The Interdisciplinary Conservatory at Ƶ offers a Master of Arts degree in Theatre Directing to serve the needs of highly motivated, early career directors and theatre educators. In three intensive, 6-week summer sessions over a three-year period, students complete 27 credit hours of required coursework, working closely with theatre professionals and educators from Chicago and beyond. After their final summer session, students complete an additional three credit hours in which each student puts into practice their training in a thesis production during the fall or spring semester.
Applicants to the Master of Arts in Theatre Directing should meet at least two of the following three requirements: 3 years of experience teaching theatre classes; experience directing at least five productions; and have an undergraduate degree in theatre.
The Fast Track faculty includes Theatre Conservatory professors and working professionals from the Chicago theatre community.
The program stresses practical training for the secondary educator in tandem with special workshops and lectures with professionals in the field.
Students develop camaraderie by working together the entire summer.
—Elizabeth Henley