Published 2017-18 SGS Calendar for editing purposes only: exported 2017/07/06

Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies: Introduction

Faculty Affiliation

Arts and Science

Degree Programs

Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies

MA
PhD

CollaborativeSpecializations

The following collaborative specializationsare available to students in participating degree programs as listed below:
  1. Diaspora and Transnational Studies
  • Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies, MA, PhD
  1. Jewish Studies
  • Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies, MA, PhD
  1. Knowledge Media Design
  • Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies, MA, PhD
  1. Sexual Diversity Studies
  • Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies, MA, PhD
  1. South Asian Studies
  • Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies, MA, PhD
  1. Women and Gender Studies
  • Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies, MA, PhD

Overview

The Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The centre's own core courses focus on the program fields of dramaturgy, theatre history, and theory of drama. Within the parameters of these fields, the centre supports research in such areas as performance analysis and reception; Canadian, American, international, and intercultural theatre; Elizabethan and Restoration staging practices; historiography and performance; acting and modern staging theories and practices; performance aesthetics and politics; as well as play and project development.
A new aspect in the curriculum focuses on the impact of digital culture on theatre practice and research. Through affiliations with other graduate units, students may also take courses in drama, theatre, and performance from other departments, centres, and institutes across the University. Graduate students build on the foundation that would normally be laid in undergraduate studies with a concentration in theatre, drama, and performance studies. Performance practice is an integral part of graduate work in the centre and it takes place, for the most part, at the Robert Gill Theatre and the Luella Massey Studio Theatre.
For more information on application details, courses and faculty members, visit the website.

Contact and Address

Web:
Email:
General:
Associate Director of Graduate Studies:
Telephone: (416) 978-7980
Fax: (416) 971-1378
Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies
University of Toronto
Koffler Student Services Centre
214 College Street
Toronto, Ontario M5T 2Z9
Canada

Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies: Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies MA

Master of Arts

Program Description
The graduate program of the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies is an interdisciplinary program that intersects research in the fields of drama, theatre and performance studies including research in dramatic literature, cross-cultural theory and histories of theatre and performance, conceptual and applied models of dramaturgy and methodologies of practice-based research. Graduating students will be well equipped to pursue doctoral studies, serve as innovative leaders in cultural institutions and the performing arts, or become creative entrepreneurs.
Based on faculty research, we offer support for studies in Canadian theatre; Indigenous and East Asian theatre; dance and physical theatre; popular theatre; cross-cultural communication through performance and media; studies of experimental and avant-garde theatre in North America, Asia, and Europe; early modern theatre and archival studies; queer and feminist performance theory, ethics, and equity in theatre and performance; theatre and globalization; and digital humanities in performance. In addition to courses in the program, students are encouraged to take advantage of cross-listed courses and research opportunities across the humanities, sciences and social sciences. Bi-linguality or multi-linguality is an asset as well as creative artistic experience and a developed level of digital literacy.
Applicants interested in the part-time MA option should contact the Associate Director (graduate) to obtain specific information prior to application.
Minimum Admission Requirements
  • Applicants are considered under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Admissions are selective; possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants must also satisfy the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies' additional admission requirements stated below.
  • An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with standing equivalent to at least a University of Toronto B+ and with a significant concentration in theatre, drama, performance, and related disciplines.
  • Applications received after January 15 may be too late for consideration. Contact the Associate Director for further information.
Program Requirements
  • Coursework. Students must complete aminimum of 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), as approved by the centre, including DRA 5000Y MA Projects in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies (1.0 FCE).
  • The centre may prescribe certain courses in the individual programs of MA students.
  • Normally, the program requires one year of full-time study or the part-time equivalent. In some cases, students with insufficient background in the discipline may be required to take additional prerequisite courses.
Program Length
3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S)
Time Limit
3 years full-time

Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies: Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies PhD

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description
The graduate program of the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies is an interdisciplinary program that intersects research in the fields of drama, theatre and performance studies including research in dramatic literature, cross-cultural theory and histories of theatre and performance, conceptual and applied models of dramaturgy and methodologies of practice-based research. Graduating students will be well equipped to pursue academic careers, serve as innovative leaders in cultural institutions and the performing arts, or become creative entrepreneurs.
Based on faculty research, we offer support for studies in Canadian theatre; Indigenous and East Asian theatre; dance and physical theatre; popular theatre; cross-cultural communication through performance and media; studies of experimental and avant-garde theatre in North America, Asia, and Europe; early modern theatre and archival studies; queer and feminist performance theory, ethics, and equity in theatre and performance; theatre and globalization; and digital humanities in performance. In addition to courses in the program, students are encouraged to take advantage of cross-listed courses and research opportunities across the humanities, sciences and social sciences. Bi-linguality or multi-linguality is an asset as well as creative artistic experience and a developed level of digital literacy.
Applicants may be accepted into the PhD program via one of two routes: 1) following completion of an MA degree or 2) direct entry with a BA degree. The doctoral program is not available as a part-time option. The direct-entry option is a rare exception to the rule; interested applicants interested should contact the Associate Director (graduate) to obtain specific information prior to application.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements
  • Applicants for admission to the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies are considered under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Admissions are selective; possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants must also satisfy the centre's additional admission requirements stated below.
  • Applications received after January 15 may be too late for consideration. Contact the Associate Director for further information.
  • Applicants with a master of arts degree: an MA in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies or the equivalent from a recognized university, must have a standing equivalent to at least a University of Toronto A-. Applicants who have taken the MA through this centre must be recommended for further study by the instructors whose courses they have taken. Applicants holding the MA of this University in another subject or its equivalent from another university will be considered for admission to the PhD program in light of their previous work and its relation to the centre's requirements; additional coursework may be required.
  • Applicants must arrange to send two supporting letters of recommendation to the Associate Director of the centre that address specifically their academic skills and research potential. Admission will be conditional upon satisfactory recommendation.
  • Applications must be accompanied by a statement of research intent (up to fivepages and bibliography) and curriculum vitae (CV).
Program Requirements
  • Coursework. Students must complete 4.0 approved full-course equivalents (FCEs) with an average standing of at least A-, including:
  • DRA 1011H Traditions of Performance Theory (0.5 FCE)
  • DRA 1012H Twentieth-Century Theatre and Performance (0.5 FCE).
  • Satisfy the centre's academic skill requirements by completing:
  • DRA 5001H The Disciplines of Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies: Research Methods (0.5 FCE)
  • DRA 5002H Dissertation Proposal (0.5 FCE).
  • Demonstratereading knowledge of a language other than English by passing an approved language examination no later than the end of Year 2. Students may also be asked to qualify in other program-related languages.
  • Passcomprehensive examinations by the beginning of Year 2.
  • Pass the field exam (prospectus) at the end of Year 2 or the beginning of Year 3.
  • Present a thesis on an approved topic embodying the results of original investigation which shall be judged to constitute a significant contribution to the knowledge of the field.
  • Pass an oral examination on the subject of the thesis.
Program Length
4 years (some students may take longer to complete the program)
Time Limit
6 years

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements
  • Applicants for admission to the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies are considered under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Admissions are selective; possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants must also satisfy the centre's additional admission requirements stated below.
  • Applications received after January 15 may be too late for consideration. Contact the Associate Director for further information.
  • Applicants with a bachelor of arts degree: exceptional students may be admitted to the PhD program (direct entry) from an appropriate BA from a recognized university with a minimum overall average equivalent to a University of Toronto A-. Applicants who do not qualify for direct entry into the PhD will be considered for the MA program.
  • Applicants must arrange to send two supporting letters of recommendation to the Associate Director of the centre. Admission will be conditional upon satisfactory recommendation.
  • Applications must be accompanied by a statement of research intent and curriculum vitae (CV).
Program Requirements
  • Coursework. Students must complete 7.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) with an average standing of at least A-, including:
  • DRA 1011H Traditions of Performance Theory (0.5 FCE)
  • DRA 1012H Twentieth-Century Theatre and Performance (0.5 FCE)
  • DRA 5000Y MA Project in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies (1.0 FCE)
  • Satisfy the centre's dramaturgical and performance practice requirement by completing:
  • DRA 5001H The Disciplines of Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies: Research Methods (0.5 FCE) and
  • DRA 5002H Dissertation Proposal (0.5 FCE).
  • the centre's dramaturgical and performance practice requirements as determined on admission.
  • Must maintain an A- average in their first 3.0 FCEs in order to continue in the program.
  • With approval, may elect to transfer to the MA after the first year of study. Work completed in the PhD program will be credited towards the MA.
  • Demonstratereading knowledge of a languageother than English by passing an approved language examination no later than the end of Year 2. Students may also be asked to qualify in other program-related languages.
  • Passcomprehensive examinationsby the beginning of Year 3.
  • Pass thefield exam(prospectus) at the beginning of Year 4.
  • Present athesison an approved topic embodying the results of original investigation which shall be judged to constitute a significant contribution to the knowledge of the field.
  • Pass anoral examinationon the subject of the thesis.
Program Length
5 years
Time Limit
7 years

Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies: Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies MA, PhD Courses

Not all courses listed will be offered every year. Registrants are advised to confirm course offerings by consulting the centre's website, updated periodically through mid-summer, and by communicating with the Associate Director.

Core Program

DRA 1001H / Concepts and Issues in Theatre History and Historiography
DRA 1002H / History of the Theatre II
DRA 1003H / Concepts and Issues in Performance Studies
DRA 1011H / Traditions of Performance Theory
DRA 1012H / Twentieth-Century Theatre and Performance
DRA 1031H / Seminar in Playwriting
DRA 1105H / Performing History
DRA 3021H / Elizabethan Performance: History and Practice
DRA 3901H / Topics in Theatre, Drama, and Performance
DRA 3902H / Topics in Theatre, Drama, and Performance
DRA 3903H / Topics in Theatre, Drama, and Performance
DRA 3904H / Topics in Theatre, Drama, and Performance
DRA 3905H / Topics in Theatre, Drama, and Performance
DRA 3906H / Topics in Theatre, Drama, and Performance
DRA 3907H / Topics in Theatre, Drama, and Performance
DRA 3908H / Topics in Theatre, Drama, and Performance
DRA 4031H / Studies in Canadian Drama and Theatre
DRA 4063H / Performance and Popular Culture
DRA 4090Y / Directed Reading/Theatre Research
DRA 4091H / Directed Reading/Theatre Research
DRA 4092H / Directed Reading
DRA 4093H / Directed Reading
DRA 5000Y0 / MA Project in Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies
DRA 5001H / The Disciplines of Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies: Research Methods
DRA 5002H / Dissertation Proposal
0Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

Cross-Listed Courses

The Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies also cross-lists courses offered by other graduate units of the University of Toronto. A listing of approved courses, available during the academic year, appears on the centre's website, which is updated in mid-summer. Students requesting courses from other units may be subjected to quotas and/or wait lists. Language and literature departments do not always provide courses in English translation. Confirm all course information—including date, time, location—with the appropriate unit as well as with the centre's Associate Director.

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