MFA Theatre Directing

The MFA Theatre Directing course at Birkbeck University of London is a two-year, full-time program that provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful theatre directors. The course covers a wide range of topics, including acting, voice and speech, movement and dance, design and technology, and theatre history and theory. Students will have the opportunity to work on a variety of productions throughout the course, including main stage shows and site-specific performances. The program is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, and graduates will be well-equipped to pursue careers in theatre directing, as well as other areas of the performing arts.

Additional Information

The MFA Theatre Directing course at Birkbeck University of London has a strong reputation for producing skilled and innovative theatre directors. The program is taught by experienced professionals who are actively working in the field, providing students with valuable insights and connections. The course also offers opportunities for collaboration with other departments within the university, such as the Department of Drama, Theatre and Dance, and the School of Arts, allowing students to explore interdisciplinary approaches to theatre directing.

Unlock Your Potential as a Theatre Director at Birkbeck University of London

Birkbeck University of London is an excellent choice for those looking to pursue a career in theatre directing due to its reputation for academic excellence and its location in the heart of London. The university offers a diverse range of courses and resources, including state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for collaboration with industry professionals. Additionally, Birkbeck's proximity to London's vibrant theatre scene provides students with access to a wide range of performance venues and opportunities for practical experience.

This MFA Theatre Directing offers professionally recognized training for theatre directors. The result of a collaboration between Birkbeck and the Arts Council England, Equity, and UK Theatre, the course provides a unique opportunity to work with theatre actors, writers, and designers, while being introduced to the structural and financial realities of working as a director in the industry.

You will spend time at a leading drama school, learning how actors are trained for today’s theatre. Intensive units with expert professionals, including noted practitioners such as Mike Leigh, Mike Alfreds, Vicki Mortimer, Natalie Abrahami, and Lyndsey Turner, will concentrate on the director’s relationship with the designer and the writer, and offer a practical understanding of how theatre companies and pieces of work are funded and managed.

You will then further develop your skills as a director through secondment to a theatre company where you will have the opportunity to assist on at least three productions; collaborators include the Royal Exchange Manchester, Citizens Theatre Glasgow, Leicester Curve, Liverpool Theatres, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Mercury Colchester, the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, and the Unicorn.

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.