Theatre Directing (MFA) - 2010/2011 entry
Why study this course at Birkbeck?
- The programme is practice-centred and predominantly practice-based.
- Direct input of professional theatre practitioners: Mike Leigh, Vicki Mortimer, Simon Stephens and Sam West have been recent contributors.
- Includes a six-month secondment with a theatre company, providing the opportunity to direct and work with professional actors.
- Extended mentoring relationships between students and professional directors.
This programme offers a professionally recognised training for theatre directors. It is the result of a unique collaboration between Birkbeck and the National Council for Drama Training, Arts Council England, Equity and the Theatrical Management Association. The programme has been planned in close co-operation with a wide range of distinguished theatre practitioners.
What will I be studying?
Year 1 enables you to acquire an informed experience, knowledge and understanding of the work of the professional director with key collaborators such as actors, writers and designers. You will also be introduced to the current structural and financial realities of working as directors in the industry. This year includes a term’s fieldwork spent exploring the training of the professional actor through regular attendance at an appropriate drama school, and an academic module provided at Birkbeck.
Year 2 enables you to develop your skills as a director through secondment to a theatre company or companies. During the secondment you are given a number of opportunities to work as a director with actors and other appropriate collaborators in the creation of theatre pieces. In the final term of the degree, students reassemble as a group to produce a final presentation that encapsulates their personal understanding of the role and function of a professional theatre director.
One term is spent largely at a recognised drama school, learning how actors are trained for today’s theatre. Intensive units with leading professionals will concentrate on: the director’s relationship with the designer and the writer; a practical understanding of theatre management and other related issues.
Collaborating theatre companies will be drawn from a group of committed organisations. This group currently includes: the Bush Theatre, the Royal Exchange Manchester, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Birmingham Rep, Theatre Royal Stratford East, the Library Theatre Manchester, the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith and Hampstead Theatre. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work with the RSC's voice and movement experts and to have a relationship with the National Theatre Studio.
Find out more about this course.
Make your application
You can apply online from the link below.
What can I go on to do?
The MFA Theatre Directing is the terminal qualification for practice-based learning as a theatre director. It primarily equips students to develop careers as theatre directors in the UK, although some graduates successfully work abroad and in a range of media. Recent graduates have held positions at the National Theatre, the RSC, the Royal Court, the Gate Theatre and the National Theatre of Wales.
