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School of Theatre & Dance
M.F.A. in Theatre Arts
Performance & Pedagogy

Performance & Pedagogy Track

The M.F.A. degree with a track in Performance & Pedagogy is a terminal professional degree designed for those pursuing careers in both professional theatre and academia. This three-year, 60 credit hour program offers a breadth of specialized training and education that prepares students for creative practice (acting and directing), scholarship, and pedagogy. Completion of the degree requires either a written thesis or thesis project, developed in consultation with faculty advisors, and an oral defense.  
 
Graduate students receive financial support in the form of tuition waivers and competitive graduate assistantships and fellowships. Graduate students may also receive travel support to present their research at conferences. Most students leave the program with college-level teaching experience as graduate part-time instructors.

What Sets Us Apart

The Performance & Pedagogy program attracts students who are looking for a graduate education that allows them to balance their passion for theatremaking with their interest in scholarship and teaching. Unlike MFA programs or conservatories that focus on a single discipline (e.g., training in acting or directing), the Performance & Pedagogy program prepares our students for careers in academic theatre and the field through a wide range of learning experiences. For example, through thoughtful use of elective credits, students have found ways to include studies in specialized interests relevant to their research. A robust production season and abundant extracurricular and student-led activities provide multiple avenues to get involved.

Faculty who teach in the Performance & Pedagogy program are nationally and internationally recognized scholars and creative artists who maintain active practices. Students often work with faculty on meaningful opportunities, such as organizing an international conference, attending significant performance training experiences, or assisting with research and creative activity.

Accreditation

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) 

Program Highlights

  • Smaller cohort size ensures ability to develop one-on-one relationships with faculty
  • Opportunities for undergraduate-level teaching and participation in faculty research and creative activity are available
  • Signature programs (WildWind Performance Lab, the Marfa Intensive) connect students with working artists and the field
  • Financial support for graduate students may include tuition waivers, assistantships, and fellowships

Student/Faculty Highlights

Facilities & technology

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Theatre & Dance Complex

Part of Phase I renovation of the Charles E. Maedgen Jr. Theatre

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The CH Foundation/The Legacy of Christine DeVitt Black Box Theatre

Black Box Theatre Information

Admissions

Program Requirements

  1. Provide transcripts from all previous college-level study
  2. Provide all required supplemental items:
    1. 3 letters of recommendation, preferably from sources in theatre or dance
    2. CV/Resume
    3. Payment of required application fee
    4. Scholarly writing sample (minimum of 750 words), preferably on a theatre or dance topic
  3. Statement of Purpose
    1. Elaborate on your academic, artistic, and/or professional interests and goals specific to the program of study you wish to pursue
    2. Briefly describe the aspects of your background relevant to your interest. This could include your undergraduate studies, previous graduate study, and/or professional work.
  4. Sample of Artistic Work
    1. Please submit a link to your 1–2-minute video audition with two contrasting monologues. Upon review, applicant may be asked to attend a live callback and interview with faculty 

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Tuition Estimator

Curriculum

Required Courses

Courses (latest degree plan approved by A/D)

  1. Required MFA Courses, All Specializations – 6 hours 
    1. TH A 5323 Theatrical Collaboration
    2. TH A 5351 Theatre & Dance in the Community
  2. Required Courses in Theatre – 3 hours
    1. TH A 5300 Dramatic Analysis
  3. Required Courses in Performance and Pedagogy – 36 hours
    1. TH A 5311 Advanced Directing
    2. TH A 5324 The Teaching of Acting
    3. TH A 5325 Period Styles in Acting
    4. TH A 5326  Seminar in Directing Methods
    5. TH A 5329 Advanced Scene Study
    6. TH A 5334 Topics in Acting
    7. TH A 5343  Graduate Movement for the Actor
    8. TH A 5344 Pedagogy in Theatre Arts
    9. TH A 5345 Graduate Voice for the Actor
    10. TH A 5346 Graduate Speech for the Actor
    11. TH A 5350 Seminar in Research Methods
    12. TH A 5306  Theatre History Survey
      1. OR TH A 5309  Seminar in Theatre History
      2. OR TH A 5313  Dramatic Criticism
      3. OR TH A 5372  Dramaturgy
      4. OR TH A 5331 Seminar in Contemporary Theatre
  4. Electives - an additional 15 hours as approved by the student’s program advisor.  See Course Catalog for a list of offerings.
    1. TH A 7000 Monodrama Study or Pedagogy Study (3 units)
  5. Written Thesis ONLY (required) - 6 hours
    1. TH A 6000 Thesis Hours (must be used as elective credits)

Online Catalog Information

Alumni Success & Careers

Past Graduate Accomplishments

  1. Katie Hahn received a directing fellowship at the Asolo Repertory Theatre
  2. DayDay Robinson is a faculty member of Arkansas State University
  3. C. Alex Webster is a faculty member of Oklahoma Baptist University
  4. Lauren Carlton is a faculty member of University of Central Arkansas Conway
  5. April Langehennig is a faculty member of Howard College
  6. Brad Frenette is a faculty member of Denison University

Career Possibilities

Graduates of the MFA Theatre, Performance & Pedagogy track, contribute to the field through their own creative activity and research as freelance artists, scholars, and entrepreneurs; through working with institutions; and through teaching,  

Abbie Bugh

Questions?

Contact your Advisor

With questions concerning graduate admissions and portfolio reviews.

Abigail Wright
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
abigail.wright@ttu.edu
806.834.5573

Performance & Pedagogy Track Faculty

School of Theatre & Dance

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