Graduate Programs

Now Accepting Applications to New PhD in Performance Studies

The University of Alberta sharpens its Department of Drama’s leading edge with the introduction of the only PhD program in English Canada to specialize in Performance Studies.

Now accepting applications until February 15, 2013, for intake in September 2013, this new senior degree program foregrounds research on a range of activities that places performance on a continuum of cultural discourse and cultural expression.

The new PhD is a small-intake, 4 year program, and requires 1 year of course-work, followed by practice-based research, field exams and a doctoral thesis. During the course of their program, students will also have opportunities in teaching and collaborative research.

Interested students are encouraged to view the new PhD Performance Studies page and contact Dr. Piet Defraeye defraeye@ualberta.ca .

Our Mandate for Graduate Students

The U of A Department of Drama is committed to the training and education of individuals who will provide vision for the future of Canadian theatre. We endeavour to foster in students a unique combination of practical and critical skills, with an adventurous, visionary attitude.

Students are stimulated to examine the nature of theatre itself--its form and content. Our goal is to challenge our students to think independently, to develop their innate qualities of resourcefulness, innovation and imagination.

We value leadership. Our graduate students assume key leadership roles on the creative teams which plan and realize the many productions presented in the department and are well prepared to take on leadership roles when they graduate.

Our Graduate Experience

Our department features live performance as the site of interaction and integration of all aspects of the discipline of theatre; all graduate students participate in this culture of research and creative activity. A lively interplay between programs enriches the student experience beyond the scope of any one program.

• Graduate students in all five areas interact with faculty directors, designers and dramaturges as well as visiting professionals and distinguished guests from all areas of theatre.
• MA students combine curricular and extracurricular practical work with their research, organize and participate in colloquia, and act as dramaturges on department productions.
• MFA directors regularly collaborate with MFA designers.
• MFA voice students regularly collaborate with their MA and MFA colleagues and interact with all undergraduate programs in the department.

For detailed information on resources for our graduate students, see Drama's Graduate Handbook. 

MA in Drama
MFA in Directing
MFA in Theatre Design
MFA in Theatre Practice
MFA in Theatre Voice Pedagogy
PhD in Performance Studies

Contacts: Ruth Vander Woude, Graduate Advisor
Email:ruth.vanderwoude@ualberta.ca
Phone: 780.492.2274

Robert Shannon, Graduate Program Coordinator
Email: rps@ualberta.ca
Phone: 780.492.8725

Tips for Finding YOUR Drama Graduate Program

Review the website: Check out the specific academic requirements and application procedures for your program of interest and email if you have questions.

Contact a professor whose research matches your interests: Starting a dialogue with a U of A Department of Drama faculty member is a great way to find out if our program is right for you. See the Faculty bios for more information.

Check the Graduate Seminar offerings for 2013/2014: This gives you examples of the interesting topics the Department of Drama covers with our graduate students. Keep in mind that seminar offerings are dynamic and different each year.