Theatre and Dance

MFA Directing

Goals and Objectives

The M.F.A. in Directing is a professionally oriented, terminal degree, designed to be a transition between collegiate training and the professional theatre and related careers. The program offers rigorous study through an individualized curriculum approach aimed at developing the student's creative and intellectual growth. The program integrates the theoretical with the practical by combining technical training and intellectual endeavor with intensive application in directing and working on theatre productions throughout the 3-year program.

The objectives of the M.F.A. in Directing program are:

  • To foster creative imagination and independent thinking;
  • To develop skills in effective collaboration;
  • To foster self-discipline, commitment and professionalism and respect for one another;
  • To develop the student's knowledge of theatrical literature in its historical, cultural and performative context;
  • To provide a solid foundation in the critical theories and practice of stage directing;
  • To expand the student's knowledge of all the theatrical means (acting, directing, designing, playwriting, stage management, theatre technology, dramaturgy, etc.) through which a script is translated into effective performance;
  • To develop abilities to research, analyze and interpret a script;
  • Through formal and informal writing and presentations to develop expertise in communicating ideas and concepts to designers, actors, dramaturges, technicians and the audience; and
  • To develop the student's abilities to translate theory into practice and to effectively reach an audience.

Financial assistance

Financial assistance is available through departmental assistantships. An eight month stipend and a full waiver of tuition is awarded with an assistantship in an academic year. Duties are related to the student's area of concentration, which must be declared at the time of application. Generally, directing students serve as teaching assistants or teach their own sections of Intro to Theatre, Analysis, some introductory performance courses, or as publicity assistants.

For more information, contact the Graduate Program Advisors and consult the online graduate catalog.

MFA Student's Handbook


Other information can be found on the School of Graduate Studies webpage.

If you cannot find what you need here, please contact the department office and let us know what information would be helpful on our web pages.

Tammy Killian
Chairperson
Office Location: 101 Browne Hall
Office Phone: (309) 298-1543
Email: TL-Killian@wiu.edu ; Theatre@wiu.edu