Directing Interviews

 

*Please note, we are NOT accepting applications for Fall 2024 admission. We accept students for the MFA in Directing program every other year.

Every other year, starting in 2013, UCI will admit two MFA Directing candidates.  As a highly competitive program, we make our decisions based on your prior experience (many of our students have either professional directing experience or already hold one advanced degree), your recommendation letters and, most importantly, the half-hour interview.

In preparing for your 30 minute directing interview, you may find the following advice to be of help.

Directors should be prepared to discuss at the interview:

INTIMATE APPAREL by Lynn Nottage or ANGELS IN AMERICA, PART ONE by Tony Kushner
or
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Well written critical reviews of your productions may be submitted.

One or two of your directorial or script analysis papers may be submitted.

An updated resume will be helpful if it includes more information than you have previously submitted.

Director Notes from one of your production programs

Portfolio of your productions which may include photographs and reviews. 

One prompt book from an actual production you have directed.

OPTIONAL:

We would also be interested in copies (which we may keep) of plays you have written or your papers on the art of the director, the works of playwrights, or on theatrical critical theory.

Applicants from Abroad

We are very interested in foreign applicants with English proficiency. The interview cannot be waived; however, so it will be necessary for you to travel to one of the interview sites. If it proves difficult to meet with us on one of the scheduled dates, we will try to meet you in California at your convenience.

Please be aware that the University of California offers limited support to foreign students in residence, and the admission of foreign nationals requires a guarantee of funds to complete our three-year program. If you or your family cannot provide such a guarantee, you should apply at once to alternate sources of tuition and living expenses, such as home government grants and private foundation support.

Dates for Applications and Interviews

All interviews for admission for Fall 2021 must be completed before February 28, 2021. The application deadline is February 1, 2021.

Directing interviews for direct and U/RTA applicants will be held on the following dates in 2021:

*Please check the U/RTA website for their application process.

  • Online:  Monday, January 11, 2021
     
  • Online:  Tuesday, January 19, 2021
     
  • Irvine campus:  Independently scheduled