Theatre Studies (MA)
Study the history and composition of theatre and develop skills in artistic research through a dynamic research-creation environment.
The MA in Theatre Studies offers hands-on experience and training in theatre and performance research methods, theories and approaches by leading scholars and theatre professionals.
Student engagement in course work through year one of their program supports the development, in year two, of an individual and independent research project that culminates in the creation of a scholarly paper suitable for publication.
| Expected length | Project or thesis | Course-based |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years | Yes | No |
Quick facts
- Program options:
- Master's
- Study options:
- Full-time study
- Program delivery:
- On-campus
- Dynamic learning:
- Co-op optional
Outcomes
Students in this program will:
- explore and evaluate a variety of methodologies employed across the diverse set of theatre and performance research projects in the field
- gain experience conducting research methods in the field of theatre studies through exploratory keyword searching, building a literature review, developing a research proposal, applying for research funding, locating research materials, managing the ethics review procedure, developing a scholarly contribution, disseminating scholarship through oral and written formats
- articulate the key issues and questions in the philosophy of theatre through exposure to a range of theatre theories from antiquity to the present across a western and global perspective
- cultivate productive graduate student scholarly habits (article analysis skills, writing composition strategies, revision skills, time management approaches)
- research, develop, and write a scholarly essay, according to the standards of a referred journal, that analyzes a set of original primary materials through an engaging methodology that is supported by a robust theoretical framework
Find a supervisor
All graduate students in this program must have a faculty member who serves as their academic supervisor. When you apply:
- you must list a potential supervisor on your application
- this faculty member must agree to be your supervisor and recommend your admission
To find a supervisor, review the faculty contacts. When you've found a faculty member whose research complements your own, contact them by email.
Alexandra (Sasha) Kovacs
Assistant Professor Theatre History: theatre and performance history, historiography, Canadian theatre, theatre archives, devised performance, dramaturgy
Allana Lindgren
Professor Theatre History: dance history, theatre history, modernism, Canadian cultural history
Conrad Alexandrowicz
Professor Performance: acting, movement for actors, devised theatre
Kirsten Sadeghi-Yekta
Associate Professor Applied Theatre: language revitalization and theatre, aesthetics of theatre, ethics of theatre, community projects, devising for performance
Peter J. McGuire
Assistant Teaching Professor Performance: acting, directing, production and management, self-directed
Tony Vickery - Chair
Teaching Professor Theatre History: especially commercial theatre finance and business administration in the United States and Canada, melodrama and British and North American theatre of the 19th and 20th centuries
Yasmine Kandil
Associate Professor Applied Theatre: celebratory theatre, applied theatre in post-revolution Egypt, forum theatre, ethics of practice, theatre for development, community-based theatre, theatre for social change, immigrant & refugee theatre, scenario training with police officers
Show me program details
Providing you accurate admission requirements, application deadlines, tuition fee estimates and scholarships depends on your situation. Tell us about yourself:
Your program details
Application deadlines
September – apply by February 1
All supporting material must be submitted to the Department of Theatre by February 1.
September – apply by February 1
All supporting material must be submitted to the Department of Theatre by February 1.
Admission requirements
Program specific requirements
As part of your application, you must submit:
- a statement of purpose which includes your interests and aspirations in the field, including any special areas of interest, and how they relate to the specifics of this program
- a detailed resumé of your educational background, theatre experience and teaching experience (if applicable)
- a writing sample that speaks to your academic excellence
- two reference names and their email addresses (references should come from theatre professors and/or recognized theatre professionals.)
You must have general knowledge of Western theatre history (ancient Greek to present) or a strong background in dramatic literature. You must also be familiar with the practicalities of theatre production: design, direction and performance.
All admissions are conditional upon a diagnostic exam in theatre history.
Program specific requirements
As part of your application, you must submit:
- a statement of purpose which includes your interests and aspirations in the field, including any special areas of interest, and how they relate to the specifics of this program
- a detailed resumé of your educational background, theatre experience and teaching experience (if applicable)
- a writing sample that speaks to your academic excellence
- two reference names and their email addresses (references should come from theatre professors and/or recognized theatre professionals.)
You must have general knowledge of Western theatre history (ancient Greek to present) or a strong background in dramatic literature. You must also be familiar with the practicalities of theatre production: design, direction and performance.
All admissions are conditional upon a diagnostic exam in theatre history.
Completion requirements
Funding & aid
Tuition & fees
Estimated minimum program cost*
* Based on an average program length. For a per term fee breakdown view the tuition fee estimator.
Estimated values determined by the tuition fee estimator shall not be binding to the University of Victoria.
Ready to apply?
You can start your online application to UVic by creating a new profile or using an existing one.
Faculties & departments
Need help?
Contact Connie te Kampe at theatre@uvic.ca or 250-721-7991.