MFA Directing

Zachary Roberts zachary roberts

Zachary will begin his second year as a graduate student in the MFA Directing Program.  As an undergraduate, he attended East Carolina University and holds a BA in Theatre Arts from Campbell University.  Zachary directed Mass Appeal during his first semester and then directed Meg during his second semester at Western, both Studio Theatre productions.  He was also involved in the department as stage manager for Lion In Winter and as assistant director for Long Day's Journey Into Night, both Mainstage productions.  Receiving a graduate assistantship during his first year, Zachary served as a teaching assistant for UNIV 100 (, as a General Education Consultant for undergrad theatre majors, and as a tutor for THEA 100 (University Theatre Perspectives) & THEA110 (Intro to Theatre), all through the University Advising and Academic Support Center.

Questions:
 
What is special about the theatre and dance department?
One of the truly remarkable aspects of the theatre department at Western is the passion of the faculty for teaching students. I truly feel as if each professor I have encountered here makes a personal effort to sharpen my skills and prepare me to be the strongest theatre artist I can be. They always make time to answer my questions, dialogue about a play, or attend a rehearsal to observe and help me address a challenge I am experiencing.
 
Are there a lot of opportunities for students to perform or direct?
Opportunities abound for performance and directing. In addition to the Mainstage productions and class scene work, there is a lively and explorative studio season where actors, designers, and directors produce a wide range of plays and musicals. There is also an active improvisational group associated with University Theatre as well as an annual new playwright festival each spring with opportunities for playwrights and actors.
 
Why did you choose Western's MFA directing program?
One of the most appealing aspects of the MFA directing program is the opportunity to direct five out of the six semesters while in residence. At Western, a student learns directing through an active hands-on approach with the chance to work on a variety of plays and a broad range of actors and designers. I have also truly enjoyed working with egla Hassan, the head of the MFA directing program. Each day she challenges me to grow and develop my skills, and she has truly enhanced my directing process in allowing me to explore, make mistakes, and learn from them. Even after the first semester, I felt my outlook on directing mature and grow more than I expected.
 
What are you going to do after you graduate and do you think getting a job in theatre will be easy?
I plan to move to the Chicago area and work as an intern at one of the major theatres there. After a few years working in Chicago, I plan to open a theatre with a longtime collaborator and eventually create a school for the arts where students and professionals can work side by side. Building a career will never be easy, but as long as I continue to seek out and create the opportunities to expand my vision for the theatre, I feel confident I will be able to have a long and fulfilling career.