Applications for the Master of Theatre Arts (MTA) degree, run jointly by the Theatre Programme at Victoria University and Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School, are closing soon. With only six places available, entry into the MTA is highly competitive.

All interested should apply by 1 October 2008 for the 2009 intake.Simon Bennett, Executive Director of South Pacific Pictures and Chair of BATS Theatre says that the two-year full-time programme provides "a solid foundation, both practical and theoretical, that will equip directors with the advanced skills, background and mindset necessary to pursue a career in theatre and related industries."

Victoria University Senior Lecturer in Theatre John Downie says graduates of the MTA are the future leaders of New Zealand theatre, and many are already making their mark. Willem Wassenaar from the Netherlands, who was an international student in the Master of Theatre Arts in Directing, graduated from the programme in 2006. In 2007 he co-founded Almost A Bird Theatre Collective and won the 2007 Chapman Tripp Award for Most Promising New Director for his direction of Angels in America, Part I Millennium Approaches by Tony Kushner at Downstage Theatre. The experience required to apply for the Master of Theatre Arts is either a degree in Theatre or Performing Arts, or extensive practical or professional theatre or related experience. Application for the MTA in 2008 (2009 intake) is via application forms available from the websites below:

http://www.toiwhakaari.ac.nz/quals_courses/courses/directing/how_to_appl... http://www.victoria.ac.nz/seftms/postgrad-studies/mta.aspx. Applications must be submitted by 1 October 2008 to the Victoria University Theatre Programme Administrator. Issued by Victoria University of Wellington Communications & Marketing 24/09/08