Master of Arts (Theatre)
Master of Fine Arts (Dance)
Master of Fine Arts (Theatre)
Doctor of Philosophy (Theatre)

For More Information

Campus address: F. Loren Winship Drama Building (WIN) 1.142, phone (512) 471-5793, fax (512) 471-0824; campus mail code: D3900

Mailing address: The University of Texas at Austin, Graduate Program, Department of Theatre and Dance, 300 East 23rd Street Stop D3900, Austin TX 78712

E-mail: theatreanddance@utexas.edu

URL: http://theatredance.utexas.edu/

Facilities for Graduate Work

The rare and unique materials in the Performing Arts Collection of the Harry Ransom Center, along with the collections in the Fine Arts Library and other units of the University Libraries, constitute one of the most extensive research facilities in the country. The Department of Theatre and Dance also maintains a collection of historical clothing for research purposes. The theatrical production facilities of the Performing Arts Center, described in the Fine Arts section, are unsurpassed.

Areas of Study

Master of Arts. The Master of Arts with a major in theatre is offered in two areas: performance as public practice, and teacher training. The Master of Arts in performance as public practice is appropriate preparation for doctoral study; the Master of Arts in teacher training is an appropriate terminal degree for K-12 teaching. 

Master of Fine Arts. The Master of Fine Arts is offered in both theatre and dance. The major in theatre includes five specializations: directing, drama and theatre for youth and communities, live design and production, performance as public practice, and playwriting. While cross-over study among all of the MFA specializations is encouraged, live design and production students declare a primary discipline among scene design, lighting design, costume design, costume technology, or integrated media. The major in dance has an emphasis in dance and social justice. The Master of Fine Arts provides advanced training for those specializing in theatre and dance and is an appropriate terminal degree in these areas.

Doctor of Philosophy. The doctoral degree in theatre is offered in performance as public practice. The program requires competence in research and allows the student to develop both a broad understanding of the field, including practical skills, and in-depth knowledge of a specialized area.

Graduate Studies Committee

The following faculty members served on the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) in the spring 2023 semester.

The GSC Committee list was not available at publication time; please check directly with the department for an up-to-date list.

Admission Requirements

Master’s degrees. The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree and must have demonstrated interest and experience in theatre and/or dance. The Graduate Record Examinations General Test (GRE) is required for admission to the performance as public practice and drama and theatre for youth and communities specializations.

Doctoral degree. Students admitted to the doctoral program must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution. All applicants must submit GRE scores.