Marymount University

What you'll study

The programme blends conservatory-style studio work with academic study. Core areas typically include advanced acting technique, voice and movement, directing, playwriting and dramaturgy, as well as technical theatre skills such as lighting, sound and scenography. Students engage with theatre history, contemporary performance theory, and courses on rehearsal processes, ensemble creation and devising.

Practical components are central: production practicum and staged projects give students repeated opportunities to work on full-scale productions in acting, directing, design or stage management roles. Research-led modules prepare students for a capstone project, which may be a public production, a director's portfolio, a written thesis on practice-as-research, or a substantial creative project accompanied by critical reflection.

• Advanced Acting and Scene Study
• Directing and Ensemble Creation
• Voice, Speech and Movement for the Stage
• Playwriting and Dramaturgy
• Technical Theatre: Lighting, Sound and Design Principles
• Theatre History and Contemporary Performance Theory
• Production Practicum and Professional Portfolio
• Capstone Project (creative or research-based)

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in theatre, performance, or a related discipline; applicants with degrees in other fields who demonstrate substantial practical experience in theatre may also be considered. Typical application components include a personal statement outlining artistic and professional goals, a curriculum vitae or resume of theatre experience, and two or three academic or professional references.

Applicants for performance-focused pathways should expect to submit a performance portfolio and may be invited to attend an audition or interview (live or via recorded material). Design and technical applicants should provide a portfolio of relevant work (designs, technical plots, production photos). GRE scores are not usually required; proficiency in English is required for applicants whose first language is not English and must be demonstrated by an accepted language qualification.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of theatre and allied professions. Common career paths include professional acting, directing, dramaturgy, playwriting, stage and production management, technical direction and design. The degree also prepares graduates for roles in arts administration, education and community-engaged theatre, as well as further postgraduate research or doctoral study.

Because the programme emphasises practical production experience and professional networking, alumni typically seek positions with regional and national theatre companies, touring ensembles, community arts organisations, and educational institutions. The programme’s proximity to the Washington, D.C. cultural sector offers opportunities for internships, collaborations and visibility within a busy performing-arts ecosystem.

Why study at Marymount University

Marymount University offers a small-group, mentorship-driven learning environment where students can access intensive studio practice alongside liberal-arts scholarship. The theatre faculty combine academic expertise with active professional careers, providing practical guidance and industry contacts.

Located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Marymount students benefit from proximity to a rich and diverse performing-arts scene, including regional theatres, touring companies and cultural institutions. Facilities include performance spaces and technical workshops that support student-led productions. The university’s emphasis on community engagement and experiential learning helps students build a professional portfolio and practical experience essential for careers in contemporary theatre.