University of Central Oklahoma

What you'll study

The programme balances practice-based training and academic enquiry. Core study areas typically include advanced acting and movement, directing, theatre history and criticism, dramaturgy, playwriting, and design/technology topics such as scenic, lighting and costume design. Students also undertake research methods relevant to theatre studies and may choose a capstone project, thesis, or a portfolio of production work as their culminating requirement.

• Advanced performance technique and scene study
• Directing workshop and ensemble creation
• Theatre history, criticism and contemporary performance theory
• Design and technical practicum (scenic, lighting, sound, costume)
• Play analysis and dramaturgy
• Research methods and a thesis or practicum/project
• Teaching practicum or graduate assistantship opportunities

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree, preferably in theatre, performance, design, education or a closely related discipline. Typical requirements include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining artistic and professional goals, and references. Performance and production applicants will usually be asked to submit a portfolio or attend an audition/interview; designers and writers submit work samples.

The department looks for evidence of artistic potential and academic readiness. Where relevant, successful applicants may be offered teaching assistantships or other graduate roles tied to departmental productions; these are subject to availability and departmental selection processes.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of professional roles across the performing arts and education. Common career pathways include:

• Professional actor or ensemble performer
• Stage director and theatre-maker
• Designer or technical director (scenic, lighting, sound, costume)
• Stage and production management
• Theatre educator at secondary or tertiary levels
• Arts administration, producing and community-engaged theatre
• Further scholarly study such as doctoral research in theatre and performance

The programme’s combination of production experience, pedagogical training and research prepares graduates for both practical careers in the industry and roles in academic or educational settings.

Why study at University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma’s theatre programme emphasises hands-on learning within an active production season, allowing graduate students to work on mainstage and lab productions across acting, directing and design. Small cohort sizes provide close mentorship from faculty who are active practitioners and scholars, and the department routinely offers opportunities to gain teaching experience through assistantships.

On-campus production facilities, costume and scene shops and collaborative projects with other arts programmes give students practical skills directly transferable to professional settings. The programme’s location also offers access to regional theatre networks and community engagement projects, helping students build professional contacts and a diverse portfolio of work.