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.
Dr. Stratos E. Constantinidis: Critical Theory; Classical Drama; Greek Drama
Dr. Beth Kattelman: Theatre Research; Feminist/LGBT Theory; Horror Entertainments
Dr. Karen Mozingo: Dance and Physical Theatre; Modernism; Holocaust Representation; Women and Gender Studies; Disability Studies
Dr. Sarah Neville: Renaissance Literature and Culture; Textual Editing; Shakespeare and Performance
Dr. Ana Elena Puga: Latin American and US Latino Theatre; Performance Studies; Translation/Dramaturgy
Dr. E.J. Westlake: Performance, Gender, Theory, and Practice; Theatre Pedagogy; Postmodernism
The master's program has close ties to the Lawrence and Lee Theatre Research Institute, a major archive in theatre studies. Director Karen Mozingo 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 MA Advising Sheet contains the required coursework and other degree requirements, curricular timetable, and typical course offering patterns.