MA in Theatre Arts Studies

The study of theatre and media arts has a long history here at Brigham Young University. It began as Elocutionary work in the late 1800s contributing eventually to the formation of the Dramatic Arts department in the newly established College of Fine Arts in 1925 under President Franklin S. Harris. Since its completion in 1964, the Harris Fine Arts Center has housed our department, honoring Franklin S. Harris for his love and devotion to the arts. Within the graduate program in Theatre and Media Arts we share that same love and devotion by seeking excellence in the study and practice of theatre and film. This MA degree stresses rigorous scholarship, high artistic standards, and Christ-like behavior.

Students working towards a degree in Theatre and Media Arts will have numerous opportunities to gain experience in theatre and film performance and production in areas tailored to fit their desired career goals (see areas of interest below).

With eight main-stage plays produced each academic year, students will have ample opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the production process. Perhaps most importantly, a degree in Theatre Arts Studies will give students the skills to more critically analyze play texts and texts in performance.

Faculty in both the MA and MFA degree programs represent some of the best in scholarly training, professional connections and mentoring practice. The department blends degree professors with professional-track faculty, offering students a strong combination of scholastic foundation and current market procedures. Representing fourteen separate university programs across the United States and Canada, the department’s forty-seven full and part-time faculty bring an important blend of training to the graduate experience, with an added personal touch that allows students to develop a degree tailored to their individual needs under skilled committee supervision.

Admission Requirements

The application deadline is February 1 of same year for fall semester, odd-numbered years (U.S. and international).

All students wishing to apply for an MA in Theatre and Media Arts must have an acceptable undergraduate background in theatre arts or media arts. Additionally, students will be expected to provide:

GRE general test score (subject to review)
samples of written work demonstrating graduate capacity to function at acceptable graduate student entry level.

Areas of Emphasis

Students can emphasize in Theatre or Media Arts History, Theory, Criticism, or Theatre for Young Audiences.

Degree Requirements

For the most recent update of the degree requirements, please see the current graduate catalog.

Each student is required to complete:

32 credit hours (minimum 26 course work hours plus 6 thesis hours)
Required courses: TMA 600, 601, 602, 690, 700R; 3 hours of history, theory or criticism in an area other than emphasis (theatre or media arts); 8 hours of electives
Minor (optional)
Production: at least one significant production experience.
Thesis on a) scholarly analysis of theatre or media arts history, b) research and strong creative achievement in theatre or media arts, c) measurement studies.
Examinations: a) comprehensive written exam, b) comprehensive oral exam, c) oral defense of thesis.

Theatre for Young Audiences students will, in addition to the above, complete the following:

TMA 352 and 452 (or a demonstration of comparable course work or experience)
TMA 522R and 772
at least one approved significant teaching or workshop-leading experience demonstrating or teaching principles of theatre for young people
demonstration of writing competence by submitting for publication a scholarly article or reviews of at least four published plays
an approved internship with an organization doing performance, teaching, or research work with young people.

Application

The application process for graduate programs is handled through the Graduate Studies office. Visit their website for details.

MA in Theatre Arts Studies

Admission Requirements

Areas of Emphasis

Degree Requirements

Application

Theatre and Media Arts

Academic Programs & Admissions

Graduate Programs