Graduate Theatre Studies

The M.A. in Theatre provides an opportunity to those with a foundation in theatre research and practice to strengthen their skills and knowledge beyond an undergraduate level. Many who enroll are high school teachers, community college teachers and developing artist scholars.

Students take a variety of classes in theory and practice while also having the opportunity to participate in Theatre UCF production and external internship opportunities.

This program provides flexibility to pursue an area of study that aligns with student interests and goals that include dramaturgy, directing, design, performance studies, arts administration and more. There is also a concentration in the pedagogy of musical theatre. Students may also have the opportunity to teach undergraduate courses during their time at UCF.

M.A. Theatre students will graduate with a deeper knowledge of theatre theory, history and practice and be able to apply critical thinking through research and creative work. Graduates will have developed dramaturgical skills through their work on productions while also understanding how to apply theoretical frames to their own creative practice.

Through original research papers and written reflections of their own work, students will leave with a strong writing and research skills. Students participate in “research as practice” activities to explore ways to integrate their theoretical and practical knowledge under the guidance of faculty.

Graduates of the M.A. Theatre program are pursuing Ph.D. degree, working in professional theatres as Education, Marketing and Artistic Directors and teaching all levels from middle schools to universities.

Application Requirements

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all graduate students. Minimum requirements for admission are a B.A. or BFA degree in Theatre or equivalent and a competitive GRE score. An interview is also required. Each student interested in the program must apply to UCF through the College of Graduate Studies before being considered a serious candidate.

Students applying for entrance into the M.A. program should have successfully completed the following undergraduate courses or their equivalent:

• Script Analysis or Play Analysis
• Theatre History and Dramatic Literature courses
• Directing I

Any questions about these requirements should be directed to the program coordinator. Students must submit application materials to UCF’s Graduate Studies and the School of Performing Arts. The University of Central Florida employs an online application process which can be accessed at graduate.ucf.edu. Additional materials must be submitted directly to the School of Performing Arts.

An interview is required. Contact Julia Listengarten (Julia.Listengarten@ucf.edu) to schedule.

Submit to the Office of Graduate Studies

• Online application
• Application fee
• Official transcripts
• Official GRE scores
• Residency classification form
• Statement of purpose
• Résumé
• Three (3) current letters of recommendation

Submit to the School of Performing Arts

• Statement of purpose
• Résumé
• Three (3) current letters of recommendation
• Transcripts (can be unofficial)
• Writing sample (5–10 pages, double-spaced) on a theatre-related subject, with bibliography

We don’t want application fees to be a barrier. If you are submitting an application through AcceptD and need assistance, contact the coordinator for the program you are applying to for more information. For information about application fee waivers for UCF admissions, click here.

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