MA in Directing for Theatre
The programme provides a range of advanced theoretical and practical strategies for directing, and develops students’ skills in critical reflection on contemporary theatre practices.
Students learn techniques in reading text for performance, explore a range of approaches to the role of the director, and develop their own practice through process work and mentoring. Leading professional directors and theatre practitioners, such as Frank McGuinness, Patrick Mason and Kellie Hughes are key contributors to teaching.
Fishamble Theatre Company (Drama Studies Theatre Company in Association), offer specific placement opportunities to suitably qualified students, and other placements are regularly available with professional companies/productions in Ireland.
Directing students follow core modules in Directing, and also share modules with the wider MA groups. Learning includes seminars, process, laboratory sessions, feedback, theatre visits, critical appraisals, and supervised research.
Students are also expected to develop their research, analytical and professional skills, and their presentation and teamwork skills.
Key objectives for students are:
- To develop techniques in directing practice, and in critical reflection on process and performance
- To enhance skills in reading a variety of theatre texts for performance.
- To explore the complex processes of choice, evaluation, reflection and collaboration that directing for theatre involves
-To learn from leading professional practitioners, and to develop links with the theatre sector
- To analyse and critique contemporary performance: style, language, space, body, dramaturgy, scenography and audiences.
MA in Directing for Theatre is available full-time (1 Year) or part-time (2 years).
You may follow either Route 1, or Route 2.
Route 1 comprises a balance between five taught modules (50 credits) and research/dissertation (40 credits).
Route 2 offers a strong emphasis on independent research (60 credits), with three selected core taught modules (30 credits). This route is aimed at applicants with a substantial academic and/or professional background in the discipline, and the potential to develop independent research/practice as research.
Modules (Core and Option) (provisional)
Full-time Structure: Route 1 (Part-time participation is structured over two years (five semesters).
Semester 1
Core: Text Analysis and Performance (10 credits)
Core: Research and Analysis in Drama and Performance (10 credits)
Core: The Body in Performance (10 credits)
Semester 2
Core: Rehearsal Techniques and evaluation (10 credits)
Core: Issues and Perspectives in Drama and Performance (10 credits)
Core: Thesis (40 credits)
(Modules may vary from year to year)
Assessment methods include:
Seminar presentations, directing of microsequences, director’s notebook, reflective analyses, log book, project work, essays, continuous assessment.
Minor thesis/Research Project on a topic approved by the academic staff, developed during Semester 2, completed between May and August, and submitted by mid-August.
Admission Requirements
We welcome applicants with academic qualifications and/or professional experience and expertise. The deadline for applications is 30th June. Please apply as early as possible. Applicants will be called for interview, or may be interviewed by video conference call or by phone. Applicants from outside Dublin should note that campus accommodation books up early in the year of entry.
For further information please contact Dr. Cathy Leeney, (353 1) 7168967 catherine.leeney@ucd.ie or Finola Cronin, M.A. (353 1) 716 8964 finola.cronin@ucd.ie.
