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
Associate 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
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 - Chair
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
Program details
Providing you accurate admission requirements, application deadlines, tuition fee estimates and scholarships depends on your situation. Tell us about yourself:
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 ßÉßɱ¬ÁÏ.
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 Mahisha Canagasuriam at theatre@uvic.ca or 250-721-7991.