Programs in directing, theater production, and arts management teach people how to plan and produce plays and musicals. Students learn about designing sets, casting characters, and coaching actors. They also study different genres of dramatic literature. In addition, they learn the business side of theater, including marketing, budgeting, and public relations.

For many in the field of dramatic arts, nothing is as demanding as live theater. There is no way to yell "Cut!" or to edit the action. The actors and audience are interacting with each other throughout the production. There are no cameras or screens, just the action unfolding.

Indeed, this is what makes live theater so magical. When it's good, you forget you're in a theater. Instead, you become immersed in the drama. While much credit is due to the actors on stage, the architect of it all is the director. Working offstage, the director brings the entire production to life.

Directors, producers, and managers combine their love for the theater with creativity and organization. They take a script and bring it to life. They do this by selecting actors, determining the right look and feel for the sets, and obtaining the funding. During rehearsals, they work closely with actors to evoke the right emotions. They interpret scripts to draw out a certain message or theme. They also manage the business side of theater through advertising, marketing, and public relations.

Doing all of this requires a unique set of skills. Often, the best way to study the craft of theater directing and production is by formal training. You can take courses in directing, managing, and production through many undergraduate programs in theater. In most cases, you receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Most programs require you to also take courses in acting, screenwriting, and set design. Even though this might not be your desired focus, these courses are prerequisites for other courses.

However, the best way to prepare for a career in directing, production, and management is by enrolling in a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in theater. Most MFA programs have unique specializations where your course work will focus on directing and production. You also have several opportunities to direct plays of your choosing. In some cases, they may be classics, such as Shakespeare, or new plays written by colleagues. You gain invaluable experience this way, as well as the feedback from your peers.

Many four-year schools offer BFA and MFA programs in theater or directing, theater production, and management. In general, BFA programs take four years after high school to complete. MFA programs take an additional two to three years.

It's also possible to get a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in theater. With this degree you usually focus more on the theory and analysis of theater.