Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in Theatre and Performance
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Theatre and Performance at UB is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years of full-time study. The program emphasizes a unique integration of "scholarship and practice," believing that a full understanding of theatre requires both theoretical knowledge and hands-on engagement. Students work closely with faculty in small cohorts, allowing for close mentorship in research, writing, and production. A distinctive feature is the "Graduate Studio," an artistic and experimental laboratory where students explore their research and creative interests. The program aims to prepare graduates for further academic pursuits (MFA or PhD) or for careers that demand a comprehensive understanding of the performing arts.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.A. in Theatre and Performance is designed to provide a broad, comparative grasp of the major methods, approaches, and protocols used in both the study and practice of theatre and performance. Core courses typically include "Performance Research," along with seminars in "Dramatic Literature, Theory, and Criticism," "Theatre and Performance Historiography," and "Advanced Study in Production." Students are required to register for "Graduate Studio" in their second semester, which provides a practical outlet for performance theory. Electives can be taken within the Department of Theatre and Dance or as cognate courses in extra-departmental arts and humanities fields, such as art, media study, and music, allowing for interdisciplinary exploration. The program culminates in a scholarly thesis or a master's project, which can be a creative project demonstrating research through performance.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Theatre and Performance at UB has a strong research focus, emphasizing the integration of scholarship and practice. Faculty and students engage in research that spans various areas of theatre and performance, including history, theory, criticism, and new forms such as intermedia performance and collaborations with other artistic disciplines. The program encourages students to develop their individual research by combining traditional academic inquiry with lab-based projects within the Graduate Studio, enabling them to test their ideas in focused, practical settings. The culminating thesis or project can be either a traditional scholarly paper or a practice-based research project, underscoring the program's commitment to both academic rigor and artistic exploration.
Industry Engagement: While the M.A. in Theatre and Performance is primarily a research-oriented program, it also prepares students for engagement with the broader performing arts industry. The program encourages students to develop skills applicable to various fields and interests in the performing arts. The "Graduate Studio" offers a practical laboratory setting for exploring creative interests and testing ideas. UB's Center for the Arts provides experiential learning opportunities, including student employment in production departments (staging, lighting, sound, video) and internships in areas like video production and social media, which can provide valuable industry exposure. Graduates are equipped with critical tools that are relevant to emerging fields within the dynamic landscape of theatre and performance.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Theatre and Performance at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by exploring diverse performance traditions and theoretical frameworks from around the world. The curriculum often incorporates a comparative understanding of theatre history and performance from various cultural contexts. The program explicitly aims to produce scholar-artists capable of advancing the field "regionally, nationally, and internationally." As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, enriching the classroom environment with a variety of cultural viewpoints and different approaches to performance and scholarship. This exposure prepares graduates to engage with and contribute to the global discourse on theatre and performance.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 31230
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates with an M.A. in Theatre and Performance from UB are uniquely positioned for roles that combine academic insight with artistic practice, bridging scholarship and creative endeavors across the performing arts and related fields.
Theatre Historian/Critic: Research, write, and publish on theatre history, dramatic literature, and performance theory for academic institutions, journals, or arts publications.
Dramaturg: Work with theatre companies to conduct research for productions, provide contextual information, and assist playwrights in developing new scripts.
Arts Administrator: Manage and coordinate artistic programs, events, and operations for theatres, dance companies, museums, or cultural institutions.
Performance Studies Scholar: Pursue further doctoral studies to become a professor or researcher specializing in performance studies, examining performance across various cultural and social contexts.
Educator (Post-Secondary/Community): Teach theatre and performance studies, dramatic literature, or related arts courses at colleges, universities, or community arts organizations.
Curriculum Developer (Arts Education): Design and implement theatre and performance curricula for educational institutions or arts organizations.
Festival/Event Coordinator: Plan and manage performing arts festivals, conferences, or cultural events.
Literary Manager: Evaluate scripts, work with playwrights, and manage the artistic development of new works for theatre companies.
Interdisciplinary Artist/Creator: Develop and produce original performance works that integrate theatre, dance, media, and other art forms, often with a research-driven approach.
Arts Program Officer (Non-profit/Foundation): Work for foundations or government agencies that fund and support arts initiatives, evaluating proposals and managing grants in the performing arts.
