Program Overview: The Professional Director Training Program (PDTP) is designed to provide stage directors with the necessary intellectual, aesthetic and technical tools to allow them to function in the world of the professional theater as it is practiced in the 21st century. To that end, it embodies the faculty’s belief that a classical theater education, rooted in the study of realistic texts as well as a progression through the challenges of style, verse and Shakespeare, provides the strongest foundation for a director as he or she prepares to work in their chosen style or medium. The Program admits no more than two candidates each admission cycle, allowing for close mentoring on both class work and production work. During the three-year course of study, directors will develop and practice their craft in a variety of ways, ranging from in-class scene work to a series of progressively challenging public performances, beginning with a Realism Project in their first year of training, a Style Project in their second year, and culminating with the possibility of a fully-supported Mainstage Thesis production in their third year. The primary focus of the first year is for the director to understand the design process, rehearsal process and associated processes of the professional theater as they develop the language of collaboration with actors, designers and stage managers here at the School of Theater. Through class work and the creation of original projects, the director begins to absorb the techniques and vocabulary of the professional director, having rehearsal hall experiences that parallel the problems and issues that crop up daily in directing classes. The second and third years of study are a progressive development of skills, with the second year zeroing in on theatrical style, beginning with the Greeks and advancing to studies involving heightened language and Shakespeare. The third year offers off-campus opportunities (including internship at a highly-regarded professional theater), as well as continued style classes and thesis production, all of which serves as preparation for entry into the profession. At the end of each quarter students have a formal quarterly review with the Program Head in order to assess their progress and preparedness for continued study. Students exhibiting consistent growth and preparation for a career in the professional theater will be invited to return for the next year of training. Requirements for an MFA in Directing will be given to the student upon enrollment, but at minimum will include the completion of no less than 90 credit hours.

Admissions Policy: Admission is granted as a result of admission to the University, as well as a combination of recommendations by those familiar with the applicant’s work and an interview with the Program Head through the URTA interview process or as arranged on the Athens campus. The GRE is not required for this program.

Change Policy: Admission is granted as a result of admission to the University, as well as a combination of recommendations by those familiar with the applicant’s work and an interview with the Program Head through the URTA interview process or as arranged on the Athens campus.

Transfer Policy: Admission is granted as a result of admission to the University, as well as a combination of recommendations by those familiar with the applicant’s work and an interview with the Program Head through the URTA interview process or as arranged on the Athens campus.

Total 90 semester credit hours required with 60 credit hours required in Major Area Studies, 9 credit hours in Supportive Theater and Performance Studies, 21 credits of supportive studies.