Master of Arts - Theatre and Dance - Dramatic Writing

The Master of Arts (MA) in Theatre and Dance with an emphasis in Dance History and Criticism is a two-year program that prepares the student for teaching, practice, and/or pursuit of a Ph.D.The program develops research skills and an effective scholarly approach to the study of dance. The degree requires a thesis of original research and writing that explores in depth a particular, carefully focused subject related to students area of emphasis. The experience of researching and writing a Master’s thesis is invaluable preparation for the rigors of completing a doctoral dissertation.

University's curriculum is rooted in the playwriting workshop, a three-tiered course sequence guiding students from the generative phase of drafting new work through a rigorous process of revising, editing, and preparing a script for production. Workshops frequently focus on a particular style, theme, writer, or movement. In addition to a demanding writing schedule, the university's workshop asks students to read and discuss plays and dramaturgical theory drawn from different styles and historical periods, in search of creative inspiration and new compositional strategies.