MFA in Theatre Education

The MFA in Theatre Education is not accepting applications, as we work to revise and update our curriculum.

The MFA Theatre Education program provides a unique opportunity for those who are in the beginning stages of their careers as theatre artists to further their own artistry and professional goals, while at the same time developing techniques for teaching theatre in the classroom.

Our program seeks to:

• Develop and expand the theatre artist’s own personal approach, sensibility, and creativity.
• Work with the ensemble of undergraduate theatre majors in a laboratory-like setting, as a means of reinventing the idea of the artist through intense collaboration.
• Prepare for professional life through various workshops and colloquia.
• Draw on the professional training expertise of the faculty, so that Theatre Education students and their faculty mentors design individualized programs of study that focus on strong teaching specialties set in a full understanding of all aspects of performance and production.

Curriculum Highlights

• Individually focused curriculum.
• Opportunity to teach and develop undergraduate courses.
• Weekly graduate seminars.
• Acting and directing opportunities in School of Theatre productions.
• Artistic opportunities with our Boston University Professional Theatre Initiative members.
• In the final year of study, each student develops a thesis project as a natural outgrowth of their individual artistic journey.

Learning Outcomes

The Theatre Education program aims to develop a complete theatre artist by fostering a passion for theatre, storytelling, and the collaborative process through the lens of pedagogical exploration. Through their required coursework and production assignments, Theatre Education students will:

• Demonstrate a wide understanding of theatre practice and its varied components within the areas of acting, directing, playwriting, design, and drama literature.
• Articulate an understanding of the connection between historical periods within theatre, art, culture, and society.
• Demonstrate the ability to take on a leadership role in a rehearsal and performance process through the successful completion of a production experience.
• Demonstrate the understanding of what is required to teach an undergraduate course through the successful teaching of a non-majors course for the School of Theatre, from the creation of a syllabus and course outline, to in-class assessment from a faculty mentor.
• Successfully complete a thesis that demonstrates proficiency in their chosen area of theatrical artistry sufficient to obtain a professional position.