BFA in Directing, Playwriting and Production

What makes Directing, Playwriting and Production at UArts special?
We are proud to offer the only Directing, Playwriting and Production undergraduate degree program in the country. This program focuses on collaboration in theater – training the playwrights, stage managers, directors and producers of tomorrow.

What’s the Directing, Playwriting and Production program like?
During your first two years as a DPP major you will develop practical foundations in:

• Stage management
• Playwriting
• Directing
• Acting
• Production support on mainstage and studio projects

Further academic coursework in Theater and Liberal Arts will sharpen your analysis and critical thinking, expand your sense of historical context, and enhance your communication skills. Coursework in DPP includes:

• Script Analysis
• Theater History
• Dramatic Literature
• Arts Criticism

As you advance, you begin to shape your own individual course of study. Your upper level courses and production assignments will reflect a chosen focus after your sophomore year. You may take courses such as:

• Advanced Stage Management
• Directing Studio (advanced directing)
• Advanced Playwriting
• Producing Commercial Theatre

Your production as an upper class student could include:

• Stage Manager on Mainstage or Studio projects
• Director of a studio project
• Dramaturge of a Mainstage or Studio production
• Studio production manager
• Playwright of a script in workshop, staged reading, or full production
• Director of a workshop
• Producer of student festival, EQUINOX
• Casting Director for a semester

Much of your final year will comprise production projects, independent study and internships.

What performance management and production opportunities are available?
The School of Theater Arts stages 12-14 shows per year, including a Main Stage Series of four shows, a Studio Series of 6-8 shows and a series of intimate explorations called the Platform Series. Recent student directed productions include: ELEEMOYSNARY,NO EXIT,SAVAGE IN LIMBO,REALM OF THE UNREAL; A New Musical by UArts student Jamison Foreman; and the annual student directed/written/produced festival: EQUINOX.

What career opportunities are available to Directing, Playwriting and Production majors?
The purpose of the professional training programs at UArts is to train you to pursue work in the professional theater. Additionally, Directing, Playwriting and Production majors are prepared to pursue positions in the theatre such as Director, Asst. Director, Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager, Dramaturge, Literary Manager/Assistant, Casting Assistant/Director, positions in Development, Marketing, Producing, etc. This program is especially well suited to those who may have an interest in advanced or graduate study.

Are faculty working professionals?
Yes. Directing, Playwriting and Production students work with faculty who are themselves working professional actors, directors, producers, stage managers, playwrights and designers.

Is a minor available?
Yes. You may add a Minor in Musical Theater to your repertoire with additional study in dance and music.

How can I learn more?
For more information about our programs or our productions, please do not hesitate to call us at 215-717-6450. Stay in touch and stay abreast of the latest news about the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts: read the Brind School Buzz blog, follow @brindschool on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook.