The MA in Applied Theatre Arts at the University of Southern California (USC) prepares graduates to use theatre as a practical tool for education, therapy, and community change. You’ll combine creative training with critical cultural analysis and hands-on fieldwork with community partners.
The MA in Applied Theatre Arts at the University of Southern California (USC) empowers students to harness the transformative potential of theatre in various contexts, including education, therapy, and community development. This one-year program melds creative training with critical cultural analysis, offering students practical experience through collaboration with community partners.
The program integrates studio-based learning, critical coursework, and supervised community fieldwork, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Key courses include:
Fieldwork / internship component: Students engage in experiential learning through internships with community partners, applying theatre methodologies in educational, therapeutic, and socio-political settings.
Capstone / culminating work: Students typically showcase their learning through a final applied project or research-informed community theatre work.
Graduates of the MA in Applied Theatre Arts are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths in education, community development, social work, and therapeutic settings. The skills acquired through this program prepare students for impactful roles as educators, facilitators, and practitioners in various sectors that value creative engagement and social change.
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