University of Toronto

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Toronto offers a unique opportunity for students to develop advanced research skills in dramatic theory, dramaturgy, and theatre history. This program emphasizes both academic rigor and practical engagement, allowing students to immerse themselves in workshops, student productions, and co-productions, while honing their expertise in performance analysis and theatre historiography.

What you'll study

The doctoral program is designed to integrate coursework, research training, and dissertation work. Students will complete core courses provided by the Centre for Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies, alongside additional graduate-level courses that align with their individual research interests.

• Core courses include:
  • History and Historiography in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies
  • Sources and Concepts in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies
  • Modelling New Scholarship in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies
  • Teaching and Learning in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies
  • Topics in Theatre, Drama, and Performance
• Research development: Students will participate in seminars and supervised research activities that support their dissertation proposal and ongoing scholarly work.
• Dissertation: Candidates will complete an original research dissertation based on their approved research topic.
• Workshops and production context: Students will have opportunities to engage with theatre-making through various workshops, student productions, and co-productions.

Note: Course selection and sequencing may vary based on the student’s background, research area, and the approved program plan.

Entry requirements

To be considered for admission into the PhD program, applicants typically need to provide a comprehensive research intent statement, a writing sample, a current CV, and two reference letters. Proficiency in English is also required, with accepted tests including IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD program in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies are well-prepared for a variety of careers in academia, research, and the arts. They may pursue positions as university professors, researchers, dramaturgs, or arts administrators, contributing to the fields of theatre and performance both nationally and internationally.