The Master of Arts in Theatre provides training in theatre studies. Beyond the required course in research methods, students may elect a wide range of courses in theatre history, criticism, theory, and dramatic literature. There are also opportunities to take courses in acting, directing, and design and to participate in theatre production. The MA degree, culminating in a MA written thesis offers a generalist foundation in theatre studies appropriate for (1) teaching in secondary schools and some colleges, (2) entering into a doctoral degree program, and (3) beginning a possible professional career in theatre companies, the entertainment media, government arts programs, or private arts institutions. Students are expected to develop analytical skills in historical research, critical writing, dramatic interpretation, and the nature of theatrical practice.
Theatre history; historiography; critical and dramatic theory; production analysis and dramaturgy; ancient and modern Greek theatre; Latin American and US Latino theatre; performance studies; translation; theatre pedagogy; dance theatre; ethnography; postcolonialism and nationalism; American drama and historical pageants; race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality in performance; Shakespeare.
The master's program has close ties to the Lawrence and Lee Theatre Research Institute, a major archive in theatre studies. Director Jeanine Thompson and Curator Beth Kattelman work directly with master's students on study and research projects.
In addition, the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts is affiliated with the Wexner Center for the Arts, a contemporary arts center and educational program at Ohio State, with a wide range of local, national, and international presentations in the visual and performance arts, film, video, and architecture.
The MA applicant must meet the requirements for admission to the Graduate School of The Ohio State University, have an undergraduate degree in theatre or substantial undergraduate work in theatre arts or related fields, present evidence of scholarly promise (e.g., sample essays that reflect a high level of competence in research, analysis, and expository writing), and show evidence of interest in theatrical production.
The Theatre Graduate Handbook contains the policies and procedures that govern graduate admissions, degree requirements, advising, the determination of satisfactory academic progress, the selection and evaluation of teaching associates, grievance procedures, and academic standards.
The MA Advising Sheet contains the required coursework and other degree requirements, curricular timetable, and typical course offering patterns.