Students interested in the program must audition and interview with a member of the Penn State Theatre faculty. There are two ways of auditioning for the program. The first is through the University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA). These auditions are held in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. To establish an audition time and place, contact the U/RTA national office (URTA@aol.com). The second way is to attend the in-house auditions held at Penn State. For specific information about these auditions, contact the School of Theatre administrative office at 814-865-7586. Auditioning students are asked to present two contrasting selections totalling three minutes: one pre-twentieth century and one contemporary. Students are asked not to apply to Penn State until and unless the School of Theatre extends an offer to enter the Master of Fine Arts program.

Master of Fine Arts (Directing) | Admissions Procedure

To apply to the Graduate Directing program please send an official undergraduate transcript, a resume, and a letter of intent. The letter of intent should indicate a clear sense of focus or direction, how you believe you will benefit from our training, and what you hope to do with that training. The letter of intent should be no more than two pages in length. Your materials should be sent to:

Penn State School of Theatre
Application: Graduate Directing Program
116 Theatre Building
Penn State University
University Park, PA 16802

The application deadline is November 5, 2012. If your initial application packet raises sufficient interest from the selection committee we will ask you to submit a short written directorial approach for a musical. At that time we will also ask you to submit two letters of recommendation from people who know your directing or other professional theatre work. The application process culminates in an on-campus interview. The directorial approach and on-campus interview are by invitation only. The Graduate Directing program does not currently recruit through U/RTA.

Assistantships

Penn State provides complete financial support for each graduate student. Assistantships include full tuition waiver and a yearly cash stipend (year one approximately $13,265, including summer; years 2-3 approximately $12,195). Typically stipends are increased 3% annually.