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Master of Arts in Theatre

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The Master of Arts program at AMDA offers students the opportunity to develop as original scholars of theatre. Unique at AMDA is the opportunity to study theatre arts at the graduate level amongst an active and diverse community of performing artists. This intensive graduate program is completed in one year, including three semesters of immersive courses and an original thesis project. Student theses are completed under the mentorship of faculty and through collaboration with peers. The program’s curriculum includes a course sequence in academic writing that emphasizes peer learning and review as well as organization, technique and writing project management. Students graduate from this program with highly developed skills in the analysis of theatre literature, history and criticism.

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Master of arts
MFA Program Details

  1. Completion of the AMDA Graduate Degree Application +−

    Students who are qualified to apply for this program will:

    1. Have a passion for the arts and a strong desire to contribute to the field
    2. Be committed to actively supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion amongst our community and beyond
    3. Hold a completed undergraduate degree at time of enrollment
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  2. Statement of intent for graduate study +−

    In 250 words or less, please explain your goals for engaging with the program, if admitted. Please submit your statement to graddocs@amda.edu or click the button below.

    submit statement of intent

  3. Writing portfolio +−

    Please send a sample of writing materials that includes examples of theatre history, criticism and analysis. A minimum of two completed pieces is required, which could include written work from undergraduate degree or independently written pieces. Please submit your documents to graddocs@amda.edu or click the button below.

    submit writing portfolio

  4. WRITING SAMPLE RESPONDING TO PROMPT +−

    In 300-500 words, please identify a significant social movement and reflect on how it impacted both the performance and study of Theatre. Please submit your writing sample to graddocs@amda.edu or click the button below.

    submit writing sample

  5. Interview with an AMDA representative +−

    Once you have completed your application, an AMDA representative will reach out to you by phone to discuss your interests, background, and experiences related to the focus of this program.

  6. Reference letters +−

    Three reference letters from people who have known the applicant for two years or longer, such as instructors, directors or faculty advisors, or employers (but not a friend or family member). Reference letters may be emailed to graddocs@amda.edu or mailed to the address below and should note the relationship of the writer to the applicant.

    AMDA Records
    211 West 61st Street
    New York, NY 10023

  7. Official transcripts +−

    Please submit transcripts for completed undergraduate degree and any graduate coursework attempted or completed.

    AMDA Records
    211 West 61st Street
    New York, NY 10023

AMDA students within the MA in Theatre program will achieve the following program learning outcomes.

    • History, Theory, and Criticism: Acquire a comprehensive understanding of theatre history,  theory, and criticism as it reflects current and historical discussion and debate.  
    • Research: Engage in original, focused research pertaining to their field of study.
    • Cross-cultural Responsibility: Exhibit a command of cross-cultural analysis, demonstrating a grasp of global perspectives and cross-cultural conversations.
    • Interdisciplinary Competency: Demonstrate a command of interdisciplinary research through written and oral presentation. 
    • Academic and Professional Writing: Demonstrate skills in academic and professional writing, including an effective understanding of primary research, project organization, drafting, revision, and final editing, resulting in work worthy of critical peer review and publication.
    • Praxis: Produce original scholarly work and/or analysis of creative primary research that will add to the general body of knowledge.

  1. Summary of Required Courses

    Advanced, Analytical & Academic Theatre Studies

    Advanced, Analytical & Academic Theatre Studies, Elective

    Total Program Credit Hours

    27.0

    3.0

    30.0

  2. Sample curriculum

    Year One

    First Semester

    Academic Writing in Theatre Studies: Development, Revisions, and Critique3
    Seminar in Research Methods3.0
    Seminar in Theories of Drama and Theatre3.0
    Seminar in Theatre History I3.0
    Total Credits12.0

    Second Semester

    Seminar in Cross-Cultural Theatre Studies3.0
    Seminar in Theatre History II3.0
    Academic Writing in Theatre Studies: Articles, Conferences, and Publication3.0
    History of Musical Theatre, or Critical Race Theory, or Queer and Gender Theory3.0
    Total Credits12.0

    Third Semester

    Thesis Seminar6.0
    Total Credits6.0
    Total Program Credits30.0