Students are required to complete a minimum of 75 credits plus a 12-credit production thesis totaling 87 credits during a three-year full-time residency. The student does a majority of the work in a closely monitored relationship with the faculty. During the three-year program, the candidate learns classroom theory, script analysis, collaborative skills, directs in class, and directs a minimum of five public performances the first two years and a culminating fully produced mainstage thesis in the third year. The directing program requirements include courses in directing (theory and practice), acting, design, and stage combat. The directing candidate works with M.F.A. and B.F.A. degree program actors, designers, playwrights, and stage managers, all of whom are working in Mason Gross programs with artistic aims similar to those of the directing program.
