Develop your understanding of the relationship between theatre theory and onstage practice. Our master’s degree program offers an intensive study of dramatic traditions as well as practical, artistic explorations. You can earn your master’s degree in as little as 14 months with our accelerated track designed for current educators or those who may be working full-time. For those interested in the traditional graduate experience, our two-year program allows students to dive into graduate school and commit to the University Playhouse’s yearly productions. Earning your master’s degree in theatre prepares you for Ph.D. programs or a variety of careers in education, professional theatre, and much more. Take center stage by enrolling today!
Where It Is Offered
Commerce
Duration14 months to 2 Years
Foreign LanguageForeign language required for MA
Delivery
Blended (50-85% Online), Face-To-Face
Total Credit Hours30-36 Hours
Thesis Requirements Thesis and non-thesis options available
Theatre (MA/MS) :: 1.3 SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A DEGREE IN THEATRE
SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A Master’s DEGREE IN THEATRE
Our Facility
The Performing Arts Center houses two theatrical spaces, a 60+ seat black box theatre and a 300+ seat main stage theatre to develop and refine your crafts as a theatre practitioner.
Learn from Experts
Work with our award-winning faculty as you explore the creative components of theatre, management and technical theatre, and the history and theory of theatre. Engage in meaningful conversations that challenge your understanding of the theatrical arts.
Play the Lead
Take center stage with the University Playhouse. Students pursuing the two-year track will have the chance to direct, design or perform in plays every semester. Show the university and Commerce community what you are made of!
Career Readiness
Thinking critically and communicating effectively. That’s what employers are looking for. The College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts is dedicated to providing you the knowledge and resources for excelling in the workforce.
The Department of Theatre offers two different tracks toward earning your master’s degree. Explore which option works best for your career interests and research goals. You can earn your master’s degree in as little as 14 months with our accelerated track. We also offer a more traditional, two-year graduate experience.
Thesis (MA)
Our thesis track prepares you for doctorate programs and other professions. Work alongside faculty as you research theatre performance, pedagogy and principles. This option is only available to students pursuing the traditional two-year program. Total credit hours: 30
Non-thesis (MA)
Earn your master’s degree in theatre with our non-thesis track. Designed to offer a wide variety of courses, this track provides a broad education in theatre. This option is available to students pursuing the accelerated or two-year track. Total credit hours:36
14-Month/Alternative Scheduling
We offer an alternative scheduling option for our MA and MS in Theatre. Designed for those who are working/teaching full-time and are unable to pursue the traditional graduate school experience. Enroll in intensive, day-long, face-to-face classes during the summers and online classes during the fall and spring semesters. Total credit hours:36
Build your repertoire and professional portfolio by earning your master’s degree in theatre from A&M-Commerce. Whether you desire to work in professional theatre or improve your teaching skills, our program prepares you for a wide variety of careers.
A historical survey of influential theatre practitioners – playwrights, designers, directors and performers – whose work falls outside of the canon. Particular attention will be given to issues of visibility and accessibility of the diversification of theatre in a contemporary context.
Meisner ActingTHE 561
Through exercises, performance activities, and presentations this course provides the student with a practical introduction to Sanford Meisner’s approach to actor training.
Costume DesignTHE 516
A graduate-level in-depth examination of the principles, elements, theories, and practicalities of costume design and their relation to overall design considerations in the theatre.
Development of Modern TheatreTHE 542
A survey of the modern theatre from the rise of Naturalism to the present day, with attention being given to the theatrical conditions and changing intellectual climate of the Twentieth Century.
Our program meets the needs of in-residence students and working professionals. We offer courses online and face-to-face classes at the main campus in the fall and spring. In-person courses are also offered during the summer. Choose from a wide variety of electives to personalize your studies and educational experience.
This program is designed for commuters! We have students attending from all over the state.
The face-to-face classes taken in the summer are generally all-day intensive classes taken in two back-to-back days each week, generally Mondays and Tuesdays, in Commerce. These classes typically run from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. with the students engaging in independent research, assignments, etc. from home for the remainder of each week. This allows students to commute to Commerce to attend face-to-face classes in the summer by arranging overnight accommodations nearby.
Schedule
Summer I
Two face-to-face courses (total of six credit hours)
Summer II
Two face-to-face courses (total of six credit hours)
Fall
Two online courses (total of six credit hours)
Spring
Two online courses (total of six credit hours)
Summer I
Two face-to-face courses (total of six credit hours)
Summer II
Two face-to-face courses (total of six credit hours)
Do I have to start the program in the Summer I term?
If your goal is to complete the program within a 14-month timeframe, then “yes,” you need to start in the Summer I term. However, our alternative scheduling (face-to-face in the summer terms and online in the fall and spring terms) simply provides you the opportunity to be active in a master’s program while working full-time. Starting in the fall or spring terms, or taking fewer classes in the summer terms may be ideal for some students.
Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”
Select “Theatre, MS or Theatre, MA” as your “Major.”
Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Provisional Status
After you submit your application, you may be granted provisional status, which means you can enroll in one semester of courses. You will not be eligible for financial aid until you submit all of your documents and are accepted into the program.
Step 2. Submit Documents
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].
We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
Postal Alternative
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
Texas A&M University-Commerce Attn: Graduate School PO Box 3011 Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
Letter of Recommendation
Request one signed letter of recommendation, on letterhead, from a professional who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program. That individual should:
Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”
Select “Theatre, MS or Theatre, MA” as your “Major.”
Pay the $75 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Step 2. Submit Documents
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].
We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
Postal Alternative
If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
Texas A&M University-Commerce Attn: Graduate School 2600 S. Neal St. Commerce Texas 75428
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Letter of Recommendation
Request one signed letter of recommendation, on letterhead, from a professional who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program. That individual should:
If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
Texas A&M University-Commerce Attn: Graduate School 2600 S. Neal St. Commerce Texas 75428
Statement of Goals
Answer these promptsin 250 to 500 words:
Why do you want to study your particular area of study?
What do you hope this degree leads to?
What are your goals? Short term education goals, long term career goals.
Explain previous theatrical experience and training.
Resume or CV
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
English Proficiency
You do not need to submit test scores if you have completed (all years) of a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.
Request that your scores from one of the following be sent to Texas A&M University-Commerce:
TOEFL (Minimum Scores: IBT 79, or CBT 213, or PBT 550)
IELTS (Minimum Score: 6.00 band overall)
PTE (Minimum Score: 53 overall or higher)
Duo Lingo (Minimum Score: 105)
*Scores must be less than two years old.
Official Sponsor Documents
Submit these documents to the Office of International Programs once you have been admitted
Official sponsor statement
Bank statement from the sponsor with a balance of at least $26,025 USD which is less than 1 year old
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree in Theatre to qualify for this program?
We encourage you to apply if you currently hold a theatre major, minor, or at least 18 credit hours of theatre courses. If you did not study theatre in your undergraduate degree but have significant professional experience in theatre, you may still be a likely candidate for admission. Your professional experience can be expressed through the Statement of Goals and Resume/CV required for admission to the program.
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