Theatre Education and Applied Theatre, M.A.

The Department of Performing Arts offers the Master of Arts degree in Theatre Education and Applied Theatre. This program is for students who wish to pursue careers at the intersection of theatre, education, and/or community engagement. It also serves as preparation for those working toward a terminal degree in theatre, education, or related fields. The graduate program is designed with two tracks, Theatre Education and Applied Theatre, each of which includes foundational, core, and elective courses, and either a thesis or Student Teaching Practicum.

The Theatre Education track is for students wanting to use theatre and drama with youth in or out of schools or with adults in a variety of settings. Many in this track earn initial licensure in Massachusetts as a teacher of theatre at all levels. Applied Theatre, the second track, is for students interested in using theatre in a variety of community settings to further healing, justice, and joy. Either track can be appropriate for students who wish to continue their graduate studies via a Master of Fine Arts or doctorate.

Students in both tracks complete a set of foundational and core requirements in addition to a set of electives chosen in consultation with their advisor. Late afternoon/evening coursework and intensive summer institutes enable those who are working during the day or school year to complete the degree. Students can also pursue this program part-time or concentrate their study within a 12- to 14-month period.

The Theatre Education and Applied Theatre program is reviewed and accredited by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. For students pursuing licensure, permission to proceed to the student teaching practicum is required and based upon the successful completion of coursework and field experience. A portfolio review for these same students is required at the end of their student teaching practicum. These students must also pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure in order to receive their initial license.

Following are the Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the Theatre Education and Applied Theatre program:

Students will assess learning needs, develop appropriate educational goals and objectives, and design and implement drama/theatre teaching strategies based on understandings of the theoretical and historical foundations of drama/theatre education and the practices of applied drama and theatre.
Students will demonstrate skills for creating theatre in and with a variety of communities based on the understanding of the relationships between Emerson College theatre and culture as informed by economics, history, sociology, cultural studies, politics, and performance theory.
Students will develop their individual potential and interests in performance, production, theatre education, applied theatre, and related fields as demonstrated by portfolios, theses, or capstone projects.

Admission Requirements

Admission is by application. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in theatre or an allied area such as education, literature, mass communication, or fine arts. Applicants may submit the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as an optional component of their application.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts degree requires the successful completion of 36 credit hours, including 24 credits of foundational and core course requirements. In addition, students must complete 4 credits of either a master’s thesis or capstone project. Students may fulfill the remaining credit requirements by taking electives approved by their advisors.

Track 1: Theatre Education

The Theatre Education track is primarily for those students who plan to teach theatre and drama to young people or adults within schools, theatres, or similar institutional settings (many of whom earn initial licensure in Massachusetts as a teacher of theatre, all levels).

All students must complete the following three foundational courses:

Foundation Requirements, 12 credits

Core Requirements

Non-licensure students must take three 4-credit courses for a total of 12 credits.
Licensure students must take four 4-credit courses for a total of 16 credits.

With Licensure

TH 562 - Theatre for Young Audiences
TH 669 - Contemporary Issues in Education or
TH 668 Practicum: Multicultural Education
TH 663 - Student Teaching Seminar
TH 681 - Special Topics in Directing Directing the Young Performer

Without Licensure

TH 562 - Theatre for Young Audiences
Two elective courses

Electives Requirement

One elective of the student’s chosing for licensure students.
Two elective of the student’s choosing for those not seeking licensure.

Thesis Requirement, 4 credits

Licensure students:
TH 665 Student Teaching Practicum
Non-licensure students:
TH 698 MA Thesis Project
(written or project Thesis)

Track 2: Applied Theatre

Applied Theatre, the second track, prepares students to use participant-centered theatre techniques to engage and empower communities. Applied theatre involves working primarily outside of traditional theatre spaces (i.e. social services agencies, community centers, prisons, hospitals, etc.) and aims to benefit not only individuals, but the communities and societies in which they live. Any Applied Theatre student interested in pursuing licensure will need to seek approval from their advisor and the Graduate Program Director.