Theatre (Theatre and Performance of the Americas), PhD
Scholar, arts, directing, drama, stage, theater, theatre
Are you interested in social justice through artistic and cultural expression? We welcome scholars, artists and activists interested in expanding boundaries and challenging traditional narratives.
Doctoral students in theatre with a concentration in theatre and performance of the Americas examine the canon of theatre from diverse critical perspectives through coursework, seminars, research and study opportunities. They are encouraged to think beyond geographical and disciplinary borders, developing the skills required to challenge traditional narratives and expand the boundaries of theatre studies.
To accomplish this, students use a perspective that intervenes in traditionally narrated histories and theories of theatre. They also use cultural and performance studies methodologies to examine other forms of embodied expression that are related to, but distinct from, formal theatrical expression.
During the first year, students explore the theoretical and practical aspects of performance research in general, with a specific focus on performance modalities in the Americas. In the second year, students build on their research interests from the first year through specialized coursework and practical experiences.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
90 credit hours, a foreign language exam, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (24 credit hours) Electives (42 credit hours) Research (12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Two of the elective courses must come from outside the school, and they must be approved by the supervisory committee. In meeting these requirements, students, with the advice of the supervisory committee, may select theatre courses in areas such as community-based theatre, dramaturgy, theatre for social change, theatre history, theatre theory and criticism, and related topics seminars. Students also may take courses outside the School of Music, Dance and Theatre in areas such as critical and cultural studies, area studies, languages and literatures, and aesthetic theory. All activities are selected to help students meet the goals of the program and develop the capability to become leaders in the field. Preliminary Reviews: Comprehensive Examinations: Dissertation Requirements:
THE 792 Research (12)
THE 799 Dissertation (12)
When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree.
Reviews of the student's performance in courses and development of research skills, artistic skills and teaching competencies are conducted by the supervisory committee at the end of each semester.
Examinations comprise written and oral components centering on theatre history, literature and criticism, theatre and performance of the Americas and the research area.
A dissertation based on original high-quality research work demonstrating proficiency in the student's special field is required.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a master's degree in a relevant area from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- School of Music, Dance and Theatre Application, including curriculum vitae, sample of scholarly writing and a statement of purpose
- three letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with the student's work
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
The statement of purpose should address the student's background and experiences as they relate to the student's reasons for pursuing the doctorate, and it should describe the student's research interests and indicate future career goals.
An interview is strongly recommended.
Students should see the program website for application deadlines.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Apply doctoral level research methods and theory relevant to the student's area of focus in theatre.
- Apply advanced analytical skills in the critical examination of theatre.
- Synthesize research and analytical skills towards an in-depth written dissertation project.
Many alums with a doctoral degree in theatre and performance of the Americas go on to teaching and research positions in higher education, while some have chosen careers in arts and culture organizations where their expertise in curation and dramaturgical framing of artistic work finds expression. They may participate in postdoctoral fellowships from prestigious universities. There is also a strong record of article and book publication, representing significant contributions to the field.
Career examples include:
- education director or program manager
- tenure-track faculty member
- visiting faculty member
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
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MUSIC E167
MDTAdmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
