The University of Alberta sharpens its Department of Drama's leading edge with the introduction of the only PhD program in English Canada to specialize in Performance Studies.
Now accepting applications until March 31, 2012, for a first intake of September 2012, this new senior degree program offers students advanced-level scholarship and study, embracing an activist method of research that breaks down the traditional division between interpreting and creating theatre.
No longer limiting the study of theatre to the written script or conventional stage, Performance Studies is an expanding field that analyzes performance on a continuum of cultural discourse and expression, covering such topics as rituals and rites, every day ceremonies and practices, gestural behavior, dance, movement, new media and digital technologies as well as large scale, public and theatrical spectacles.
The new doctoral program in Performance Studies is a small-intake, four year program, requiring one year of course-work, followed by critical and practice-based research, field exams and a doctoral thesis. During the course of their program, students have access to a rich pool of University of Alberta theatre practitioners and interdisciplinary scholars with diverse cultural perspectives, excellent facilities, one of the very best library collections in theatre in the country, and opportunities to teach within the home Department of Drama, as well as collaborate with the vibrant theatre community in Edmonton.
The PhD in Performance Studies program complements the University of Alberta's already established Master of Fine Arts programs in Directing, Theatre Design, Theatre Voice Pedagogy and Theatre Practice, Master of Arts program in Drama History, Theory, Criticism and Dramaturgy, Bachelor of Arts and BA (Honors) in Drama, and Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in Acting, Design, Technical Theatre and Stage Management.
Application deadline for September 2012 start is March 31. 2012.
Please see PhD in Performance Studies for more details.
Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Piet Defraeye, PhD Program Coordinator in the University of Alberta's Department of Drama by email defraeye@ualberta.ca or phone 780-492-1097.
Correction: The original announcement stated that the University of Alberta's PhD in Performance Studies was the first in English Canada. This is not correct. The University of Calgary introduced a PhD in Performance Studies in 2006 but it is no longer offering the program. Our apologies for the mistake.