University of Kansas

What you'll study

The PhD programme centres on advanced study of theatre and performance theory, history, and practice. Students combine intensive coursework with independent research leading to a doctoral dissertation. Typical areas of study include theatre history and historiography, contemporary performance theory, dramaturgy, performance analysis, cultural studies approaches to theatre, and research methods for performance scholarship.

Programme structure normally comprises a period of coursework (seminars and directed reading), comprehensive or qualifying examinations, a proposal and prospectus stage, and an extended supervised dissertation. Many students undertake practicum or production work as part of their research, and are encouraged to develop interdisciplinary projects that draw on allied fields such as film studies, gender and sexuality studies, rhetoric, digital humanities, and cultural policy.

Common seminar and module topics encountered by PhD candidates include:

• Advanced theatre historiography and archival research
• Performance theory and criticism
• Dramaturgy and text-to-stage processes
• Ethnography and practice-as-research methods
• Design, technology and scenography in contemporary theatre
• Pedagogy and theatre teaching methods at tertiary level

Students work closely with faculty advisers to create a personalised reading list and research plan. Teaching experience as a graduate instructor is typically an integral component of training, and many candidates gain practical production experience through the department’s season and lab projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a master’s degree in theatre, drama, performance studies or a closely related discipline. Exceptional candidates with a strong bachelor’s degree plus significant professional experience may also be considered. Admission decisions are based on the applicant’s academic record, research potential, fit with departmental expertise, and the availability of an appropriate supervisor.

Typical application materials include:

• Academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• A research statement or statement of purpose outlining intended doctoral research
• A writing sample such as a scholarly essay, critical article or research proposal
• A curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional theatre experience
• Letters of recommendation, usually from academic referees
• For applicants with creative practice, a portfolio or recordings of recent work may be requested

International applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency according to university requirements. Specific procedural details on applications, residency expectations and supervisory matching are provided by the department and graduate school during the admissions process.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Drama pursue a variety of careers that draw on advanced research, critical analysis and teaching skills. Common career paths include:

• Academic positions in universities and colleges (tenure-track and lecturing roles)
• Research and curatorial roles in museums, archives and cultural institutions
• Dramaturgy, artistic direction and high-level creative leadership in theatre companies
• Arts administration, policy and advocacy organisations
• Theatre criticism, journalism and public scholarship
• Consultancy and project leadership in community and applied theatre practices

The combination of scholarly credentials and practical theatre experience prepares graduates for roles that require both rigorous research and applied, collaborative project work.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers doctoral students access to a supportive research environment within a department that runs a regular season of productions and emphasises the integration of practice and scholarship. Students benefit from close supervision by faculty active in a range of fields across theatre history, performance studies, dramaturgy and production.

Research resources include university libraries with significant performing arts collections, opportunities for archival work, and links to regional theatres and cultural organisations that enable practice-based research and professional placements. The graduate community is typically small and collegial, providing mentoring, teaching experience, and opportunities to present work in seminars, colloquia and symposia.

Funding support is commonly available through graduate assistantships, teaching posts and internal grants; prospective students should consult the department for current information on funding packages, research centres and collaborative projects that can support doctoral study.