Performance as Public Practice (Ph.D. in Theatre)

The University of Texas at Austin's Performance as Public Practice program focuses on the historical development, cultural and theoretical contexts, and artistic significance of theatre, dance and performance disciplines and institutions, as well as the interrelationships of these fields and the role of performance in public spheres. The program is highly influenced by interdisciplinary work in performance studies, defining performance in varied and wide cultural contexts. Students are expected to give primary attention to an area of expertise of their choice, while training in the broader theoretical, critical and historical contexts of the field. 

All applicants for admission to the Performance as Public Practice Program must provide evidence of aptitude for and interest in research (either for publication or production), writing and teaching the primary emphases of the program, which focuses heavily on performance as public practice. Admission to the M.F.A. or Ph.D. program is based on several criteria.

In addition to your application, the following materials are required in order to be considered for admission in the Performance as Public Practice program.

• Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Applicants to the doctoral program are expected to have completed a master's degree before beginning work on the doctorate. In rare cases, applicants without a master's degree may be admitted, but will be expected to make up deficiencies. Previous training and experience other than coursework will be considered. Online instructions for uploading transcripts (PDF format only).
   
• Three letters of recommendation: To be most helpful, letters should be written by those qualified to judge the student's work for the Performance as Public Practice program, and should comment specifically on the student's aptitude for advanced work in their areas of interest. Each reference will receive instructions on how to submit his/her letter online to the Graduate School's secured web site. Only one letter is required from each reference.
   
• Résumé of your relevant academic, professional, and creative credentials
   
• Statement of Purpose: In a two-page statement, indicate specifically how our program might fit your needs and interests. Read the faculty bios and, if possible or appropriate, suggest faculty with whom you might like to work. For Ph.D. applicants, a more developed statement of a potential thesis/dissertation project is important for our consideration of your application.
   
• Writing Samples: Applicants to the Ph.D. program should submit two writing samples that demonstrate their ability to conduct research and to write. We prefer samples 5-15 pages in length. For Ph.D. applicants, we suggest graduate-level essays or excerpts from your thesis. Essays written for publication or non-academic settings are also appropriate.
   
• Samples of Performance Work or other materials (Optional): Applicants may submit samples of creative, performance or professional work, although the criteria listed above are most pertinent to the program's deliberations. Please limit supplementary materials to your most relevant or current work and limit submission length to 15-20 minutes.

NOTE: GRE scores are no longer required for admission into the Performance as Public Practice program.

The Performance as Public Practice program is currently accepting students into our M.F.A. and Ph.D. degree programs. Students with an undergraduate degree are eligible to apply to either the M.F.A. or the Ph.D. degree program. A master's degree is no longer required for admission to the Ph.D. program. All Performance as Public Practice students take specific core courses, but emphasis is placed on interdisciplinarity by requiring a variety of elective courses within and outside our department and at least one practice-focused course. Students determine their own research foci and goals in collaboration with their advisor and the faculty.  

The Ph.D. is an advanced, terminal degree and will qualify applicants to work as an educator at the university level, as well as a variety of educational, organizational and artistic positions. The Ph.D. degree typically takes five years to complete. It requires two years of course work, qualifying exams in the third year and two additional years for dissertation research and writing. Our doctoral students have opportunities to create performance, and to integrate their research and practice, but the primary focus of the degree is to produce a significant piece of original scholarship.

DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM GUIDE:

DOWNLOAD THE HANDBOOK:

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