MA Directing for Theatre
The MA in Directing for Theatre aims to provide a range of advanced theoretical and practical strategies for directing practice, for the development of students’ skills and competencies, and for critical reflection on theatre practice in an Irish and European context. This programme allows students with some experience in directing for theatre to explore theoretical and practice issues relating to directing, to develop their own practice through process work and mentoring, and to learn experientially from leading professional directors and theatre practitioners. Students are equipped to advance their professional theatre practice, to work in the theatre sector and associated media and cultural sectors, to pursue doctoral research, and to teach drama and performance in a variety of settings. This is a one-year, full-time MA programme over two semesters. Teaching throughout the MA includes seminars, process, laboratory sessions, theatre visits, critical appraisals, and supervised research. All students are offered the opportunity to develop their research and analytical skills, and their presentation and teamwork skills.
Key objectives for students are:
- To gain experience in process and practice, and in critical reflection on process and practice.
- To develop skills in reading a variety of theatre texts for performance.
- To analyse and critique dramaturgy, performance style, space, body, design and audiences in contemporary theatre practice.
- To explore the complex processes of choice, judgement, reflection and collaboration that directing for theatre involves.
You may follow either Route 1 or Route 2.
Route 1 comprises a balance between taught modules (50 credits) and research/dissertation (40 credits).
Route 2 offers a strong emphasis on independent research (60 credits), with 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)
Semester 1
Core: Research and Analysis in Drama and Performance (10 credits)
Core: The Body in Performance (10 credits)
Core: Rehearsal Techniques and Evaluation (10 credits)
Core:
Drama and Performance (10 credits)
Options One from four in either semester 1 or 2
Option A Contemporary Irish Drama in Performance 1 (10 credits)
Option B European Theatre in Context (10 credits)
Option C: *Gender and Identity in Performance (10 credits) (Semester 2 only)
Option D: Beckett & Contemporary Irish Theatre
Semester 2
Core:*Text Analysis and Performance (10 cr)
Core: Thesis (40 cr)
(Modules may vary from year to year)
Assessment methods include
Essays, seminar presentations, directing of microsequences, director’s notebook, concept documents, log book, project work, continuous assessment.
Minor thesis/Research Project of approximately 15,000 words on a topic approved by the academic staff, to be submitted by late August.
Admission Requirements
We welcome applicants with academic qualifications and/or professional experience and expertise. The deadline for applications is 30th June. You are encouraged to apply early if your application is complete. Applicants may be called for interview in June. These will be scheduled in June. For further information please contact Dr. Cathy Leeney, Telephone (01) 7168967 or Dr. Eamonn Jordan, Telephone: (01) 716 8936.
Candidates may apply for a place on the M.A. Degree if they have obtained one of the following:
- B.A. Degree with at least Second Class Honours, Grade II, in a relevant subject and at least Second Class Honours, Grade II in the second subject; or
- B.A. Degree with at least Second Class Honours, Grade I, in a relevant subject; or
- Second Class Honours, Grade I, in a relevant post-graduate diploma; or
- Second Class Honours, Grade I, in the relevant M.A. Qualifying Examination.
We also welcome applications from prospective candidates, including mature students, who do not fulfill the normal academic requirements, but who have relevant professional expertise and experience.
Application Procedures
The deadline for all applications is 1 June. Provisional applications are welcome from students graduating in the summer, but applications are complete only when all relevant documentation, including final degree results are submitted.
Eligibility for MA Directing for Theatre:
Applicants who have a portfolio of professional experience in theatre and/or a proven interest in developing as directors, and evidence of ability to deal with theoretical issues, and assessment requirements.
Applicants for the MA in Directing for Theatre may be interviewed in early June 2009.
Ethos
Teaching throughout the graduate programmes includes seminars, process, laboratory sessions, theatre visits, critical appraisals, and supervised research. All students are offered the opportunity to develop their research and analytical skills, and their presentation and teamwork skills.
Assessment
Students are assessed in a variety of ways, which may include essays, class presentations, choreographic work, director’s notebook, process contributions, theatre reviews, and a minor thesis or research project.
