The MFA in directing focuses on the practice and theory of directing. It allows students to develop their skills in the art of directing, and offers the unique opportunity to study both English and French theatre practices and traditions in a bilingual and bicultural setting. The program is designed to prepare students to work as directors in both the professional and academic theatre.

The Master of Arts (MA) in theatre (with thesis) focuses on the field of theatre theory and dramaturgy. The objective of this program is to bridge theoretical and practical approaches to the study of theatre by encouraging dialogue and understanding between practitioners and theoreticians. The program enables students to broaden their academic scope with regard to the epistemological and interdisciplinary specificities of theatre as an art form and as a discipline of study; it encourages the analysis of the Western world’s principal theatrical traditions from various discursive perspectives; it fosters a greater understanding of Canada’s two principal theatrical traditions and helps develop scholarly discourse in regards to each.

Both programs are offered full-time and extend over two years. They can be pursued in English and in French. In accordance with University of Ottawa regulations, assignments, exams and theses can be written in either language.

The professors included in the list below are members of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. This means that they are authorized to supervise or co-supervise theses. A complete list of the faculty and staff members associated with the program can be found at http://www.theatre.uottawa.ca/eng/

Applicants to the program are required to have an honours baccalaureate in Theatre, or the equivalent, with a minimum 75% (B+) average in the last two years of study and an overall average of at least 70% (B).

They are expected to have:

• A solid background in the literature, theory and history of the theatre;
• A working knowledge of how theatre is done, including an understanding of the basic techniques of acting, production and theatre administration;
• Experience and a demonstrable skill and talent for theatre directing;
• Some successful pursuit of theatre work beyond the university setting;
• Proficiency in one of the two official languages and at least a passive knowledge of the other; a passive knowledge implies the ability to follow courses in both official languages, and to appreciate both the English and French theatrical traditions, culture and practice.

NOTE: Students may choose to do production work, and to write assignments and examinations in either English or French.

Master's Degree Requirements

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