Program Overview
The Ph.D. in theatre at the University of Kansas prepares scholars, educators, and researchers to investigate the cultural, historical, and social significance of performance. Grounded in interdisciplinary inquiry, the program explores how theatre and performance function across communities, institutions, and global contexts. Students in the Ph.D. in theatre engage deeply with critical theory, historiography, and research methods while examining performance traditions from multiple perspectives.
Within the field of theater and performance studies, scholars examine performance as a powerful form of cultural expression and communication. The Ph.D. in theatre emphasizes the study of performance in relation to social identity, politics, community engagement, and artistic practice. Students develop expertise in performance theory, theatre history, and contemporary scholarship while contributing original research that advances the discipline.
Coursework in the Ph.D. in theatre introduces students to foundational concepts and evolving debates in theater and performance studies. Faculty mentors guide doctoral students as they analyze theatrical traditions, explore interdisciplinary methodologies, and investigate performance practices across cultures and historical periods. Through seminars and collaborative research environments, students gain the intellectual tools needed to contribute meaningfully to the field.
The Ph.D. in theatre encourages doctoral candidates to explore how performance intersects with fields such as anthropology, gender studies, cultural studies, and media studies. Because theater and performance studies examines performance as a broad cultural phenomenon, the program emphasizes both traditional theatre scholarship and emerging forms of performance research. Students investigate topics such as embodiment, ritual, storytelling, and community-based performance.
Students enrolled in the Ph.D. in theatre benefit from close collaboration with faculty who specialize in diverse areas of performance scholarship. Faculty research interests include performance theory, global theatre histories, digital performance, and community-engaged practice. Through this mentorship, doctoral candidates refine their scholarly voice and develop advanced research projects within theatre Ph.D. programs that connect historical inquiry with contemporary performance practice.
The curriculum for the Ph.D. in theatre integrates rigorous academic training with professional development. Students gain experience presenting conference papers, publishing scholarly work, and contributing to collaborative research initiatives. These opportunities help doctoral candidates prepare for academic careers as well as leadership roles in arts organizations and cultural institutions. Graduates of theatre Ph.D. programs are equipped to analyze performance from theoretical, historical, and cultural perspectives.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Theatre and Performance Studies, Ph.D.KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Doctorate in Theatre and Performance Studies is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Doctorate in Theatre and Performance Studies Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Ph.D. in theatre develop advanced knowledge and scholarly skills within theater and performance studies. By the completion of the program, students are expected to:
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of major theories, histories, and methodologies in theater and performance studies.
- Conduct original research that contributes new insights to the field of Ph.D. in performance studies.
- Analyze theatre and performance across historical periods, cultural contexts, and disciplinary perspectives.
- Apply advanced critical frameworks to the interpretation of performance practices and theatrical texts.
- Communicate scholarly arguments clearly through academic writing, conference presentations, and teaching.
- Produce a doctoral dissertation that advances scholarship within theatre Ph.D. programs and the broader field of theatre studies.
What Careers are Possible with a Doctorate in Theatre and Performance Studies?
Graduates of the Ph.D. in theatre pursue a range of careers that involve research, teaching, and leadership in the arts. Training in theater and performance studies equips graduates with analytical, writing, and communication skills valued across academic and cultural sectors. Common career paths include:
- University professor or lecturer in theater and performance studies
- Theatre historian or performance scholar
- Arts administrator or cultural organization leader
- Researcher in performance, media, or cultural studies
- Museum or cultural institution curator
Employment trends for related research and teaching careers are tracked through Lightcast, which aggregates national labor market data to identify demand for specialized academic and cultural professions.
Graduates of theatre Ph.D. programs may also work in interdisciplinary research environments, public humanities initiatives, and community arts organizations where expertise in Ph.D. in performance studies supports cultural analysis and engagement.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The University of Kansas offers competitive tuition rates for its Ph.D. in theatre. For information about financial aid options, visit KU Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
Admission to the Ph.D. in theatre requires:
- A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of no less than 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
- An overall GPA of no less than 3.5 in the major and in previous graduate studies.
- Submission of official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- A personal statement detailing academic goals and interests
- Resume/CV of academic and artistic experiences.
- Writing sample (no more than 15 pages) that demonstrates your ability to theorize, analyze, and synthesize scholarly information.
Please visit the Theatre and Performance Studies admissions page for more information.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Doctoral students in the Ph.D. in theatre join an active scholarly community dedicated to research and creative exploration in theater and performance studies. Graduate students participate in seminars, research workshops, and departmental events that foster collaboration and intellectual exchange.
Students often present research at academic conferences and contribute to scholarly publications while completing the Ph.D. in theatre. These professional experiences help students build networks within theatre Ph.D. programs and across related disciplines.
The program also encourages interdisciplinary engagement across the university. Because theater and performance studies intersects with fields such as film studies, anthropology, and cultural studies, doctoral students frequently collaborate with scholars across campus to broaden their research perspectives.
Doctorate in Theatre and Performance Studies Sample Courses
Students in the Ph.D. in theatre complete advanced seminars that explore major topics in theater and performance studies and prepare them for dissertation research. Sample courses may include:
- Introduction to Graduate Study in Theatre
- Professional Development Seminar
- Investigation and Conference
For a full course listing, visit the KU Catalog.
Doctorate in Theatre and Performance Studies Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
The priority application deadline is Jan. 15; final deadline is April 15.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.