MFA in Theatre:
Directing
Design and Technical Production

The Department of Theatre & Dance has one goal in mind when training a candidate for the MFA degree: to provide the tools, the opportunities and the skills for the talented student to become a master craftsman. The mastery of a fine art requires training in a creative environment that balances intellectual insight with practical experience. The University of Memphis provides such an environment with a dedicated faculty, ample opportunities to produce, and a variety of resources for theatre artists to master their art.

All MFA candidates share in common a core of three foundation courses:
Theatrical Collaboration and Style, Dramatic Theory and Criticism, and Analysis of Dramatic Literature. The progression through the three year program is also similar: each artist completes a series of executed projects to develop specific skills, implement strengths and overcome weaknesses.

Two main projects included are the Internship and Practicum. Other projects will be assigned or approved by the graduate advising committee. Each year, MFA candidates are required to present their portfolio to a faculty panel to maintain their status in the degree program. The final project for all candidates is the completion of a comprehensive exam.