Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities (M.F.A. in Theatre)

Through drama-based pedagogy, youth-focused artistry and rigorous scholarship, students and faculty in our program demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership, community, innovation, belonging and social justice.

The program prepares graduates for multiple career paths in education, community and non-profit organizations and professional theatre for young audiences. The three-year M.F.A. degree stresses flexibility and encourages participation in classes throughout the Department of Theatre and Dance and the university at large. The program culminates in a practical thesis project and a written thesis document, which applies theory from a wide range of disciplines to an area of practice in drama and theatre for youth and communities. Thesis projects apply reflective practitioner research to address applied drama/theatre, arts integration, community engagement, drama-in-education, theatre for young audiences, teaching artist praxis, theatre education, theatre-in-education, youth theatre and/or the creation or production of original works for young audiences. Within higher education and the theatre profession, the M.F.A. in Theatre with a specialization in drama and theatre for youth and communities is considered a terminal degree for related fields of study. The degree does not lead to public school teacher certification; however, students interested in teacher certification may take additional classes to achieve this goal.

Four candidates are admitted each year from an intensely competitive group of applicants.

The university's Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities program began in 1945 with a focus on creative drama classes and plays for children. Decades later, the program remains an integral component of the departmental landscape through the production season, as well as innovative school and community programs. Students engage with youth and communities through work in:

• Theatre for Young Audiences
• Drama and Theatre Education
• Applied Theatre and Drama
• Plays for young audiences on campus and in schools
• New play development and teaching artist work with professional companies and communities
• Faculty-led practice as research programs