Directing (degree)
“The only way to learn how to direct a play, is … to get a group of actors simple enough to allow you to let you direct them, and direct.” Sir Tyrone Guthrie
There are very few undergraduate theatre directing courses–in fact only two are dedicated to directing from day one–Rose Bruford and Drama Centre London, part of University of the Arts. At Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, you can specialise in directing in your final year, having initially studied their broader based drama and theatre degree.
A directing course will give you experience of assistant directing and directing productions and aims to prepare you for life as a theatre director. Along the way, you will experience working with lighting designers, theatre designers, actors, musicians and stage managers.
It is unlikely that many people currently working as directors studied theatre directing as an undergraduate.
Postgraduate courses
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) offers a one year postgraduate diploma for two students each year and there are directing MAs at Central School of Speech and Drama, East 15, St Mary’s University, Twickenham, University of Dundee, University of East London, Drama Centre London, Birkeck College London and Rose Bruford.
Other opportunities
Every year the National Theatre studio theatre holds a prestigious three-week directors’ course for up to 14 talented young directors as well as masterclasses throughout the year.
Check out Independent Theatre Council’s (ITC) Young Directors Scheme scheme
Bursaries for young directors
The Bulldog Prinsep Theatrical Foundation bursary
Cohen Directors’ Bursary
JMK Trust’s young theatre director award
4 Theatre Director Scheme
Current opportunity–21 April 2008 deadline
Where can I study this?
- Drama Centre London (Central St Martin's College of Art and Design)
- Queen Margaret University
- Rose Bruford College
Please note that this is not a comprehensive list. You can find more detailed information here:
