Coursework

Master of Theatre (Directing)

  • CRICOS code: 085432F

The experience

Overview

Meet Alkisti Pitsaki

After graduating with a BA in Theatre Arts, Greek student Alkistis (Alkisti) Pitsaki wanted to find a graduate course that would help her develop as a director and support her to write her own plays. Here she tells us about her experience in studying at the VCA.

Caitlin Overton

One of the things I cherished most about my course was the interactions with my peers and other artists. When I came to Australia I only knew a few people – through VCA I've grown my network and met wonderful artists. From the acting students all the way to the faculty, every member of this school is willing to help, and thrilled to learn alongside you.

There are several opportunities for collaboration, especially between the directors, writers and dramaturgs, as well as through placements. In time, you find like-minded creatives that want to produce the type of work you like and you form little teams, which is great.

What I think makes this course unique is that it is shaped according to each student. The emphasis is on the student, so whether you like to write and direct, or work on classics or even opera, your mentors and supervisors will be specifically chosen for you and your development.

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Faculty of Fine Arts and Music

The course is taught at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, the proud home of the Victorian College of the Arts and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.

Much of the teaching, research and performance takes place in our purpose-built facilities on the University of Melbourne’s Southbank campus at the heart of the Melbourne Arts Precinct.

Recently, the Faculty’s Southbank campus has undergone large-scale capital works transforming our facilities and creating an industry-ready, world-class experience for our students and staff.

While studying at the Faculty, you will have the chance to benefit from a range of partnerships and engagement activities at major arts companies in Melbourne's Arts Precinct, local and national festivals and sister institutions around the world.

Explore the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music

Wilin Centre

Situated in the heart of Melbourne's Arts Precinct, the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development provides exposure to contemporary Indigenous arts practices and supports the recruitment of Indigenous artists, academics and students.

Learn more about the Wilin Centre


Profile

Dr Kat Henry

Coordinator of the Master of Theatre (Directing)

Dr Kat Henry's teaching credits feature Australia's National Institute of Dramatic Art and major universities, her directorial credits span Melbourne Theatre Company and other companies across the country, and her performance art includes spending 10 days in temporal isolation during a residency in Berlin – and all that's before you consider her work directing rock concerts. Here's why she pursued a life in theatre:

I distinctly remember a moment when I was 18 years old, waking up late and bleary-eyed one morning, and thinking that I if I went into a life of theatre I could live my best late-night life and never have to get up early.

The naivety of youth eventually gave way to the reality that, like many others in this industry, I just couldn’t imagine doing anything else. The challenge of making better and better art, the deep community bonds, the adrenaline of opening night… Ultimately, the ongoing enquiry into why this live experience is so powerful has sustained me and my work.

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Learn from the best

Your teachers are practising artists who are well-connected to industry, and there are course-integrated opportunities to collaborate with students from other creative disciplines.

See more about your teachers