The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in directing is a three-year graduate program that is centered on the director as an artist-practitioner who guides and manages the integration of diverse elements of theatrical technique and expression. The training of the director is a process of developing in the student a broad perspective of storytelling and dramatic action through the practice and study of production concept, collaboration with other theatre artists, examination of criticism and performative theory, and emphasis on developing a coherent individual aesthetic.<br> <br>The directing student will experience an intense first-year cohort experience with other MFA graduate students that will focus on techniques and principles in the service of communicating story and character through dramatic action and concept. The curriculum is designed with preparation for and realization of directing projects based on these principles. Typically each director creates a short independent directing project in the first year of study and then directs a supported production each of the ensuing two years of residency.<br> <br>In addition, the program develops students as teachers and utilizes teaching and the development of teaching pedagogy to further develop the student's understanding of his/her own craft and theory. Teaching assistantships are available to qualified applicants who have been admitted to the graduate program. These are awarded annually on a competitive basis and are renewable depending on the candidate's progress and job performance and the instruction needs of the program. All applicants are considered for these awards. Students need not apply under separate cover. Teaching assistants are required to register for nine credits each semester.