University of Texas

What you'll study

The Department of Theatre and Dance provides graduate-level theatre training that balances practical studio work, production experience and scholarly inquiry. Depending on the pathway (for example acting, directing, design/technical production, or theatre studies/criticism), students take a combination of advanced studio classes, seminars and supervised production assignments.

• Acting and Performance: scene study, movement for actors, voice and speech, audition technique, ensemble work, on-camera performance and role preparation.
• Directing: script analysis, rehearsal technique, dramaturgy, staging, leadership in production and collaborative practice.
• Design & Technical: scenic, lighting, costume and sound design; drafting and CAD for theatre; stagecraft; technical management and production methods.
• Theatre Studies: histories of theatre, contemporary dramatic literature, performance theory, research methods and critical writing.
• Production Practicum: supervised assignments on department productions offering practical experience in performance, design, stage management or technical operation.
• Research/Capstone: a final project appropriate to the pathway—this may be a thesis, a design portfolio, a public performance, or a directed production coupled with critical documentation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Relevant undergraduate study in theatre, performance, design, or a related field is typically preferred but not always mandatory for applicants who can demonstrate equivalent professional experience or potential.

• Portfolio or audition: applicants for practical pathways (acting, directing, design) will normally submit a portfolio, recorded materials or attend an audition/interview as part of selection.
• Academic materials: transcripts, a personal statement outlining artistic goals and research interests, and letters of recommendation are required.
• Research pathways: applicants to theatre studies or other scholarly routes may be asked for a writing sample and a clear proposal for their capstone or thesis.
• English language: evidence of English proficiency is required for applicants whose prior education was not in English.
• Additional considerations: the programme evaluates artistic promise, academic preparation and potential for contribution to the department; some areas may also require prior production experience.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a broad range of careers in the creative and cultural sector. Practical training prepares students for roles in performance, directing, design, technical management, stage and production management, and dramaturgy. Theoretical and research-focused graduates move into arts criticism, administration, education and further research at doctoral level.

• Professional actor, company ensemble member or freelancer in theatre, film and television.
• Director or assistant director in theatre companies, community and educational contexts.
• Theatre designer (scenic, lighting, costume, sound) and technical director roles in producing organisations.
• Stage manager and production manager positions for live performance and touring productions.
• Arts educators at secondary and tertiary levels, community arts practitioners and workshop leaders.
• Arts administrators, producers, dramaturgs, critics and researchers working in cultural organisations, festivals and media.

Why study at University of Texas

The University of Texas has an established Department of Theatre and Dance embedded within a large research university and a vibrant arts ecosystem. Students benefit from access to multiple performance spaces, technical facilities, and an active season of department productions that provide practical learning opportunities.

The department connects students with a wide regional and national professional network including local theatre companies, touring artists and film/television production in the state. Faculty typically combine scholarly and professional experience, enabling mentorship across practice and research. The university context also offers interdisciplinary collaboration with departments across the arts, communications, and humanities.