PhD in Theatre Historiography and Performance Studies

Please note that the Department of Theatre Arts & Dance offers only a PhD in Theatre Historiography and Performances Studies. We do not admit students to a terminal master's degree; however, students in the PhD program may earn a master of arts degree on the way to their doctorate.

This program trains thinkers, teachers, performance makers, and activists from a variety of disciplines to pursue rigorous and original scholarship in performance and theatre studies. We seek students who are interested in deepening their engagement with theatre and performance as practices of social and political consequence. You will learn from our program faculty’s expertise in community-engaged, transnational, pedagogical, historiographic, ethnographic, and anti-racist methods, while we work with you to craft an individualized curriculum that will give you a robust foundation in theatre studies and another discipline of your choice, offering both disciplinary and interdisciplinary expertise 

We offer a wealth of opportunities to extend and ground your scholarship through teaching, artistic, and research collaborations, dramaturgical partnerships, traveling courses, and internships with theatres, non-profits, museums, and communities in the Twin Cities.

The program is designed to be completed in five years. The first three years are spent in coursework: two structured years and a third-year tailored to allow you to pursue your individual areas of interest in more depth. The final two years of study are devoted to the research and writing of the doctoral dissertation.

MA/PhD in Theatre from UMN College of Liberal Arts on Vimeo.