The primary difference between an MA and an MFA degree is one of emphasis. An MA trains scholars, while the MFA trains artists. WashU’s Master’s Program in Theater and Performance Studies is a Master of Arts (MA) degree. Most of our students plan to pursue a PhD in theatre and performance or a related field, such as English, Anthropology, Cultural Studies, and others. To that end, our students pursue the academic study of theater and performance, focusing on subjects such as theatre history, dramatic criticism and theory, performance theory, and the comparative study of performance in global cultures, among others. Although WashU’s MA program does not focus primarily on practical training in the performing arts, we recognize the importance of such training to scholarly study in the field. Consequently, students are required to take at least one (and up to three) practice-oriented courses. For graduates who continue to the PhD, this experience primes them to include practice alongside academic duties of teaching and publishing in a college or university setting. Likewise, our students who go on to careers as dramaturgs and literary managers find their academic training helpful in solving problems encountered in arts practice research.

The most important parts of your application are the statement of purpose and the writing sample(s). Your statement of purpose should explain your background in theater and performance studies, your scholarly research interests, and your academic and professional goals. Please note why you think these goals would be best served by a program that focuses on scholarly research. Your writing sample(s) should demonstrate your ability to think critically and write clearly.  Although you are advised to submit a sample that demonstrates your familiarity with theater and/or performance studies, the topic is less important than the quality of thought the essay reveals. Similarly, students are invited to indicate specific faculty in the department whose research aligns with their interests, although this is not required.

In recent years, we have been able to offer 100% tuition remission to all admitted MA students.  Competitive stipends are offered through the Graduate School.  Many eligible students also hold part-time employment positions within the department of Performing Arts.

The MA in Theater and Performance Studies no longer requires applicants to submit scores from the GRE exam.

We welcome applications from international scholars, and are proud to have international students currently in our graduate class and numbered among our alumni.  In assessing applications from such students, we defer to the University, which recommends that the score on the internet-based TOEFL exam be no less than 90.  This baseline score helps to ensure that our non-native English-speaking students achieve success in the program, given the rigorous demands of advanced coursework.

Yes, you’re welcome to visit campus as you consider making an application to our program.  Please contact us in advance and we will arrange for you to meet with faculty in your proposed area of research as well as current students.  Such an opportunity will also allow you sit in on one of our graduate classes.

Yes, we encourage you to do so, and in fact bring all admitted applicants to campus between the January submission and April decision deadlines.  Typically, these visits occur in late February or early March and feature lectures by leading scholars and/or tickets to a Performing Arts Department (PAD) performance.  For such visits, we cover travel expenses, arrange for informal housing (often with current graduate students), and provide meals while you’re here.