Performing Arts Directing

Established: 2012

Educational Degree: Маster of Arts

Duration: 1 year (2 semesters)

Form of Education: Full-time

Program Director

Assoc. Prof. Anton Ugrinov

 

 

 

 

Key Academic Team: Prof. Plamen Markov (Pre-production, Production), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Petar Kaukov (Pre-production, Production, Methodology of Production Process), Yavor Gurdev (Pre-production, Production), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mira Kalanova (Visual Stage Concept), Prof. Dr. Vasil Rokomanov (Theatre Technology)

1.ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

This programme aims to meet the needs of qualified specialists, creators and managers for the Bulgarian theatres who obtain profound organizational and scientific knowledge that helps in their future artistic management practice or academic careers.

During their studies, students learn and master their skills and abilities for  preparation, provision and execution of a quality theatre rehearsal process.

Students acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills for the creation and execution of theatre productions, alongside with the organizational and management aspects of the performing arts.

Students have to build and develop professional abilities and habits, learn about the main theoretical discourses, methods  and techniques in theatre art; learn to work in a team, developing adaptability for quick and quality reflections in a wide spectrum of aesthetic and organizational areas of the contemporary performing arts.

 

 

 

2. EDUCATION

Education is only full-time , lasting 1 year (2 semesters). During the practical phase, students work on two excerpts from a play (or two one-act plays) and prepare a diploma stage production.

The programme curriculum includes a wide range of theoretical and practical courses and directorial assignments with the purpose of acquiring knowledge and mastering skills needed for becoming theatre directors in the contemporary performing arts.

The educational process ends up with a public defense of a written Master’s thesis and final public defense of a diploma stage production either as a stage performance at a professional theatre (recommended); or as a project stage performance at the NATFA Theatre; or as a co-production between NATFA and another cultural institute; or as an independent project.

 

3. QUALIFICATION

Graduates acquire the educational qualification degree “Master of Arts” with professional qualification “Master of Arts in Performing Arts Directing”. They have options to work in theatres and other cultural institutes, including in the field of theatre pedagogy.

4. ADMISSION

When submitting their application documents, candidates submit a conceptual project for the future diploma stage production; motivational letter for the choice of the specific text for theatre, or a topic for improvisational rehearsal process (up to 2 standard pages); directorial explication of the future stage performance (up to 5 standard pages);  and prtfolio, including up-to-date information about the candidate’s creative endeavors.

The portfolio may also contain scripts, essays, poems, short stories, plays, novels, paintings, drawings, photographs, films, original music, performances of songs and musical instruments, recordings of musical performances and other artistic materials of the candidate’s choice. Textual materials must be in a pdf format and not exceeding 5 pages. Images must be in jpg format. Audiovisual materials must be in mp-4 format and not exceeding a total duration of 10 minutes. Sound materials must be in mp-3 format and not exceeding a total duration of 10 minutes. The purpose of the portfolio is to show the applicant’s interests, artistic preferences, potential skills and mindset in as many details as possible. All materials must be uploaded in the Google Drive cloud space with a limit up to 3 GB.

 

Stage 1 – Written Exam (anonymous)

Essay on a given topic, related to the candidate’s aesthetical and emotional experiences. Candidates who receive a score lower than average (3.00) cannot participate in Stage II.

Exam duration: 240 minutes.

 

Stage 2 – Oral Exam

The Selection Committee interviews the applicants about the materials, included in their portfolio. The aim of the interview is to understand the applicants’ potential capabilities, interests, overall cultural knowledge and mindset, ability for independent thinking and artistic reflections. The Committee may also give assignments, related to the submitted project by the applicant, with the purpose to learn about his/her artistic attitude and organizational skills. Candidates who receive a score lower than average (3.00) cannot participate in the final ranking.