Approval for a Directed Reading course normally will be given to doctoral candidates who wish to study a subject related to their intended area of thesis research but for which there exists no graduate seminar course. This can be either a half- or full-year course. The amount of work involved, and the number of meetings with the instructor, should be equivalent to that of a half- or full-year seminar course. Before a student can be registered in such a course, he/she must find an instructor willing to direct it, and both must agree on the subject matter and methodology (refer to the list of faculty and their specializations and consult the Graduate Coordinator if necessary). No more than one full Directed Reading course (i.e., one "Y" or two "H"s) may be included in a student's degree program. A brief description of the course, signed by the student and instructor, must be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator at the time of registration.

A Directed Theatre Research course may involve mounting (e.g. directing, designing, or dramaturging, as appropriate) a special production in which the stage is regarded as a means of research in a specific aspect of the theory and/or practice of theatre; or else may involve a field placement at a venue or with a professional company, as arranged by the Centre. Directed Theatre Research projects require the approval of the Director of the Centre at the beginning of term. The nature, purpose and anticipated final documentation of the research to be carried out must be described in a detailed submission to the Director before approval for such projects or placements can be considered.