.
Program specific requirements
As part of your application, you must submit:
- a statement of purpose highlighting your interests and aspirations in the field (including any special areas of interest) and how they relate to the program specifics
- a detailed resumé of your educational background, theatre experience and teaching experience (if applicable)
- a writing sample that speaks to your academic excellence
- names and email addresses of two references who are theatre professors and/or recognized theatre professionals
- a digital portfolio
You should have a strong background in dramatic literature and dramatic theory, as well as substantial practical experience in acting and directing. You must have undergraduate-level knowledge of directing, acting, theatre history, lighting, costume and scene design. We may assess your knowledge with a diagnostic exam.
Please note that we only accept one student into this program every two years.
Portfolio
Your portfolio must demonstrate your practice-based work in the field by supplying digital materials used for a maximum of five creative projects. Examples include:
- a digital recording of an acting scene
- a stage manager's prompt script
- design project photographs
- a directorial concept for a play you either directed or would like to direct
We accept links to Facebook or YouTube.
Acceptable file formats:
- JPG
- Word files (.doc or .docx)
Email these documents to theatre@uvic.ca.
Completion requirements
Funding & aid
Tuition & fees
Estimated minimum program cost*
* Based on an average program length. For a per term fee breakdown view the tuition fee estimator.
Estimated values determined by the tuition fee estimator shall not be binding to the University of Victoria.
Ready to apply?
You can start your online application to UVic by creating a new profile or using an existing one.
Faculties & departments
Need help?
Contact Connie te Kampe at theatre@uvic.ca or 250-721-7991.