Program Overview
A masters in theatre allows students to explore performance as both an artistic practice and a scholarly field. The Master of Arts in Theatre and Performance Studies prepares graduate students to examine how theatre and performance shape culture, politics, and human expression. Through a combination of research, creative exploration, and interdisciplinary study, students develop advanced skills in analyzing performance traditions, theatrical works, and contemporary performance practices.
The program offers an academically rigorous masters in theatre designed for students interested in theatre scholarship, dramaturgy, criticism, cultural studies, and performance research. Students engage with historical and contemporary theatre while exploring the broader social contexts that shape performance. By studying dramatic literature, theatrical traditions, and performance theory, students build the critical tools necessary for advanced research and professional practice in the performing arts.
As a graduate-level masters in theatre, the program emphasizes analytical thinking, cultural inquiry, and scholarly research. Students examine theatre from multiple perspectives, including historical, theoretical, and global viewpoints. Faculty mentorship plays a central role in the program, helping students refine research questions and develop strong scholarly arguments related to theatre and performance studies.
This masters in theatre also encourages interdisciplinary exploration across the arts and humanities. Theatre and performance intersect with fields such as literature, anthropology, gender studies, media studies, and cultural studies. By studying performance within these broader frameworks, students gain insight into how performance reflects social identities, political movements, and cultural transformations.
Students pursuing a masters in theatre engage deeply with theatre history, dramatic literature, and performance theory while also examining new directions in contemporary performance. Courses explore topics such as performance analysis, historiography, dramaturgy, and global theatre traditions. This blend of theoretical study and cultural analysis helps students understand how theatre evolves in response to social change and artistic innovation.
A strong research focus distinguishes this masters in theatre from practice-based graduate programs. Students conduct original research projects that contribute to scholarly conversations about theatre and performance. Through seminars and independent study, students learn advanced research methods, critical writing strategies, and academic presentation skills. These experiences prepare graduates to pursue doctoral study, teaching positions, or professional work in arts organizations.
Learn more about KU
Graduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Theatre and Performance Studies, MAKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Master’s 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.Master’s in Theatre and Performance Studies Learning Outcomes
Students completing the masters in theatre will demonstrate the ability to:
- Analyze theatre and performance through historical, cultural, and theoretical frameworks relevant to theatre masters programs and advanced performance scholarship.
- Conduct independent research and produce original scholarly writing related to theatre history, performance analysis, or dramatic literature within a masters degree in theatre.
- Evaluate theatre and performance traditions from diverse global and cultural perspectives relevant to a performing arts masters education.
- Apply advanced research methodologies and critical theory to interpret performance practices within the broader field of masters in performing arts scholarship.
- Communicate complex ideas about theatre and performance through professional academic writing, presentations, and research projects.
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of theatre historiography, dramaturgy, and performance analysis expected of graduates of theatre masters programs.
What Careers are Possible with a Master’s in Theatre and Performance Studies?
Graduates of a masters in theatre develop strong analytical, communication, and research skills valued across many fields in the arts and humanities. Theatre and performance studies graduates often pursue careers that involve cultural analysis, storytelling, and arts leadership. Possible career paths include:
- Theatre historian
- Arts administrator
- Cultural program coordinator
- Theatre critic or arts journalist
- Museum or cultural institution researcher
- Literary manager
- Performance studies researcher
- Educator or lecturer
Some graduates continue their academic journey through doctoral study in theatre, performance studies, or related disciplines. A masters degree in theatre can provide strong preparation for advanced research and university teaching careers.
Labor market insights from Lightcast indicate that graduates with backgrounds in the performing arts often find opportunities in arts organizations, cultural institutions, education, media, and nonprofit leadership. A performing arts masters can also support careers in creative industries that value storytelling, interpretation, and audience engagement.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The University of Kansas offers competitive tuition rates for its Theatre and Performance Studies degree. For information about financial aid options, visit KU Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
Admission to the masters in theatre and performance studies requires:
- A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
- 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
- A writing sample (no more than 15 pages) that demonstrates your ability to theorize, analyze, and synthesize scholarly information.
Please visit the Department of Theatre & Dance for more information.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students enrolled in the masters in theatre benefit from a collaborative academic environment that encourages discussion, research, and artistic exploration. Graduate seminars provide opportunities to engage deeply with theatre scholarship while developing critical perspectives on performance and culture.
Graduate students in this masters in theatre may participate in departmental events, lectures, and theatre productions that connect scholarship with the practice of performance. These experiences help students observe how performance theory and research intersect with live theatre.
The program also encourages participation in academic conferences and professional organizations related to performing arts masters education. Presenting research and engaging with scholars from other institutions helps students build professional networks within the field of theatre and performance studies.
Master’s in Theatre and Performance Studies Sample Courses
Students completing the masters in theatre may take courses such as:
- The Art of Directing
- Advanced Play Production
- Scenic Painting Techniques
- Scenography and the Classic Script
These courses help students develop the research and analytical skills expected in theatre masters programs while building a deep understanding of theatre as a cultural and artistic practice. For a full course listing, visit the KU Catalog.
Master’s 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 two years.