Overview

Students pursue a rigorous core curriculum as well as practical experience alongside a dedicated faculty of committed teachers who have active careers in the professional theater. Our classes are small, allowing for personal mentorship and the opportunity to customize.

The Theater program of the University of Massachusetts Amherst includes professional training programs with specializations in Costume Design, Directing, Dramaturgy, Lighting Design, or Scenic Design and Technology. Graduates of our program receive the Master of Fine Arts degree and are prepared to work in resident professional theaters, in colleges and universities, and in many other areas of performance.

All MFA students, in all programs of study, are assessed on the basis of these 10 benchmarks, in addition to the ones specific to each MFA program:

Ability to clearly and effectively communicate ideas and concepts with your team, orally and visually

Ability to read, analyze, and contextualize a wide variety of dramatic texts and performance styles

Ability to listen well to others, and to remain flexible, open, and in dialogue throughout a collaborative process

Ability to manage time effectively and get your tasks done on time

A strong grasp of the research process, and the ability to transform research into viable ideas and visions

Knowledge of all steps of the theatrical creation process, from early conversations through the realization of the work in all its performance, design and technical aspects through to the stage when the audience takes part

Ability to show leadership and vision in your discipline, and to be proactive and entrepreneurial in creating opportunity for yourself and others

Willingness to take risks, to try new things, to “fail”

Ability to be creative, controlled, and professional, even in stressful situations

Ability to remain joyful, playful, and resourceful in collaborative situations: a positive sought-after presence

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Group Studio

Textual Analysis

World Rep

Directing Studio

Scenic, Lighting, or Costume Studio

Performance Theory

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Amherst Center, United States

Disciplines

Design Film Studies Drama View 455 other Masters in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

An applicant’s undergraduate degree need not be in Theater, but previous training and experience should be comparable to that required for the Bachelor of Arts in Theater at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Applicants with incomplete backgrounds in theater who show exceptional artistic promise may be admitted provisionally

The main Graduate School application, including Personal Statement.

Transcripts of all previous academic work

Resume of relevant professional experience

At least two letters of recommendation (you may submit three)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37269 USD / year

≈ 37269 USD / year
Out-of-State

37269 USD / year

≈ 37269 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

17969 USD / year

≈ 17969 USD / year

Additional Details

Regional: $32,772

Living costs

Amherst Center

United States

1228 - 2543 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Theater.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

All MFA students, in all programs of study, are assessed on the basis of these 10 benchmarks, in addition to the ones specific to each MFA program:

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Amherst Center

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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