It is expected that all applicants will have at least two years of professional directing experience, outside of a university setting, to be considered for acceptance into this program.
Application Packet
Every applicant must apply formally online through the Graduate School. The application portal for Fall 2026 admission is now closed. Formal applications for Directing require:
- Three letters of recommendation from people who know your work as a student and/or theatre artist.
- A digital directing portfolio packet is to be uploaded in the Supplemental Materials section in CollegeNET. Portfolio packets should contain:
- Academic Statement: For more information on this statement, please see Application Requirements: Essays from the Graduate School.
- Personal Statement: For more information on this statement, please see Application Requirements: Essays from the Graduate School.
- Documentation of theatre work, i.e., reviews, portfolio designs, promotional materials, directing statements, or production photos.
- Official TOEFL scores for international applicants whose native language is not English. The Educational Testing Service will send official scores directly to Northwestern University's Graduate School. Use the institutional code 1565.
- Unofficial transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended, documenting all courses taken (within or outside a degree program), grades received, and degrees earned.
The MFA Directing program does not require applicants to submit GRE scores.
Faculty Review
The faculty will review the application packet and let you know if you will be invited to campus for a faculty interview, at which point we ask that you bring a physical copy of your directing portfolio.
Faculty Interview
Invited applicants may arrange their faculty interview by contacting the graduate secretary, David Kleineick at david.kleineick@northwestern.edu or (847) 491-3589.