2026-2027 Course Catalog
Source: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/faa/theatre-ma/ Parent: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/
for the degree of Master of Arts in Theatre
The Theatre, MA is not currently accepting applications. Suspension of admissions effective for the 2026-2027 academic year.
A full-time student can complete this program in one academic year.
Admission
Candidates should apply to one of the ten graduate areas offered: Master of Fine Arts in Theatre with specialization in acting, costume design, costume technology, lighting design, scenic design, sound design and technology, stage management, or scenic technology; the Master of Arts in Theatre with specialization in theatre and performance research and dramaturgy; or the Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre with specialization in theatre and performance research. All applicants should present transcripts documenting undergraduate or graduate study of theatre practice, dramatic literature, and theatre history with a cumulative grade point average in these subjects of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0). Applicants whose first language is not English must submit recent Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores; the current minimum score for consideration is 550 on the paper-based test (213 on the computer-based version).
Candidates for the M.F.A. degree must demonstrate talent in theatrical performance or production by audition or by the presentation of a portfolio of their work to an admissions committee of the faculty, either on campus or at one of the regional University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA) audition sites. M.F.A. candidates are admitted in the fall term only. The M.F.A. acting program accepts applications only every three years; the next academic years in which applications will be accepted are 2024-25 for Fall 2025 admission.
Master’s and doctoral candidates should present records of at least a 3.0 grade point average in all subjects studied at the undergraduate and graduate levels, supply 1-2 samples of their scholarly writing, and submitting recent Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores is recommended. In addition to the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores required of all foreign students, master’s and doctoral candidates whose first language is not English are encouraged to submit scores of the Test of Written English (TWE). Ph.D. candidates should hold a master’s degree in theatre or in a related field. Master’s and doctoral candidates are normally admitted in the fall term.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.
for the degree of Master of Arts in Theatre
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Programs and the Graduate College Handbook.
Thesis Option
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | Theatre history, literature, and theory to be selected from departmental list | | 20 | | Applied theatre | | 4 | | THEA 599 | Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree) | 0 min | | Total Hours | | 32 |
Other Requirements
Grad Other Degree Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| At least two semesters in residence | |
| Final comprehensive examination | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
Non-Thesis Option
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | Theatre history, literature, and theory to be selected from departmental list | | 20 | | Applied theatre | | 4 | | Electives | | 8 | | Total Hours | | 32 |
Other Requirements
Grad Other Degree Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| At least two semesters in residence | |
| Final comprehensive examination | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
for the degree of Master of Arts in Theatre
- Demonstrates a broad knowledge of theatre and performance history, theory, and practice in specific contexts.
- Shows an ability to apply a range of contemporary analytical and research methods in critical writing, dramaturgy, and creative research.
- Understands and successfully applies contemporary practices in dramaturgy, directing/devising, playwriting, and/or new play development.
- Demonstrates an ability to undertake, design, and complete independent research projects.
for the degree of Master of Arts in Theatre
Theatre Department
Department Head:Valleri Robinson\ Director of Graduate Studies: Jeffrey Eric Jenkins\ Theatre Department website\ Theatre Department faculty\ 4-122 Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801\ (217) 333-2371\ theatre@illinois.edu
College of Fine & Applied Arts
College of Fine & Applied Arts website