Study directing abroad

Directing programs equip students with the theoretical understanding, technical competencies, and professional skills needed to pursue an exciting career in filmmaking, theater production, or media.

You’ll undergo extensive practical training in directing duties and logistics, actor management, production leadership, and equipment handling. You’ll get to grips with several genres and styles of directing, trace the history of theater and movie production, and have the opportunity to stage and direct your own masterpiece.

Studying overseas allows you to appreciate the truly global-scale of the media, movie, and theater industries. Learning about the demands, quirks, and expectations of different audiences will help you to become a culturally-sensitive and internationally-respected director. Not only will the magical experiences inform your work, but they’ll also help you to grow in confidence and character.

Across much of the world, undergraduate degrees in directing are offered as three-year BA programs. However, students traveling to the US or Canada for their degree will probably pursue a bachelor of fine arts (BFA). BFAs last at least four years and include fewer liberal arts classes in favor of more professional and specialist modules.

If you’re keen to spend some more time mastering your craft, you might enroll in an MA or master of fine arts (MFA) degree. MA programs typically require one year of full-time study, whereas MFAs normally last between 21 and 24 months. To succeed on either type of program you’ll need to narrow your focus on a specialist strand or genre of directing.

It’s possible to study a PhD in directing, but it’s important to remember that doctoral programs are research-based and include very few, if any, practical classes. It usually takes between three and six years to complete a PhD.

As a directing student, your schedule will include a mixture of theoretical and practical classes. You’ll spend time in lectures, seminars, workshops, performances, and tutorials. Although the delivery and content of every university program will vary, most will cover these fundamentals:

• Directing actors
• Directing across genres
• Directing and developing story
• Fundamentals of acting
• Stage movement
• Theater history
• Scene and costume design
• Production processes

As a directing graduate, you’ll have built an impressive portfolio of original work and professional experience. Your directing expertise, leadership qualities, and eye for detail will make you a stand-out candidate for many jobs in the creative industries.

Here’s a taste of some of the career opportunities available to you:

• Director
• Actor
• Producer
• Stage manager
• Production designer
• Casting agent
• Film/video editor
• Camera operator

It’s notoriously difficult to get a break in the film or theater industries, but participating in some relevant work experience will certainly shine the spotlight on your applications. Your university’s careers service can help you ask media outlets, filmmakers, and theater companies about placement opportunities.