Program
No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewVirtual Only40+ StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
DEPARTMENT
•UCI Drama alumni serve as artistic directors, producers, and directors at more than 100 theatre companies nationwide
•Alumni are faculty at more than 75 institutions of higher learning
DIRECTING PROGRAM
•Study with working professionals in conceptualization, theory, aesthetics, and collaboration
•No previous directing experience necessary — faculty seek creative thinkers passionate about the field
HONORS IN DIRECTING
•Competitive admission — must complete Drama 184 (Directing) and direct a play in the Director Class Projects series as audition
•Can be admitted as early as winter quarter of freshman year
•Participate in directing studio classes with MFA Directing students
•Direct two full plays in the Director Class Projects series
•Opportunity for credit as assistant director on Main Season show or production intern with professional company
•Requires 3.2 overall GPA and 3.4 in directing courses
•U/RTA nomination and recommendation at graduation
•"Honors in Directing" notation on official transcript
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Regular DecisionDec 1, 2025
Domestic Fee
$80Waiver
International Fee
$95Waiver
Program AppApplication
Deadline
Program App DeadlineDec 1, 2025
Submission Requirements
IMAGES (required)
•Three images that reflect the feeling of a play you would like to direct
•Should be paintings or photographs that inspire you — not photographs of a production
•Images should reflect the essence of your ideas about the play
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT (required)
•Why directing your production of the play is important to you
•Written format: 400-500 words, OR self-tape: 3-5 minutes
Good to Know
SUPPLEMENTAL PORTFOLIO
•Audition/portfolio submission is OPTIONAL but highly encouraged
•Open to all undergraduate applicants, including transfer students
•UCI Admissions emails Drama applicants after December 1 with submission instructions
•All materials submitted digitally — no in-person reviews
What's The Process
PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION
•Optional but highly encouraged for all undergraduate applicants
•All materials submitted digitally — no in-person reviews conducted
•UCI Admissions emails Drama applicants after December 1 with submission instructions
WHAT FACULTY LOOK FOR
•Creative thinkers eager to expand abilities through practical work and academic studies
•No previous directing experience required
Program info updated Mar 22, 10:02 PM
DEPARTMENT
•UCI Drama alumni serve as artistic directors, producers, and directors at more than 100 theatre companies nationwide
•Alumni are faculty at more than 75 institutions of higher learning
DIRECTING PROGRAM
•Study with working professionals in conceptualization, theory, aesthetics, and collaboration
•No previous directing experience necessary — faculty seek creative thinkers passionate about the field
HONORS IN DIRECTING
•Competitive admission — must complete Drama 184 (Directing) and direct a play in the Director Class Projects series as audition
•Can be admitted as early as winter quarter of freshman year
•Participate in directing studio classes with MFA Directing students
•Direct two full plays in the Director Class Projects series
•Opportunity for credit as assistant director on Main Season show or production intern with professional company
•Requires 3.2 overall GPA and 3.4 in directing courses
•U/RTA nomination and recommendation at graduation
•"Honors in Directing" notation on official transcript
Updated Mar 22, 10:02 PM
Academic School Information
4.00
Avg GPA (W)
29%
Admit Rate
86%
Grad Rate
30,197
Enrollment
$80,735
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$15,722
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$49,922
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$14,251
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$8,123
Family Income $30k - $48k$9,313
Family Income $48k - $75k$11,642
Family Income $75k - $110k$15,164
Family Income $110k+$30,546
