Theater BA: Directing Emphasis

At this time, prospective students cannot choose the directing emphasis. Applicants interested in the directing emphasis should apply to the program via Integrated Studies.

The directing classes at UCLA TFT teach a series of different techniques and ideas. The objective for a directing student is to be exposed to a variety of directing techniques, genres and approaches while developing a basic set of directorial skills.

The UCLA TFT Theater program is not a training conservatory and is not for the student who is eager to begin working professionally right away. For those persons we recommend one of the acclaimed B.F.A. conservatory training programs found across the country. The UCLA TFT Theater program is for the student who sees him/herself as a scholar/artist — one who is eager to learn and wants a great university education from one of the world's major research institutions. Roughly half of the student's classes are in subjects other than theater. This education will prepare the graduate to be an informed citizen of an increasingly complex world, an original and critical thinker, as well as providing one of the best theater educations offered in the country.

Courses in the directing emphasis begin in the freshman year, with Theater 15: Introduction to Directing, and Theater 160: Fundamentals of Play Direction. Students will also fill their schedule with Theater History 101A, B, C; general elective courses; complete the Writing II requirement; and select writing, literature, and drama courses from the English department as well as other departments on campus.

In the sophomore or junior year, directing students complete a sequence of three courses over the three quarters: Theater 163A, B, C: Directing for Stage.

Students admitted to the Theater major via Integrated Studies may pursue courses in the directing emphasis. All directing emphasis classes require instructor consent to enroll. The faculty may elect to not continue a student in the emphasis at any time. This could be due to poor performance, poor citizenship (excessive absences, not working up to the standards of the class, poor grades in the class, etc.). In this situation the student would still graduate with a degree in Theater (providing that degree requirements have been completed), but without an emphasis.

Like all other theater undergraduate emphases, directing is not a "major." All undergraduates in the theater program are Theater majors and graduate with a bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree in Theater.

All Theater undergraduate students (from any area) may audition for most departmental undergraduate productions.

Students in the UCLA TFT Theater major cannot change from their emphasis into the acting or musical theater emphases.