MA Theatre – Theatre Studies

The Big Picture

The Master of Arts (MA) in Theatre/Theatre Studies Concentration program is designed for students who want to build on their undergraduate theatre studies, explore their passion for theatre for the first time, or prepare for subsequent doctoral studies.

Our proximity to Manhattan allows us to attract an outstanding full-time faculty and prominent guest artists who work closely with students each semester. With Manhattan just 30 minutes away, you will be able to link your studies to the New York stage as an audience member or even as an intern. Montclair State is also home to the renowned Kasser Theatre’s Peak Performances, where graduate students have the opportunity to connect with the work of internationally renowned artists and companies in the Peak Performance series such as Robert Wilson and The Abbey Theatre.

What You Will Study

Our 30-credit program centers on core classes in theatre history, theory and dramatic literature with an emphasis on global and interdisciplinary perspectives.  An expansive range of elective offerings provides training in applied theater in areas including dramaturgy, acting, production and directing.

The flexible curriculum links theater theory and history to stage practice and allows students to pursue particular areas of interest within the broader discipline of theatre studies. A close relationship with the undergraduate Theatre Studies program allows graduate students to participate at an advanced level in a number of BA program initiatives such as reading series and theater for community impact projects.

Small classes, independent study options, and courses grounded in current theoretical perspectives promote student research and practice. Whether you enroll as a full- or part-time student, you will enjoy the convenience of night and hybrid/online classes, access to opportunities at the Kasser Theater and in the New York/New Jersey area, and the opportunity to complete your degree in a timely manner.

MA Theatre Studies Curriculum

See The Graduate School for academic support services available to all master’s degree candidates.

Careers in Theatre Studies

• Professional Development – Resources and Links
• Career Services

Our Faculty

More than 75 permanent faculty members and visiting professionals – including internationally renowned celebrity guest artists and artists-in-residence, prominent scholars, and world-class performers, directors, designers, technicians and producers – mentor our Theatre and Dance students each semester. These working professionals share insights gleaned from their professional experiences with students in workshops and master classes. Faculty mentoring can often lead to opportunities beyond the classroom.

• Theatre and Dance Department Graduate Studies Faculty
• Guest Artists

Theatre Facilities

Montclair State boasts exceptional performance facilities with impressive technical specifications, including the state-of-the-art Alexander Kasser Theater; the 946-seat Memorial Auditorium; our 2000-seat amphitheater, and the intimate L. Howard Fox Theatre.

Cultural Programming

In addition to having easy access to the diverse productions staged in nearby Manhattan, you will be able to attend more than 500 professional events on campus each year, including those presented by the Theatre and Dance Department as well as by Montclair’s Peak Performances program of theatre, dance and music productions.

Accreditation

Montclair’s MA in Theatre programs meet the rigorous standards of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) https://nast.arts-accredit.org – a distinction that places us among the nation’s most competitive programs.

Apply Now

To apply to the MA Theatre/Theatre Studies Program, or to any Department of Theatre and Dance program, please visit Department Admissions.

For additional information about our programs, please visit us to tour the facilities and/or plan to attend one of our Open Houses.