The Yale School of Drama's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in Directing is a highly competitive and prestigious graduate program that attracts talented individuals from around the world. The program is designed to provide students with advanced training in the art of directing for the stage, with a focus on developing their unique artistic vision and voice. The MFA program in Directing at Yale is a three-year program that includes a combination of coursework, productions, and mentorship, with the goal of preparing students for a career as a professional director.
Program Overview
The Yale MFA Directing program is led by a faculty of experienced and accomplished directors, who provide students with guidance, support, and feedback throughout their time in the program. The curriculum includes a range of courses in directing, playwriting, and dramatic literature, as well as workshops and seminars on topics such as acting, design, and production management. Students in the program also have the opportunity to direct a number of productions, including plays, musicals, and experimental works, which are presented in the Yale Repertory Theatre and other venues on campus.
Admissions and Application Process
Admission to the Yale MFA Directing program is highly competitive, with only a small number of students accepted each year. The application process typically begins in the fall, with a deadline in December or January. Applicants must submit a range of materials, including a resume, personal statement, and transcripts, as well as a portfolio of their directing work, which may include videos of productions, scripts, and other supporting materials. Finalists are typically invited to interview with the faculty, either in person or via video conference, before the admissions decisions are made.
| Application Requirements | Description |
|---|---|
| Resume | A current resume or CV, highlighting the applicant's directing experience and education |
| Personal Statement | A written statement, outlining the applicant's artistic vision, goals, and reasons for pursuing an MFA in Directing at Yale |
| Transcripts | Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions, demonstrating a strong academic record |
| Portfolio | A portfolio of the applicant's directing work, including videos, scripts, and other supporting materials |
Curriculum and Coursework
The Yale MFA Directing program includes a range of courses and workshops, designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the art of directing. The curriculum includes courses in directing, playwriting, and dramatic literature, as well as workshops and seminars on topics such as acting, design, and production management. Students also have the opportunity to direct a number of productions, including plays, musicals, and experimental works, which are presented in the Yale Repertory Theatre and other venues on campus.
Production Opportunities
Production is a key component of the Yale MFA Directing program, with students having the opportunity to direct a number of productions throughout their time in the program. These productions may include plays, musicals, and experimental works, and are presented in the Yale Repertory Theatre and other venues on campus. Students work closely with the faculty and other students to develop and produce their shows, which provides them with hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have learned in the classroom.
- First-year students typically direct a short play or scene, as part of a workshop or studio production
- Second-year students direct a full-length play or musical, as part of a mainstage production
- Third-year students direct a thesis production, which is a fully realized production that demonstrates their artistic vision and skills as a director
Faculty and Alumni
The Yale MFA Directing program is led by a faculty of experienced and accomplished directors, who provide students with guidance, support, and feedback throughout their time in the program. The faculty includes a range of industry professionals, who have worked on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in regional theaters across the country. Alumni of the program have gone on to have successful careers as directors, with many working on Broadway, in film and television, and in regional theaters.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of the Yale MFA Directing program include a range of successful directors, who have worked in a variety of settings and mediums. Some notable alumni include:
- Anna Shapiro, Artistic Director of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company
- Les Waters, Artistic Director of the Actors Theatre of Louisville
- Leigh Silverman, Broadway director and Yale faculty member
What is the application deadline for the Yale MFA Directing program?
+The application deadline for the Yale MFA Directing program is typically in December or January, with applications available in the fall.
How long does the Yale MFA Directing program take to complete?
+The Yale MFA Directing program is a three-year program, which includes a combination of coursework, productions, and mentorship.
What kind of production opportunities are available to students in the Yale MFA Directing program?
+Students in the Yale MFA Directing program have the opportunity to direct a number of productions, including plays, musicals, and experimental works, which are presented in the Yale Repertory Theatre and other venues on campus.
