Theatre (MA)
Whether you desire to work in professional theatre or improve your teaching skills, our master’s program prepares you for a wide variety of careers.
Express Yourself Through Theatre
Develop your understanding of the relationship between theatre theory and onstage practice. Our master's degree program offers an intensive study of dramatic traditions as well as practical, artistic explorations. You can earn your master's degree in as little as 14 months with our accelerated track designed for current educators or those who may be working full-time. For those interested in the traditional graduate experience, our two-year program allows students to dive into graduate school and commit to the University Playhouse's yearly productions. Earning your master's degree in theatre prepares you for Ph.D. programs or a variety of careers in education, professional theatre and much more. Take center stage by enrolling today!
Careers
Build your repertoire and professional portfolio by earning your master's degree in theatre from East Texas A&M. Whether you desire to work in professional theatre or improve your teaching skills, our program prepares you for a wide variety of careers.
Career Possibilities
- Acting
- Producing
- Directing
- Playwriting
- Theatre Education
- Properties Design
- Costume Design
- Set Design
- Dramaturgy
- Lighting Design
See Yourself Succeed with a Master’s Degree In Theatre
Learn from Experts
Work with our award-winning faculty as you explore the creative components of theatre, management and technical theatre, and the history and theory of theatre. Engage in meaningful conversations that challenge your understanding of the theatrical arts.
Our Facility
The Performing Arts Center houses two theatrical spaces, a 60+ seat black box theatre and a 300+ seat main stage theatre to develop and refine your crafts as a theatre practitioner.
Play the Lead
Take center stage with the University Playhouse. Students pursuing the two-year track will have the chance to direct, design or perform in plays every semester. Show the university and Commerce community what you are made of!.
Career Readiness
Thinking critically and communicating effectively. That's what employers are looking for. The College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts is dedicated to providing you the knowledge and resources for excelling in the workforce.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
A master’s degree in theatre will offer you the opportunity to:
- Explain the intricacies and complexities of historical events, dramatic literature and theoretical perspectives in theatre
- Determine appropriate management or technical approaches for complex theatrical encounters
- Assess the benefits and challenges associated with specific, creative theatrical techniques
- Synthesize theatrical information and research in quality, graduate-level scholarly writing
- Write critically using analytical thinking skills about theatre topics
- Critically analyze and communicate ideas regarding theatre topics using effective oral communication skills
Focus Your Passion
The Department of Theatre offers two different tracks toward earning your master's degree. Explore which option works best for your career interests and research goals. You can earn your master's degree in as little as 14 months with our accelerated track. We also offer a more traditional, two-year graduate experience.
Thesis (M.A.)
Our thesis track prepares you for doctoral programs and other professions. Work alongside faculty as you research theatre performance, pedagogy and principles. This option is only available to students pursuing the traditional two-year program.
Total credit hours: 30
Non-thesis (M.A.)
Earn your master’s degree in theatre with our non-thesis track. Designed to offer a wide variety of courses, this track provides a broad education in theatre. This option is available to students pursuing either the accelerated or two-year track.
Total credit hours: 36
14-Month/Alternative Scheduling
We offer an alternative scheduling option for our M.A. in Theatre. Designed for those who are working/teaching full-time and are unable to pursue the traditional graduate school experience. Enroll in intensive, day-long, face-to-face classes during the summers and online classes during the fall and spring semesters.
Total credit hours: 36
Course Delivery
Our program meets the needs of in-residence students and working professionals. We offer courses both online and face-to-face at the main campus in the fall and spring. In-person courses are also offered during the summer. Choose from a wide variety of electives to personalize your studies and educational experience.
Please check the schedule of classes for locations and times. Locations and times are subject to change.
14-MONTH/ALTERNATIVE SCHEDULING
This program is designed for commuters! We have students attending from all over the state.
The face-to-face classes taken in the summer are generally all-day intensive classes taken in two back-to-back days each week, generally Mondays and Tuesdays, in Commerce. These classes typically run from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. with the students engaging in independent research, assignments, etc. from home for the remainder of each week. This allows students to commute to Commerce to attend face-to-face classes in the summer by arranging overnight accommodations nearby.
Summer I
- Two face-to-face courses (total of six credit hours)
Summer II
- Two face-to-face courses (total of six credit hours)
Fall
- Two online courses (total of six credit hours)
Spring
- Two online courses (total of six credit hours)
Summer I
- Two face-to-face courses (total of six credit hours)
Summer II
- Two face-to-face courses (total of six credit hours)
Do I have to start the program in the Summer I term?
If your goal is to complete the program within a 14-month timeframe, then “yes,” you need to start in the Summer I term. However, our alternative scheduling (face-to-face in the summer terms and online in the fall and spring terms) simply provides you the opportunity to be active in a master’s program while working full-time. Starting in the fall or spring terms, or taking fewer classes in the summer terms may be ideal for some students.
Graduate Program Cost
PROGRAM COSTS
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents.
Admission
Your Path to Becoming a Lion
Graduate Step 1 Part 1
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select Texas A&M University-Commerce
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Theatre, MA” as your “Program.”
Domestic Application Fee 395064
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Provisional Status
After you submit your application, you may be granted provisional status, which means you can enroll in one semester of courses. You will not be eligible for financial aid until you submit all of your documents and are accepted into the program.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Graduate Coordinator Rebecca Stevens 395100
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator or more information.
Request one signed letter of recommendation, on letterhead, from a professional who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program. That individual should:
- Email the letter to your graduate coordinator or
- Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
Answer these prompts in 250 to 500 words:
- Why do you want to study your particular area of study?
- What do you hope this degree leads to?
- What are your goals? Short term education goals, long term career goals.
- Explain previous theatrical experience and training.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Graduate Enrollment Specialist Jennifer Faunce
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
Deadlines
- Fall admission consideration: May 15
- Spring admission consideration: October 15
- Summer admission consideration: March 15
Applicants must have a completed admissions file by May 10 for fall consideration.
Graduate Step 1 Part 1
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select Texas A&M University-Commerce
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Theatre, MA” as your “Program.”
International Application Fee
- Pay the $75 application fee
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Graduate Coordinator Rebecca Stevens 395100
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce Texas 75428
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accept evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
Request one signed, and dated letter of recommendation; on official agency or organization letterhead, preferably from a past professor, college instructor, or from a professional who currently supervises the applicant or who has in the past and can attest to their academic preparedness to succeed in the program. That individual should:
- Email the letter to your graduate coordinator or
- Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce Texas 75428
Answer these prompts in 250 to 500 words:
- Why do you want to study your particular area of study?
- What do you hope this degree leads to?
- What are your goals? Short term education goals, long term career goals.
- Explain previous theatrical experience and training.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
You do not need to submit test scores if you have completed (all years) of a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.
Request that your scores from one of the following be sent to East Texas A&M University:
- TOEFL (Minimum Scores: IBT 79, or CBT 213, or PBT 550)
- IELTS (Minimum Score: 6.00 band overall)
- PTE (Minimum Score: 53 overall or higher)
- Duo Lingo (Minimum Score: 105)
*Scores must be less than two years old.
Submit these documents to the Office of International Programs once you have been admitted
- Official sponsor statement
- Bank statement from the sponsor with a balance of at least $33,601 USD which is less than six months old
See the Office of International Program's “Confirmation of Financial Resource” for more details.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Graduate Enrollment Specialist Jennifer Faunce
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
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We are here to help!
Contact Us
- Department of Theatre
- 903.886.5346
- [email protected]
