Master of Arts - Theatre - Directing (Course-Based) at University of Ottawa - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-09-05

Program overview

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Program overview

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre with a specialization in Directing at the University of Ottawa focuses on the practice of directing contemporary theatre. This program allows students to enhance their directing skills while studying both English and French theatre practices in a bilingual and bicultural environment. It is designed to prepare students for professional roles as directors in the theatre industry. The program is offered full-time and spans over two years, providing a comprehensive education that emphasizes both practical and theoretical aspects of theatre directing.

Program structure

The MFA in Theatre Directing is structured to provide a robust educational experience over a two-year period. The program includes:

Two compulsory courses
Production courses
Directing seminars
A practicum where students observe a senior director in a professional theatre setting

Students are required to complete a total of 39 units, which includes a mix of seminars and practical experiences. The program is designed to be completed within five terms of full-time enrollment, ensuring that students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in directing.

Featured Experiences

The MFA in Theatre Directing offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Opportunity to study in both English and French, fostering bilingual skills in theatre practices.
Directing practicum where students gain real-world experience by observing a senior director in a professional setting.
Engagement in production courses that allow students to apply their directing skills in practical scenarios.
Access to a diverse range of theatrical traditions and practices, enriching the educational experience.

Career Options

Graduates of the MFA in Theatre Directing can pursue various career paths in Canada, including:

Theatre Director: Responsible for overseeing the artistic vision of a production, guiding actors, and making key decisions about staging and performance.
Production Manager: Manages the logistics of theatre productions, ensuring that all elements come together smoothly for performances.
Artistic Director: Leads a theatre company, curating the season's productions and guiding the overall artistic direction.
Playwright: Writes scripts for theatrical productions, creating original works or adapting existing stories for the stage.
Theatre Educator: Teaches theatre arts in schools or community programs, sharing knowledge and fostering new talent in the field.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Ottawa official website

Last updated on 2025-09-05

Program overview

Academic Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Honours BA in Theatre, or the equivalent, with an average of B\

Recommendation letter(s):	3 It is highly recommended that you contact your referee prior to submitting your application to confirm their email address and their availability to complete your letter of recommendation.
Transcript(s):	1 You must upload copies of all transcripts from universities you have attended by using the uoDoc application. Transcripts must cover all courses and programs at any university you have attended, including regular programs (whether completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online or correspondence courses, courses taken as a non-degree student or visiting students, etc. If your transcript and degree certificate are not in English or French, you must submit a copy of a certified translation. Once you've received your offer of admission, if the offer contains any conditions for submitting official documents, you will need to upload them to uoDoc. Some exceptions apply. Previous or current Ottawa students do not need to submit a transcript of their studies at the University of Ottawa. Professional programs in rehabilitation require all transcripts, including those from uOttawa.

Recommendation letter(s):

3
It is highly recommended that you contact your referee prior to submitting your application to confirm their email address and their availability to complete your letter of recommendation.

Transcript(s):

You must upload copies of all transcripts from universities you have attended by using the uoDoc application. Transcripts must cover all courses and programs at any university you have attended, including regular programs (whether completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online or correspondence courses, courses taken as a non-degree student or visiting students, etc. If your transcript and degree certificate are not in English or French, you must submit a copy of a certified translation.

Once you've received your offer of admission, if the offer contains any conditions for submitting official documents, you will need to upload them to uoDoc. Some exceptions apply.

Previous or current Ottawa students do not need to submit a transcript of their studies at the University of Ottawa. Professional programs in rehabilitation require all transcripts, including those from uOttawa.

Required document(s):	Resume (must include chronological academic history) Letter of intent (3 pages maximum) including your motivations to pursue this program and a short description of your intended research project

Language Requirements

French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Internet-based)
English Program: TOEFL 84 (Overall); 24 (Writing); 20 (Individual)/IELTS 6.5 (Overall); 6.5 (Writing); 6 (Individual) (Internet-based)

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!