Master of Fine Arts in Theatre - Directing (Course Based)

The Department of Theatre offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre with specialization in Directing.
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in directing focuses on the practice of directing contemporary theatre. It allows students to develop their skills in the art of directing, and offers the unique opportunity to study both English and French theatre practices in a bilingual and bicultural setting. The program is designed to prepare students to work as directors in the professional theatre.
Theory courses provide exposure to contemporary artistic and cultural discourse, and the basis for students contextualization of their personal studio work within current art practice and theoretical investigation. Students enrol in two Theory courses per academic year, the Professional Internship course, in which students have the opportunity to work at one of the many art institutions in the region, or with a professional artist, is a distinctive feature of our program. Art History and Theory faculty members and adjunct professors of the Department are actively involved in research and publishing as well as in curatorial projects, in the areas of art and gender, transnational and post-colonial studies in art, critical questions in museology, the archive in contemporary art practice, among others.

The University's Department of Visual Arts is located in Ottawa's downtown core, home to many of Canada's most influential and dynamic art institutions. The Department is within walking distance of the National Gallery of Canada, the Canada Council Art Bank Gallery, the Ottawa Art Gallery, SAW Video and the Karsh-Masson Gallery, as well as the Canadian Museum of Nature. Located close by are the Canadian Museum of History, and Library and Archives Canada, and across the river in Gatineau, Qubec, AxeNo7 Gallery and Damn media arts center. These and other National Capital Region art venues feature outstanding collections, high-profile exhibitions, stimulating artists presentations and lecture series, and first-class research facilities.

Admission to the graduate program in Theatre is governed by the General Regulations in effect for graduate studies.

All applicants must be able to understand speak and write proficiently either English or French. Applicants whose first language is neither English nor French must provide proof of proficiency in one or the other. The list of acceptable proofs is indicated in the Admission section of the General Regulations in effect for graduate studies.

Admission requirements for the MFA program:

A bachelor's degree with a specialization or a major, or the equivalent, in Theatre with a minimum average of 75% (B+) in the last two years and a 70 % (B) average overall,
A solid background in the literature, theory and history of the theatre,
A working knowledge of how theatre is done, including an understanding of the basic techniques of acting, production and theatre administration,
Experience and a demonstrable skill and talent for theatre directing,
Some successful pursuit of theatre work beyond the university setting,
Proficiency in one of the two official languages and at least a passive knowledge of the other, a passive knowledge implies the ability to follow courses in both official languages, and to appreciate the English and French theatrical traditions, culture and practice.

TOEFL 84 (Overall), 24 (Writing), 20 (Individual)/IELTS 6.5 (Overall), 6.5 (Writing), 6 (Individual) (Internet-based)