Express Yourself Through Theatre

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!

Woman holding a man during a theatrical scene.

Careers

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.

Career Possibilities

  • Acting
  • Producing
  • Directing
  • Playwriting
  • Theatre Education
  • Properties Design
  • Costume Design
  • Set Design
  • Dramaturgy
  • Lighting Design

See Yourself Succeed with a Master’s Degree In Theatre

Two actors during a scene. One dressed in a suit, the other one wearing a striped long sleeve shirt.

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.

Empty theater at Texas A&M University- Commerce.

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.

Actress standing center stage.

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!.

a male student sitting and reading a book in a play
Theatre student performing with a puppet.

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.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

A master’s degree in theatre will offer you the opportunity to:

  • Explain the intricacies and complexities of historical events, dramatic literature and theoretical perspectives in theatre
  • Determine appropriate management or technical approaches for complex theatrical encounters
  • Assess the benefits and challenges associated with specific, creative theatrical techniques
  • Synthesize theatrical information and research in quality, graduate-level scholarly writing
  • Write critically using analytical thinking skills about theatre topics
  • Critically analyze and communicate ideas regarding theatre topics using effective oral communication skills
Young actress peering towards stage lights

Focus Your Passion

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 (M.A.)

Our thesis track prepares you for doctoral 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 (M.A.)

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 either the accelerated or two-year track.
Total credit hours: 36

14-Month/Alternative Scheduling

We offer an alternative scheduling option for our M.A. 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

Nicely dressed couple holding hands while sitting on stage during performance.

Course Delivery

Our program meets the needs of in-residence students and working professionals. We offer courses both online and face-to-face 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.

Please check the schedule of classes for locations and times. Locations and times are subject to change.

14-MONTH/ALTERNATIVE SCHEDULING

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.

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.

Graduate Program Cost

PROGRAM COSTS

Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents.

Back to menu

Admission

Your Path to Becoming a Lion

Submit Application

  • Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
  • Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”

  • Select “Theatre, MA” as your “Major.”

Domestic Application Fee 395064

  • Pay the $50 application fee.
Back to menu

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.

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Graduate Coordinator Rebecca Stevens 395100

Your Graduate Coordinator

Back to menu

Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.

  • We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.

All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.

We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.

  • If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
  • If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.

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

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 your graduate coordinator or more information.

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
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

Answer these prompts in 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.

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.

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.

  • Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
  • Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
  • Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.

Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.

  • View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
  • To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.

Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.

Graduate Enrollment Specialist Jennifer Faunce

Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist

Back to menu

Deadlines

  • Fall admission consideration: May 15
  • Spring admission consideration: October 15
  • Summer admission consideration: March 15

Applicants must have a completed admissions file by May 10 for fall consideration.

Submit Application

  • Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
  • Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”

  • Select “Theatre, MA” as your “Major.”

International Application Fee

  • Pay the $75 application fee
Back to menu

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.

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Graduate Coordinator Rebecca Stevens 395100

Your Graduate Coordinator

Back to menu

Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.

  • We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.

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 your graduate coordinator for more information.

All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.

We accept evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.

  • If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
  • If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.

Request one signed, and dated letter of recommendation; on official agency or organization letterhead, preferably from a past professor, college instructor, or from a professional who currently supervises the applicant or who has in the past and can attest to their academic preparedness 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

Answer these prompts in 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.

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.

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.

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 $33,601 USD which is less than six months old

See the Office of International Program's “Confirmation of Financial Resource” for more details.

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.

Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.

  • View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
  • To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.

Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.

Graduate Enrollment Specialist Jennifer Faunce

Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist

Back to menu

We are here to help!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for the Theatre graduate application?

No, there are no deadlines. We accept applications at any time. We have three start times: spring, summer, and fall.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

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.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

Contact Us

Navigate This Page