Why study this program?
The Department of Drama offers graduate programs leading to the degree of PhD in Performance Studies, Master of Fine Arts degrees in Theatre Design, Directing, Theatre Voice Pedagogy, and Theatre Practice, and Master of Arts in Drama degree.
The Department offers students access to a range of professional facilities during their studies including performance, workshop, rehearsal and classroom space, libraries, graduate student offices, and access to computers and seminar rooms. The Timms Centre for the Arts provides a fully equipped, 289-seat-proscenium theatre, a black box second playing space, theatre collections, props shop, production offices, wardrobe, dressing rooms and a green room. The Fine Arts Building offers students the opportunity to study and work in a variety of studio and performance spaces.
In addition, the theatre collection in the library is extensive. It includes a substantial collection of research materials on theatre worldwide.
The aim of the MFA programs is to train candidates to a level of competency sufficient to enter the profession.
The MA program, essentially research oriented, also offers training in dramaturgy as one of the means by which candidates may be actively involved in the creative pursuits of the Department, and also prepares for further PhD studies.
The PhD in Performance Studies offers students advanced-level scholarship, study and research in Drama and Performance, with a thorough interdisciplinary focus.
Fast tracking through MA will be considered on a case by case basis.
Inquiries should be addressed to the Graduate Coordinator, Department of Drama.
Entrance Requirements
The Department’s minimum admission requirements for the MA degree are an undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
The Department’s minimum admission requirements for the MFA degree are normally a four-year degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework. Applicants who do not meet the minimum admission requirements but who demonstrate exceptional scholarly, creative or professional achievement may still be considered for admission.
The Department’s minimum admission requirements for the PhD degree are a Master’s degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
Where applicable, applicants must meet the minimum GPS English Language Requirement.
Applicants to the MA and PhD programs are also required to submit the following
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- A recent writing sample on a drama-related topic
- A research proposal – see Department website for details
- Three letters of recommendation.
Applicants to the MFA programs are required to have significant practical theatre experience. Applicants must also submit the following:
- Letter of intent
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- Portfolio – see Department website for details
- Directing: a portfolio including commentary and/or documentation of theatre work, and a directorial preparation– see website for details
- Theatre Design: a portfolio containing examples of freehand drawing, and any other artwork you may have done, or documentation of other theatre work
- Theatre Practice: a portfolio or samples of commentary on your work in the performing arts
- Theatre Voice Pedagogy: a portfolio which includes reviews or commentaries on your work in performance, coaching or teaching
Theatre Voice and Pedagogy applicants must also submit vocal preparation of a specific play – see website for current list.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 18 units in coursework and a thesis.
Required Courses (6 units)
- DRAMA 608 - Historical Approaches to Dramatic and Theatrical Critical Theories
- DRAMA 609 - Contemporary Approaches to Dramatic and Theatrical Critical Theories
- Required courses may be replaced with an equivalent approved by the Graduate Coordinator.
Elective courses (12 units)
- A 3-unit practical requirement in theatre practice
- Three graduate-level courses
- Up to two of these courses can be taken outside of the Department of Drama.
- Students can take one directed reading/special project course (DRAMA 605).
- All coursework is selected by the student in consultation with the PhD or Graduate Coordinator
Thesis
- Registration in 900-level THES. Students must complete a written dissertation, founded on high scholastic achievement, original research, and firm theoretical grounding. It must be defended before an examining committee.
Departmental Exams
During their second or third year, students prepare for and undertake their departmental examination. This examination has three written components:
- General examination
- Short Dissertation Proposal
- Long Dissertation Proposal
Candidacy Exam
The (oral) Candidacy exam is normally held within two weeks of completion of the Long Dissertation Proposal.
Ethics Requirement
PhD students must meet the INT D 720 GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Training Requirement by the end of the first term of registration in their degree program. All PhD Students must also complete the INT D 710 GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Training Requirement (if they have not already done so while taking a Master’s Degree at the UofA) by the end of the first term of registration in their degree program. Contact the Department for further information.
Language Requirement
PhD students are required to demonstrate reading proficiency in a language other than English (normally the language that is most relevant for the proposed research); completion of a language requirement for an MA degree may satisfy the requirement for the PhD, provided proficiency was demonstrated no earlier than two years before the start of the PhD.
Courses
Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings, under the subject heading Drama (DRAMA), and Theatre Design (T DES).
Graduate assistantships are available to qualified students. Graduate students are also eligible to compete for University and provincial scholarships.
For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research site.The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email dramags@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1