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.