The Professional Director Training Program is designed to train and prepare directors for a career in the professional theater. All training is centered around the principle of collaboration with actors, designers, and playwrights. The program is structured so that the individual student's talent, background, and professional goals determine specific elements of the program outside the core requirements.
Coursework
During a three-year course of study, directors develop and practice their craft in a variety of ways ranging from scene work to directing fully supported main stage productions. The primary focus of the first year is for the director to become familiar in working with the elements and people involved in producing theater. Given satisfactory progress, the second year concerns itself with process and the application of work from the first year through a variety of studio, laboratory, and other directing experiences.  Given continued satisfactory progress, the third year is the culmination of the previous two and serves as an entry into the professional theater.  This may be accomplished by directing a fully supported thesis production on the main stage.
A typical course of study for the first year includes fundamentals in directing (a two-quarter journey through the directing process, from pre-production work through opening night, including auditions, table work, rehearsal techniques and the tech process), the director-designer collaboration, and developing skills working with actors and playwrights.  Production demands include directing a Realism Project in one of the studio spaces.  The second year is focused on individual style projects and practicum experiences, as well as workshops in period style and sound design for the director.  Courses in acting, playwriting, design, theater history and criticism, and electives complete the first two years.
Thesis Production and Internships
The third year is designed as the culmination of the previous two and as entry into the professional theater. Qualified students direct a fully supported main stage project and intern at a League of Resident Theaters (LORT) theater or an equivalent producing organization. A quarter of internship or observership abroad extends and deepens the able student director's cultural perspective.  If qualified, students receive travel grants to assist with the expenses of internships abroad.
Students have recently interned at the Victory Gardens Theater, the Goodman Theater, Dallas Shakespeare Festival, Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theater,  The Abingdon Theater Guthrie Theater, The Labyrinth Theater, American Conservatory Theater, Center Stage, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The Cleveland Play House, Old Globe Theatre, Playwrights' Horizons, San Diego Repertory, and Denver Theater Center, among other theaters, and in England at the Young Vic, Women's Playhouse Trust, Royal National Theater, Hampstead Theatre, and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
Admissions
Two candidates are accepted each year.  Admission is based on a personal interview (either at U/RTAs in New York and Chicago or on campus in Athens), and recommendations from those familiar with the candidate’s work.
Requirements
Requirements for an MFA in directing are 135 hours.
Actual schedule will be determined by the Program Head on the first day of classes
There is quarterly evaluation of each student.  Students exhibiting consistent growth and preparation for a career in the professional theater will be invited to return for the next year of training.

To Apply

IInstructions for onlne application can be found at www.ohio.edu/graduate, a resume, a statement of goals, and any other materials required by the program to which you are applying must be sent by March 15 to: Graduate Committee School of Theater Ohio University Kantner Hall 307 Athens, OH 45701-2979