Theatre (Theatre for Youth and Community), MFA
Do you have a passion for working with youth and an interest in activism, community, pedagogy and the performing arts? In this internationally respected program, you'll develop skills and knowledge in these areas under the mentorship of award-winning faculty.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
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.
Degree description
In the Master of Fine Arts program in theatre with a concentration in theatre for youth and community, you study with distinguished faculty; you engage in comprehensive coursework; and you participate in hands-on experiences in all areas of theatre-making with, by, and for young people and communities. You hone your skills and knowledge in artistry, facilitation and pedagogy in a challenging and supportive atmosphere, developing advanced artistry, engagement and teaching expertise.
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.
60 credit hours including the required applied project course (THP 693), a written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam
Required Core (6 credit hours) Concentration (19 credit hours) Other Requirements (12 credit hours) Electives (17 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
THE 504 Studies in Dramatic Theory and Criticism (3)
THE 520 Theatre History and Literature (3)
THE 524 Advanced Studies in Theatre for Youth (3)
THE 581 Methods of Teaching Theatre (4) or THP 511 Methods of Teaching Drama (4)
THP 513 Touring Theatre (3)
THP 514 Projects in Community-based Theatre (3)
THP 582 Theatre for Social Change (3)
THP 611 Sites of Inquiry in Performance (3) or THP 618 Theatre for Youth Practicum (3)
THE 500 Research Methods (3)
THE 591 Seminar (3)
THE 598 Special Topics (3)
THP 684 Internship (3)
THP 693 Applied Project (6)
THE 598 Special Topics and elective courses are taken in consultation with Theatre for Youth and Community faculty.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Create new performances, processes and solutions in their core areas of practice (including theatre for and with youth, education and curriculum design, community-based theatre, civic practice, applied theatre and theatre for social justice).
- Apply relevant theoretical and critical frames for the assessment of theatre and drama for and with youth and communities in relevant contexts such as K-12 schools, universities, professional and amateur theatres, community centers and applied theatre contexts.
- Apply key skills, discourses and organizational strategies of their chosen area of specialization to the creation of new projects or partnerships with existing organizations, such as schools, arts organizations, government entities or other relevant partners.
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 bachelor's or master's degree in any field 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, or applicants must have 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 Applicants should thoroughly review application deadlines and requirements on the department's website. This highly competitive program accepts only a small number of students each year to provide highly individualized attention. The statement of purpose should clearly explain the applicant's aesthetic and educational philosophies and future career goals. After reading the statement, the faculty should understand not only the applicant's current passions but also why the theatre for youth and community program at ASU would be an appropriate fit to meet the student's educational, practical and scholarly goals. The program accepts thoughtful, well-informed artists, scholars, educators and citizens. The three letters of recommendation should be from professionals familiar with the applicant's work.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 01/15 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
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 recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates are prepared to be engaged and innovative leaders in a variety of careers in diverse settings and industries, including:
- arts entrepreneurship
- community arts
- elementary, secondary and tertiary education systems
- professional theater
- youth theater
Examples of careers include:
- activist
- director
- facilitator
- organizer
- practitioner
- specialist
- teacher
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
|
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
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.

