Texas State mentors and supports directors as they develop their craft, clarify their voice, and create meaningful theatrical work.
Our Program
About Our Program
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.
Admission Requirements
There are two ways to apply to TXST’s MFA Directing Program:
Option 1: Participate in URTA.
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.
Option 2: Apply to TXST Directly
- Apply to the Graduate College
- You must complete your application to the Graduate College before we can schedule an initial video interview or campus visit.
- Please note, we cannot waive the non-refundable University application fee.
- Application Requirements
- Resume/CV
- Statement of purpose detailing your area of specialty, related background information, and goals in pursuing an MFA in Theatre, Directing
- Theatre portfolio (website or digital) which may include rehearsal prompt books of past directing projects, production photos, video links and reviews.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Any other requirements specified by the Graduate Program.
Assistantships
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
TXST Directing Faculty
Our Directing Program is guided by industry professionals who bring a wealth of expertise to the forefront of our educational experience.
Andy Park
Head of Directing
Danielle Roos
Directing Faculty
Dr. Chuck Ney
Directing Faculty
Kara-Lynn Vaeni
Directing Faculty
Opportunities
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Year One
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Assistant Direct a Mainstage Production
Work alongside a faculty or guest director to learn the design and rehearsal process at TXST.
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Direct a Reading for the New Works Festival
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.
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First Year Directing Project
Direct a One-Act play in a black box classroom space. This self-produced project is focused on clear storytelling and working with actors.
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Year Two
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Submit to the KCACTF SDC Directing Initiative
Represent TXST in this national SDC-sponsored competition and receive feedback from leading professionals.
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Direct a Fully Produced Production in the Studio Theatre
Stage your first fully produced show in our beloved and intimate thrust space as part of the Theatre Season.
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Year Three
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Shakespeare Showcase
Direct a substantial selection from a Shakespeare play, featuring senior BFA actors in a special capstone presentation.
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Direct a Fully Produced Production in the Mainstage or Performing Arts Center
Cap your training by directing a fully produced show in one of TXST’s large-scale performance venues.
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