Theatre Studies
The theatre studies specialization is specifically designed for students with career goals in dramaturgy, teaching in higher education, or pursuing a PhD in theatre history, research, literature, or criticism. The program is designed to build the research and analytical skills needed for an academic career in theatre. This Resident Program focuses on the dramaturgical aspects of production, as well as individual scholarly interests related to theatre arts. With opportunities to both teach and undertake research projects in theatre, this program offers the perfect blend of pedagogy and theory needed to prepare students for careers as theatre scholars. A limited number of teaching or research assistantships are available to qualified candidates for the academic year. Out-of-state tuition waivers are also available to qualified candidates.
General Requirements of the Program
Students will complete a thesis/project or comprehensive examination. See the student handbook for more information on policies and procedures.
Thesis: This option is appropriate for those who wish to pursue a PhD, either immediately after receiving the MA or at some point in the future. A thesis is a lengthy monographic work (usually 50 to 150 pages long) that addresses a topic of importance to theatre scholars in an original way.
Written examination: This option consists of an eight-hour written exam given at the end of one’s graduate career. It is designed for students who do not plan to pursue a PhD in theatre.
Admission Requirements
Theatre Studies Specialization
Incoming candidates are expected to meet both the requirements for admission to the graduate programs at Central and the following requirements:
- A writing sample, preferably in the discipline, of at least five pages.
- Permission of the faculty, which may include prerequisite or background courses.
The GRE is required for admission to this specialization and a foreign language is required as a graduation requirement.
Graduate Assistantships
A limited number of teaching or research assistantships are available to qualified candidates for the academic year. Assistantships are appointed by the dean of Graduate Studies and Research upon recommendation of the department chair. No assistantship covers summer programs.
Assistantship applications must be completed by February 16 in order to insure full consideration; applicants should submit all materials required by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Contact them at (509) 963-3101 to request application materials or visit www.cwu.edu/masters.