University of Kansas

What you'll study

The programme combines practical training, scholarly study and production work. Core areas typically include acting technique, voice and movement, directing, scenography (set, lighting and costume design), stagecraft and technical production, dramaturgy, theatre history and criticism, and research methods.

Students follow a mix of taught seminars, studio classes and hands-on practicum. Typical modules and activities are:

• Advanced Acting and Performance Workshops — scene study, classical and contemporary text work, movement and voice.
• Directing and Dramaturgy — staging, rehearsal methods, script analysis and collaborative leadership.
• Design and Technology — scenic design, lighting, sound, costume design and production processes.
• Theatre History and Criticism — historical survey, theory, and specialist topics in dramatic literature.
• Research Methods and Professional Practice — methodologies for scholarly work and practical career skills such as grant writing and producing.
• Graduate Production Practicum — participation in departmental productions in roles ranging from performer to designer, technician or stage manager.
• Capstone Project — a thesis, creative project, performance recital or practicum depending on the chosen track and degree (MA or terminal MFA options may be offered).

Structure

The course structure typically combines coursework, supervised production work and a culminating research or creative project. Full-time students usually complete the degree over two to three years, with part-time arrangements available in some cases. Many students are also engaged as graduate teaching or production assistants as part of their training.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Degree specialisation expectations differ by pathway: practice-focused tracks (acting, directing, design) generally require an audition or portfolio and evidence of practical experience, while research-focused pathways (theatre history, dramaturgy) emphasise academic writing samples.

• Official academic transcripts demonstrating an undergraduate degree.
• Statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals.
• Letters of recommendation (typically two or three) from academic or professional referees.
• Audition or portfolio for performance and design applicants; writing sample for research/academic tracks.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé detailing relevant experience.
• Evidence of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English.

Some applicants may be invited to interview, audition or present work in person or via recorded submission. GRE scores are not universally required; consult the department for specific testing expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a broad range of careers across the performing arts, education and cultural sectors. Common career paths include:

• Professional actor or performer in theatre, film, television and new media.
• Director, dramaturg or stage director for theatre and performance companies.
• Designer or technician specialising in set, lighting, sound or costume for live production.
• Stage manager, production manager or technical director in professional and educational settings.
• Arts administrator, producer or curator working with producing organisations, festivals and cultural institutions.
• Secondary or post-secondary teaching and theatre education; preparation for doctoral study and academic careers in theatre studies.

Hands-on production experience, teaching assistantships and connections with regional companies help graduates build professional networks and practical experience sought by employers in the field.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers a theatre programme that integrates rigorous studio training with scholarly inquiry. Students benefit from faculty who are active practitioners and researchers across performance, design and criticism, and from a curriculum that emphasises collaborative, production-centred learning.

Facilities supporting student work typically include dedicated rehearsal studios, performance spaces, scenic and costume shops and technical labs, alongside access to university research libraries and special collections that support historical and textual research. The Lawrence and greater Kansas City region provide a lively arts scene with opportunities for internships, regional collaboration and professional engagement.

Graduate assistantships and departmental roles give many students paid, hands-on experience in teaching and production while they study. The programme's balance of practice, scholarship and professional preparation is designed to prepare graduates for diverse careers in theatre and related fields.