MA - Theatre Studies
The Master of Arts in Theatre Studies is for students who wish to complete graduate work in theatre history and dramatic criticism/theory with production opportunities in dramaturgy and directing. The degree is research-oriented, and the courses that MA students take reflect that academic direction. Candidates study the history and literature of the discipline, are capable of understanding and carrying out independent scholarly research, and manifest an ability to communicate complex ideas in both written and oral contexts. Admission to the program is based on GRE score, a writing sample, letters of reference, and a review of credentials by the Theatre Studies faculty.
Deficiencies and Transfer Credit
Students who elect to take an MA in Theatre Studies have normally completed an undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts. Those who have not done so, may need to take additional hours to make up for deficiencies in the areas of theatre history, acting, and stagecraft. Only six (6) transfer hours of graduate courses in Theatre Arts may be applied toward the degree, and there must be documented evidence of equivalency. Candidates must fulfill the requirements of the Graduate College. Candidates must also complete all requirements within a six-year period.
Students take thirty (30) credit hours of course work, twenty-four (24) of which must be in the School of Theatre Arts. The program includes comprehensive Master's exams taken in the third semester, an MA thesis, and an oral defense of that thesis. The degree is designed to prepare students for doctoral programs in theatre studies or master of fine arts programs in dramaturgy or directing.
Required Coursework (30 Units)
Theatre Arts Core (11 Units)
| T AR 601 - Research Methods | 1 unit |
| T AR 602 - Theatre and Culture I | 3 units |
| T AR 603 - Theatre and Culture II | 3 units |
| T AR 696a Contemporary Trends | 3 units |
| T AR 580 - Graduate Design Lab (concurrent registration with 696a) | 1 unit |
Theatre Studies Core (10-12 Units)
| T AR 545 - Production Dramaturgy | 3 units |
| T AR 642 - Adv. Studies in Theatre History - or - | 3 units |
| T AR 541 - History of Musical Theatre | 3 units |
| TAR 695 Colloquium | 1 unit |
| TAR 910 Thesis | 3-5 units |
Electives (7-9 units)
| T AR 502 - Stage Combat | 1 unit |
| T AR 510 - Methods of Teaching Creative Drama | 3 units |
| T AR 548a-b - Period Styles | 3 units each |
| T AR 555 - Directing I | |
| T AR 556 - Directing II | |
| T AR 560a-b - Writing for Stage and Screen | 3 units each |
| T AR 562 - Collaborative Play Development | |
| T AR 597 - Workshop | 2-4 units |
| T AR 599 - Independent Study | 1-3 units |
| T AR 693 - Internship |
Six units of course work may be taken outside School of Theatre Arts with advisor approval.
Production Opportunities for MA Students
The School of Theatre Arts offers a variety of performance and production opportunities for students in the MA program:
- Four workshop productions per year.
- One-Act Play festival.
- A touring children's theatre production.
- Other outreach productions.
Graduate Entrance Requirements & Procedures
Theatre Arts applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree, including courses in theatre history, acting, directing, dramatic literature, and technical production, or their equivalents as indicated by practical experience in the theatre. If an applicant's undergraduate work is considered deficient for advanced work, additional work will be required at the undergraduate level for undergraduate credit. Deficiencies must be satisfied by the completion of prescribed courses prior to or concurrent with the first graduate course.
Each degree specialization has its own admission requirements which are submitted on-line with the Graduate College application:
- MA Theatre Studies or Theatre Education - GRE, manuscript of a 10-15 page research or critical paper
- MFA Design/Technical Production - a portfolio review is required
Students accepted by the School are then recommended to the Graduate College for acceptance. The student must be accepted by the Graduate College to enter the program. A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 over the last 60 credits of course work is required for admission to the Graduate College. Application can be made on line.
Graduate Assistantships & Fellowships
A variety of financial aid, including nonresident tuition and registration fee waivers, is available for graduate students. Several scholarships and fellowships are awarded on the basis of talent and merit. Theatre Arts also awards graduate teaching assistantships, which provide students with on-the-job training in the areas of teaching acting, voice and movement, technical production, scene design, costume design, lighting design and theatre history. Students may also be eligible for aid offered through the UA Office of Financial Aid.
