Overview

The Theatre Studies programme at the University of Kansas offers a sophisticated exploration of performance through the lenses of theory, criticism, and history. This Master of Arts degree provides a collaborative environment where students develop expertise in contemporary methodologies, including semiotics, post-structuralism, and cultural studies.

Students gain a broad, comparative understanding of the protocols used in both the study and practice of theatre and related art forms. The curriculum places a special emphasis on the analytical understanding of specific historical episodes and the practical assumptions that influence the creation of theatrical art. This approach ensures graduates appreciate how live performance interacts with its wider social and cultural context.

Why Theatre Studies at the University of Kansas?

The department is a distinguished member of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education and serves as the home for the prestigious Journal of Dramatic Theory and Criticism. Faculty research at the institution has been ranked within the top ten of major organisations, reflecting a high level of academic productivity and influence. Students benefit from a collegial atmosphere that balances rigorous intellectual study with practical production work.

Facilities and resources at the university support a deep dive into contemporary historiography and postmodernism. The programme is designed to provide a strong transition for those aiming for Ph.D. studies or professional advancement. By examining the intersection of context and performance, the university prepares students to become leaders in community and regional arts organisations.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20712 per year
National fee: USD 20712 per year
Local fee: USD 8806 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Theatre & Performance Studies
Theory
Criticism
History
Contemporary Historiography
Semiotics
Post-structuralism
Post-modernism
Cultural Studies
Dramatic Theory and Criticism

Careers with Theatre Studies

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for leadership roles within community and regional arts organisations. The degree is also recognised in several states as a creditable enhancement for teaching qualifications in K-12 education. Many alumni successfully transition into doctoral programmes to pursue careers in higher education and advanced research.

Former students have secured positions across a diverse range of academic and artistic settings. Notable employers include Junkyard Dog Productions, Disney Productions, and CBS. Graduates have also found success at various higher education institutions, including the University of Georgia, Texas Christian University, and the University of Arizona, working in both administrative and creative capacities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Graduate Study in Theatre

The Art of Directing

Problems and Techniques of Direction

Advanced Play Production

Scenography and the Classic Script

Scenography and the Experimental Production

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Lawrence, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies Media Studies & Mass Media Drama View 256 other Masters in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.2

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

an overall undergraduate GPA of no less than 3.2.

an overall GPA of no less than 3.5 in the major and in previous graduate studies.

An official transcript, sent directly to KU, from your baccalaureate granting institution, and transcripts from all institutions attended post-baccalaureate.

Three (3) recent letters of recommendation

A current resume of academic and artistic experiences.

A statement of personal goals that explains why you want to pursue graduate study in theatre.

A writing sample (no more than 15 pages) that demonstrates your ability to theorize, analyze, and synthesize scholarly information. (Please do not send theses, CDs, DVDs, or video tapes.)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20712 USD / year

≈ 20712 USD / year
Out-of-State

20712 USD / year

≈ 20712 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8806 USD / year

≈ 8806 USD / year

Living costs

Lawrence

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Theatre Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Lawrence

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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