Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies

Program Overview

The Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The centre’s own core courses focus on the program fields of Dramatic Theory, Dramaturgy, and Theatre History. Within the parameters of these fields, the centre supports research in such areas as performance analysis and reception; Canadian, American, feminist, and post-colonial theatre; Elizabethan and Restoration staging; historiography and performance; acting and modern staging theories and practices; and play development. Through affiliations with other graduate units, students may also take courses in drama and theatre from the other departments, centres, and institutes across the Faculty.

Graduate students build on the kind of foundation that would normally be laid in four years of undergraduate study with a concentration in dramatic literature. Theatre is an integral part of graduate work in the centre and it takes place, for the most part, in the context of workshops, student productions, and co-productions at the Robert Gill and Studio Theatres.


Quick Facts

Domestic International
Application deadline MA, PhD:

Fall 2024 Entry

12-Apr-2024

MA, PhD:

Fall 2024 Entry

12-Apr-2024

Minimum admission average MA:

B+

PhD:

A-

MA:

B+

PhD:

A-

Direct entry option from bachelor's to PhD? PhD:

Yes (minimum A-minus average in courses in the relevant discipline)

PhD:

Yes (minimum A-minus average in courses in the relevant discipline)

Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? PhD:

After

PhD:

After

If a supervisor is identified after admission (as per question above), is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor? PhD:

No

PhD:

No

Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? PhD:

Either

PhD:

Either

Are any standardized tests required/recommended? MA, PhD:

N/A

MA, PhD:

N/A


Master of Arts

Program Description

The graduate program of the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies is an interdisciplinary program that intersects research in the fields of drama, theatre and performance studies including research in dramatic literature, cross-cultural theory and histories of theatre and performance, conceptual and applied models of dramaturgy and methodologies of practice-based research. Graduating students will be well equipped to pursue doctoral studies, serve as innovative leaders in cultural institutions and the performing arts, or become creative entrepreneurs.

Based on faculty research, we offer support for studies in Canadian theatre; Indigenous and East Asian theatre; dance and physical theatre; popular theatre; cross-cultural communication through performance and media; studies of experimental and avant-garde theatre in North America, Asia, and Europe; early modern theatre and archival studies; queer and feminist performance theory, ethics, and equity in theatre and performance; theatre and globalization; and digital humanities in performance. In addition to courses in the program, students are encouraged to take advantage of cross-listed courses and research opportunities across the humanities, sciences and social sciences. Bi-linguality or multi-linguality is an asset as well as creative artistic experience and a developed level of digital literacy.

Students entering the MA program can choose between the coursework-only option and thesis-based option. Applicants interested in the part-time MA option should contact the Associate Director (graduate) to obtain specific information prior to application.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are considered under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Admissions are selective; possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants must also satisfy the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies' additional admission requirements stated below.

  • An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with standing equivalent to at least a University of Toronto B+ and with a significant concentration in theatre, drama, performance, and related disciplines.

  • Applications are open through April 15 and admission decisions are made on an ongoing basis. Applicants, in particular international applicants, are encouraged to apply early. Contact the Associate Director for further information.

Program Requirements

Coursework-Only Option
  • Coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), as approved by the Centre, with no individual course grade below B–, as follows:

    • 1.5 FCEs in core courses, including

      • DRA1001H History and Historiography in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies (0.5 FCE)

      • DRA1002H Graduate Laboratory in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies (0.5 FCE)

      • DRA1003H Introduction to Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies (0.5 FCE)

    • 2.5 FCEs in electives.

  • The Centre may prescribe certain courses in the individual programs of MA students.

Thesis-Based Option
  • Students must complete a minimum of 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), as approved by the Centre, with no individual course grade below B–, as follows:

    • 1.5 FCEs in core courses, including

      • DRA1001H History and Historiography in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies (0.5 FCE)

      • DRA1002H Graduate Laboratory in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies (0.5 FCE)

      • DRA1003H Introduction to Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies (0.5 FCE)

    • 1.5 FCEs in electives.

    • 1.0 FCE: DRA1004Y MA Thesis under the supervision of the course instructor.

  • The Centre may prescribe certain courses in the individual programs of MA students.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The graduate program of the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies is an interdisciplinary program that intersects research in the fields of drama, theatre and performance studies including research in dramatic literature, cross-cultural theory and histories of theatre and performance, conceptual and applied models of dramaturgy and methodologies of practice-based research. Graduating students will be well equipped to pursue academic careers, serve as innovative leaders in cultural institutions and the performing arts, or become creative entrepreneurs.

Based on faculty research, support is offered for studies in Canadian theatre; Indigenous and East Asian theatre; dance and physical theatre; popular theatre; cross-cultural communication through performance and media; studies of experimental and avant-garde theatre in North America, Asia, and Europe; early modern theatre and archival studies; queer and feminist performance theory, ethics, and equity in theatre and performance; theatre and globalization; and digital humanities in performance. In addition to courses in the program, students are encouraged to take advantage of cross-listed courses and research opportunities across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Bilinguality or multi-linguality is an asset as well as creative artistic experience and a developed level of digital literacy.

Applicants may be accepted into the PhD program via one of two routes: 1) following completion of an MA degree or 2) direct entry with a BA degree. The doctoral program is not available as a part-time option. The direct-entry option is a rare exception to the rule; interested applicants interested should contact the Associate Director (graduate) to obtain specific information prior to application.

 

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants for admission to the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies are considered under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Admissions are selective; possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants must also satisfy the Centre's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applications are open through April 15 and admission decisions are made on an ongoing basis. Applicants, in particular international applicants, are encouraged to apply early. Contact the Associate Director for further information.

  • Applicants with a master of arts degree: an MA in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies or the equivalent from a recognized university, must have a standing equivalent to at least a University of Toronto A–. Applicants who have taken the MA through this Centre must be recommended for further study by the instructors whose courses they have taken. Applicants holding the MA of this University in another subject or its equivalent from another university will be considered for admission to the PhD program in light of their previous work and its relation to the Centre's requirements; additional coursework may be required.

  • Applicants must arrange two reference letters that address specifically their academic skills and research potential. Admission will be conditional upon satisfactory recommendation.

  • Applications must be accompanied by a statement of research intent (up to 5 pages plus bibliography), writing sample (15 pages plus bibliography), and curriculum vitae (CV).

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 4.0 approved full-course equivalents (FCEs), as approved by the Centre, with no individual course grade below B–, including:

    • DRA1011H Sources and Concepts in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies I (0.5 FCE)

    • DRA1012H Sources and Concepts in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies II (0.5 FCE)

    • DRA1013H Modelling New Scholarship in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies (0.5 FCE)

    • DRA1014H Teaching and Learning in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies (0.5 FCE)

    • DRA5002H Research Development in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies (0.5 FCE).

  • Demonstrate reading knowledge of a language other than English by passing an approved language examination no later than the end of Year 2. Students may also be asked to qualify in other program-related languages.

  • Pass the field examination at the end of Year 2.

  • Pass the prospectus defence at the beginning of Year 3.

  • Present a thesis on an approved topic embodying the results of original investigation which shall be judged to constitute a significant contribution to the knowledge of the field.

  • Pass an oral examination on the subject of the thesis.

Program Length

4 years (some students may take longer to complete the program)

Time Limit

6 years

 

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants for admission to the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies are considered under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Admissions are selective; possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants must also satisfy the Centre's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applications are open through April 15 and admission decisions are made on an ongoing basis. Applicants, in particular international applicants, are encouraged to apply early. Contact the Associate Director for further information.

  • Applicants with a bachelor of arts degree: exceptional students may be admitted to the PhD program (direct entry) from an appropriate BA from a recognized university with a minimum overall average equivalent to a University of Toronto A–. Applicants who do not qualify for direct entry into the PhD will be considered for the MA program.

  • Applicants must arrange two reference letters, preferably from undergraduate instructors familiar with the applicant’s academic work, that address specifically their academic skills and research potential. Admission will be conditional upon satisfactory recommendation.

  • Applications must be accompanied by a statement of research intent (up to 5 pages plus bibliography), writing sample (15 pages plus bibliography), and curriculum vitae (CV).

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 7.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), as approved by the Centre, with no individual course grade below B–, including:

    • DRA1011H Sources and Concepts in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies I (0.5 FCE)

    • DRA1012H Sources and Concepts in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies II (0.5 FCE)

    • DRA1013H Modelling New Scholarship in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies (0.5 FCE)

    • DRA1014H Teaching and Learning in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies (0.5 FCE)

    • DRA5002H Research Development in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies (0.5 FCE).

  • Must maintain an A– average in their first 3.0 FCEs in order to continue in the program.

  • Direct-entry students must take MA-level required courses based on consultations with the Director and the Associate Director, Graduate.

  • With approval, may elect to transfer to the MA after the first year of study. Work completed in the PhD program will be credited towards the MA.

  • Demonstrate reading knowledge of a language other than English by passing an approved language examination no later than the end of Year 2. Students may also be asked to qualify in other program-related languages.

  • Pass the field examination at the end of Year 3.

  • Pass the prospectus defence at the beginning of Year 4.

  • Present a thesis on an approved topic embodying the results of original investigation which shall be judged to constitute a significant contribution to the knowledge of the field.

  • Pass an oral examination on the subject of the thesis.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

Diana Burchell

“I’ve been lucky to find an incredibly supportive community of graduate students to go through this experience with.”

Diana Burchell
PhD, Developmental Psychology and Education
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