<p>My daughter is currently trying to decide between three schools with very different programs. One is mostly stage management, the second mostly directing, and the third includes directing and stage management in the same department but she would have to choose between them in upper division.</p>
<p>My question is whether anyone has any thoughts on the usefulness of an undergrad degree in directing? Is it really a good way to get started as a director? Or would it make more sense to get training as a Stage Manager which would give her a better chance of making a living in the theater when she graduates? Once she starts working as a Stage Manager, is it possible that she could then find work as an Assistant Director? Or are there few or no cross-over possibilities? Is the MFA in Directing a useful degree and, if so, do you need to have directed to be accepted into a good MFA program?</p>
<p>Hi theatre mom – I have an MFA in Directing, and undergraduate and professional background pre-MFA in stage management, performing, directing, and teaching (I took 6 years between the completion of undergrad – BFA performance degree – and beginning of MFA in directing.</p>
<p>I will say that most MFA directing programs are looking for applicants who have been out of undergrad for a few years, working professionally in the business, and have prior directing experience. When I started grad school at 28 I was the youngest director in the program at that time… although there were directors younger than me (25 - 27) before and after I was there. Very few MFA directing programs accept students right out of undergrad… although some may.</p>
<p>I also have found that very few theatres will hire a 22 year old director with an undergraduate degree (even a BFA degree) in directing to direct as part of their season.</p>
<p>Regardless of degree program in undergraduate school, it seems that most young directors in their early 20s will be most successful in finding assistant director internship positions for the first years out of school. Many also will produce their own work, direct children’s theatre, act as artistic assistants, etc… at first.</p>
<p>Many other directors start out a performers… in musical theatre many director/ choreographers come out of the dance captain/ assistant choreographer experience.</p>
<p>I would be happy to communicate wth you via PM to answer any more specific questions you may have.</p>
<p>I have a BFA in performance, an MFA in directing , and currently am the artistic director of a summer theatre, and a college theatre professor. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you think I could be helpful. I will do my best to share my experiences and those of current and former colleagues and students.</p>
<p>Congrats to your D! Exciting to have options!!</p>
<p>Hi, I thought I mught be of some help since my S went and continues to go through this process. S attended NYU for an undergrad degree in directing. He attended playwrights horizon, in Tish. He graduated in 3 years,(bad move, don’t do it) and then was faced as a 21 year old graduate in a market that was already flooded with Grad directors. That didn’t stop him, but did slow him down. He formed a theater company with other NYU grads and directed for them. They were lucky and good enough to gets hows in the Fringe and NYC Musical theater festivals giving him some good credentials. He worked as an Observer on the broadway show Company, and directed his own plays at Playwright Horizons.( Showcases). He had some success off broadway. That said, 4 years down the road, he realized he needed to go back for an MFA in directing which he is now persuing at CMU. Was this the right path for him? Yes, but he sure had to do a lot of temping, working as house managers, and fund raising to get where he is now. I do reccomend NYU/Playwrights program. It is similar to some of the grad programs and gives a good overview of what directors need. That said, remember there are always more actors to 1 diretor in a show. Its a tough road, but the only one for him. If you PM me I’d be happy to answer any questions! Cam</p>
<p>I sent PMs to both of you. Thanks. This has been VERY helpful. </p>
<p>Is there anyone out there who made the opposite choice and got a technical or management education even though you aspired to be a director? How did it work out? Were you able to direct eventually?</p>