Theatre (Theatre and Performance of the Americas), PhD
Are you interested in social justice through artistic and cultural expression? We welcome scholars, artists and activists interested in expanding boundaries and challenging traditional narratives.
Quick facts
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Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.
Degree description
You examine the canon of theatre from diverse critical perspectives through coursework, seminars, research and study opportunities in the Doctor of Philosophy program in theatre with a concentration in theatre and performance of the Americas. You are encouraged to think beyond geographical and disciplinary borders, developing the skills required to challenge traditional narratives and expand the boundaries of theatre studies.
To accomplish this, you use a perspective that intervenes in traditionally narrated histories and theories of theatre. You also use cultural and performance studies methodologies to examine other forms of embodied expression that are related to, but distinct from, formal theatrical expression.
During the first year, you explore the theoretical and practical aspects of performance research in general, with a specific focus on performance modalities in the Americas. In the second year, you build on your research interests from the first year through specialized coursework and practical experiences.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
90 credit hours, a foreign language exam, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (24 credit hours) Electives (42 credit hours) Research (12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Two of the elective courses must come from outside the school, and they must be approved by the supervisory committee. In meeting these requirements, students, with the advice of the supervisory committee, may select theatre courses in areas such as community-based theatre, dramaturgy, theatre for social change, theatre history, theatre theory and criticism, and related topics seminars. Students also may take courses outside the School of Music, Dance and Theatre in areas such as critical and cultural studies, area studies, languages and literatures, and aesthetic theory. All activities are selected to help students meet the goals of the program and develop the capability to become leaders in the field. Preliminary Reviews: Comprehensive Examinations: Dissertation Requirements:
THE 792 Research (12)
THE 799 Dissertation (12)
When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree.
Reviews of the student's performance in courses and development of research skills, artistic skills and teaching competencies are conducted by the supervisory committee at the end of each semester.
Examinations comprise written and oral components centering on theatre history, literature and criticism, theatre and performance of the Americas and the research area.
A dissertation based on original high-quality research work demonstrating proficiency in the student's special field is required.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply doctoral level research methods and theory relevant to the student's area of focus in theatre.
- Apply advanced analytical skills in the critical examination of theatre.
- Synthesize research and analytical skills towards an in-depth written dissertation project.
Apply doctoral level research methods and theory relevant to the student's area of focus in theatre. Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a master's degree in a relevant area from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information The statement of purpose should address the student's background and experiences as they relate to the student's reasons for pursuing the doctorate, and it should describe the student's research interests and indicate future career goals. An interview is strongly recommended. Students should review the program website for application deadlines.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Many graduates of the doctoral degree in theatre and performance of the Americas go on to teaching and research positions in higher education, while some have chosen careers in arts and culture organizations where their expertise in curation and dramaturgical framing of artistic work finds expression. They may participate in postdoctoral fellowships from prestigious universities. There is also a strong record of article and book publication, representing significant contributions to the field.
Career examples include:
- education director or program manager
- tenure-track faculty member
- visiting faculty member
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
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MUSIC E167
MDTAdmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
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ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
