The Department of Performing Arts offers the Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Education and Applied Theatre. This program is for artists who wish to pursue careers at the intersection of theatre, education, and/or community practice. As such, this program provides training in theatre, education, and community-engaged co-creation and the uses of theatre and drama as vehicles of learning, reflection, justice, and joy. Completion of the 48-credit MFA also opens the door to teaching in colleges and universities. This graduate program is designed with two tracks, Theatre Education and Applied Theatre, each of which includes foundational, core, and elective courses.
The Theatre Education track prepares students to work with youth in PK-12 schools and/or with young people at regional theaters and in community organizations. Some students in this track opt to obtain a PK-12 Massachusetts Theatre Education license but that is not required. Applied Theatre, the second track, is for students primarily interested in using participant-centered theatre techniques to engage and empower communities through projects that benefit, not only individuals, but the communities and societies in which they live. Either track can be appropriate for students who wish to teach at the college level.
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 an 18-month to 2.5-year period.
The Theatre Education and Applied Theatre program is reviewed and accredited by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and in rare cases, MFA students pursue licensure to teach theatre PK-12. For those 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 theatre and culture as informed by economics, history, sociology, cultural studies, politics, and performance theory.
- Students will develop their individual potentials and interests in performance, production, theatre education, applied theatre, and related fields as demonstrated by portfolios, or theses.
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 Fine Arts degree requires the successful completion of 48 credit hours, including 24 credits of foundational and core course requirements. In addition, students must complete 4 credits of a thesis preparation course, 4 credits of an MFA Thesis Project, and participate in the MFA Colloquia. Students may fulfill the remaining credit requirements by taking electives approved by their advisors.