Drama

The MFA in Drama lives within the dynamic School of Creative and Performing Arts. Applicants can specialize in Design/Technical, Directing, Interdisciplinary Creation and Research, Playwriting, or Theatre Studies. In each of these areas, students receive expert instruction and supervision from some of Canada’s most recognized scholars, artists, and artist/scholars. Students enjoy high levels of agency within a carefully structured framework as they determine their individual program designs and thesis subjects. The program complements discipline-specific preparation with unique opportunities for interdisciplinary instruction and experience within the School. Graduate students often engage with our performance season and our festival of student work, which supports a wide range of audience relationships. Facilities include graduate student offices, design and costume shops, three thoroughly equipped and staffed theatre spaces (ranging from 150 through 500 seats), and a fourth studio theatre dedicated to faculty and graduate student research.

Completing this program

• Core Course: Methods in Theatre Research.
• Thesis (Directing): Consists of directing a full-length play and submission of a supporting paper.
• Thesis (Playwriting): Consists of a full-length play and a supporting paper.
• Additional Courses: Depending on the specialization, students take courses on directing, design/technical, playwriting and/or theatre studies.
• Thesis (Design/Technical): Consists of design of a full-length production in two of scenes, costume, light and/or sound, and a supporting paper.
• Thesis (Interdisciplinary Creation and Research): Consists of a creative process, its documentation, and written reflection upon the process. 
• Thesis (Theatre Studies): Consists of a substantial scholarly research paper that may be informed by a creative performance project.

Specializations

• Directing
• Design/Technical
• Interdisciplinary Creation and Research
• Playwriting
• Theatre Studies

Director, Playwright, Devisor, Interdisciplinary Performance or Mixed Media Creator, Speech Writer, Critic, Dramaturg, Literary or Arts manager, Public Servant, Scholar, Instructor, Artistic or Technical Director, Curator, Monologist, Solo Performer, Theatre, Exhibit or Event Designer, Scenographer.

A master’s degree in drama will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.

1. Collect your documentation

   • Check your program requirements to find out which documents and forms you will need to prepare.
   • See the program's list of required documents for submission details.
   • Prospective doctoral students with funding from the China Scholarship Council: see additional information.

2. Gather references (if required)

   • Contact past professors for potential references. We will invite your referees to complete an online reference form after you submit your application.
   • Some course-based programs do not require references, please see specific admission requirements if you are unsure.

3. Begin your application

   • Create an eID to log in. If you already have an eID, you can begin your online application. 
   • Once you begin, remember to click 'Save & Continue' often to ensure your application is saved.

4. Submit your application

   • Pay your application fee:
     • $125 for Canadians or Permanent residents
     • $145 for International Students
   • Learn about payment options here