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Theater-Directing MFA

This program is not accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year and will remain closed to new applicants until further notice. Please contact the program coordinator or school/college with questions or for more information.

Master of Fine Arts in Directing

Develop skills as an artistic leader and creative communicator with the Master of Fine Arts in Directing in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s School of Theater, Film and Media Arts. The goal of this three-year, 60-credit theater program is to train students to become master storytellers. Collaborate with actors, production teams and writers to deliver a unified, compelling theatrical event. The program is primarily designed to prepare graduates for careers in theater.

Culminating in the Thesis Production, the student's fully supported mainstage event, the Theater-Directing MFA curriculum includesÌý

  • acting and movement,
  • dramaturgy,
  • design and
  • film.

In addition,Ìýyou are encouraged to participate in projects such as a stage reading or new plays.Ìý

Full-time —award-winning professionals who have led some of the most successful productions in American theater—are available to mentor students individually. Students can also take advantage of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's affiliations with numerous professional theaters including the following.

  • Ìý

The city of Philadelphia’s thriving arts scene provides the perfect backdrop for students interested in pursuing a creative degree.

    A female student is directing actors on stage.

    Program FormatÌý& Curriculum

    Through design, staging, thematic and theatrical interpretation, and artistic/team collaboration and leadership, the curriculum focuses primarily on the director’s commitment to the illumination of text for an audience.

    Required coursesÌýinclude

    • Directing Practicum,
    • Seminar in Dramatic Literature I,
    • Seminar in Dramatic LiteratureÌýIIÌýand
    • Teaching in Higher Education.

    Depending on your focus, you may also have the opportunity to pursue classes tailored to your specific interests.

    Learn more about Theater-Directing MFA courses.

    Related Graduate Degrees

    Related Graduate Certificates

    Tuition & Fees

    In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Fine Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

    are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

    Pennsylvania resident: $1,264.00 per credit
    Out-of-state: $1,693.00 per credit

    You can view the full .

    Our Advisors

    Students in the Theater Department’s graduate program are advised by their area head. All students are reviewed each semester by their mentors to discuss progress and registrations. The department administrators register all graduate students for their courses.

    Program Contact

    Marcus Giamatti is the HeadÌýof the Theater-Directing MFA program.
    Phone: 215-204-8413
    Email:

    Accreditation

    The Theater Department is accredited by the as well as a member of the .

    Concentrations

    This degree program can be completed with or without a concentration. Your concentration options include

    Additional Program Information