Texas State mentors and supports directors as they develop their craft, clarify their voice, and create meaningful theatrical work.
The MFA Directing Program at Texas State cultivates directors to become creative leaders in the American theatre. Through focused training in text analysis, point of view, style, and hands-on production experience, TXST directors deepen their craft and clarify their directorial voice.
We accept two MFA directors each year. The program is fully funded and includes a tuition waiver and paid assistantship.
You must have completed your application to the university before we can schedule a callback. Apply declaring your major as “Pre-Theatre" or “Theatre.”
We request you also apply to the Honors College upon acceptance into the university if you meet the criteria.
Graduate Instructional Assistantships (GIA) and Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) assignments are made each term and range from Instructor of Record, Teaching Assistant, and production support staff, based on each student’s skills and interests.
Each student is awarded two 25% assistantship positions (10 hours each) for a total of 20-hours per week.
To remain eligible for scholarships and assistantships, students must hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and remain in good standing
For additional information, visit the Graduate College Website.
The numbers below are based on the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school year rates.
1st Year
Full Tuition Scholarship
& Assistantship $14,600
based on classification and assignment
2nd Year
Full Tuition Scholarship
& Assistantship $14,715-$15,500
based on classification and assignment
3rd Year
Full Tuition Scholarship
& Assistantship $15,160-$16,400
based on classification and assignment
Our Directing Program is guided by industry professionals who bring a wealth of expertise to the forefront of our educational experience.
Head of Directing
Directing Faculty
Directing Faculty
Directing Faculty
Work alongside a faculty or guest director to learn the design and rehearsal process at TXST.
One-week collaboration and workshop process for a new play, culminating in a staged reading in the Performing Arts Center’s Recital Hall or other venue.
Direct a One-Act play in a black box classroom space. This self-produced project is focused on clear storytelling and working with actors.
Represent TXST in this national SDC-sponsored competition and receive feedback from leading professionals.
Stage your first fully produced show in our beloved and intimate thrust space as part of the Theatre Season.
Direct a substantial selection from a Shakespeare play, featuring senior BFA actors in a special capstone presentation.
Cap your training by directing a fully produced show in one of TXST’s large-scale performance venues.
