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Theatre (Theatre for Youth and Community), PhD

Do you have a passion for research in youth theatre, theatre in communities, and drama-based pedagogy? Come join an internationally recognized program to investigate the history, literature, theory, pedagogy and artistic practices that define performances with youth and community organizations.

ASU students dance with youth as part of the Theatre (Theatre for Youth and Community), PhD.

Quick facts

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.

Theatre (Theatre for Youth and Community), PhD program description

In this Doctor of Philosophy program in theatre with a concentration in theatre for youth and community, you develop a personalized course of study by participating in comprehensive coursework, developing advanced research skills, and connecting your research interests to contemporary trends and conversations in the field.

You receive individualized attention and focused mentorship in a challenging and supportive atmosphere designed to educate future leaders and researchers in the field.

Why study theatre for youth and community at ASU?

The theatre program at Arizona State University is a leader in the development of consent-based and wellness-oriented working practices in the performing arts, with production processes designed to empower each student. Develop your creativity and strengthen your storytelling skills as you explore acting, directing, education and design. You'll learn to think critically, work collaboratively and convey complex ideas. 

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 written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (30 credit hours)

Research (12 credit hours)
THE 792 Research (12)

Research Methodology (6 credit hours)

Electives (30 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
THE 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information
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.

In meeting these requirements, students, with the advice of the supervisory committee, may select theatre courses in areas such as community-based theatre, theatre education, theatre for social change, theatre history, theatre theory and criticism and tutorial courses.

Students also may take courses outside the School of Music, Dance and Theatre in areas such as aesthetic theory, area studies, children's literature, critical and cultural studies, educational theory and methodology, languages and literatures, arts education, policy research and democracy studies.

Research methodology coursework is chosen in consultation with the supervisory committee. Where appropriate, the supervisory committee may approve certification of literacy in a foreign language as meeting the research methodology requirement. This approval is granted only in those circumstances wherein fluency in that language is necessary for the dissertation research.

Additional Curricular Requirements:

  • ongoing reviews of a student's performance in courses and development of research skills, artistic skills and teaching competencies conducted by the supervisory committee at the end of each semester
  • comprehensive examinations consisting of written and oral components that center on theatre history, literature and criticism, theatre for youth and theatre education, and the research area
  • dissertation developed from an approved prospectus, based on original research work of high quality, demonstrating proficiency in the student's special field and adding new knowledge

All activities are selected to help students meet the goals of the program and develop the capability of becoming leaders in the field.


What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Students will be able to create works of scholarship with the potential to build new knowledge in their chosen theatre for youth and community subfields (including: theatre for and with youth, education and curriculum design, community-based theatre, civic practice, applied theatre and theatre for social justice).
  • Students will be able to make an original contribution to field scholarship and research by implementing a long-form research and writing process (e.g., book-length or multi-year work).
  • Students will be able to effectively present research as is pertinent to their chosen subfields and subject areas.

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 theatre or education 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 a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. curriculum vitae
  4. School of Music, Dance and Theatre Application, including a sample of scholarly writing and a statement of purpose
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

An interview is optional.

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

For the statement of purpose, applicants should cogently explain their research, educational philosophies and future career goals. After reading these statements, the doctoral faculty should understand not only their current passions, but also why the theatre for youth and community program at ASU would be an appropriate fit to meet their educational, philosophical and scholarly goals.

Three letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with the applicant's work should address specifically the applicant's potential for success in a doctoral program.

Applicants should thoroughly review application deadlines and requirements.

Application deadlines

Fall
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 receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Career opportunities

Careers this theatre for youth and community concentration at ASU prepares you for

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 post-secondary education systems
  • professional theater
  • youth theater

Examples of careers include:

  • activist
  • director
  • facilitator
  • organizer
  • practitioner
  • specialist
  • teacher
Number 2 in the U.S. for employability among public universities. ASU ahead of UCLA, University of Michigan and Purdue. Global Employability University Ranking and Survey, 4 years, 2023 to 2026.

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.

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