Overview

The Theatre programme at Purdue University provides a rigorous professional training environment for students seeking to master the complexities of performance, design, and technical production. This Master of Fine Arts curriculum balances theoretical script analysis with extensive practical application in a collaborative, high-stakes setting.

Students engage in a curriculum that emphasises individualised plans of study and one-on-one mentorship from professionally active faculty. The department fosters a culture of equity and diversity, ensuring that all production-related activities and academic coursework meet the highest industry standards. Through this approach, participants develop the aesthetic and technical skills necessary to excel in competitive creative environments.

Why Theatre at Purdue University?

Purdue University offers an exceptional environment for graduate study, featuring two innovatively designed theatres and a variety of specialised labs and studios. The institution is situated within easy reach of vibrant professional theatre scenes in Chicago and Indianapolis, facilitating valuable industry connections and professional development opportunities.

The teaching staff consists of active artists, technicians, and scholars who bring real-world expertise into the classroom. This ensures that the training remains relevant to current best practices in the entertainment sector. Furthermore, the programme provides unique opportunities for students to engage in teaching and production leadership, building a robust portfolio of work before graduation.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 29194 per year
National fee: USD 28794 per year
Local fee: USD 9992 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Acting
Audio Technology
Costume Design
Lighting Design
Scenic Design
Sound Design
Technical Direction
Voice
Movement
Script Analysis
Theory and Criticism
Directing
Crafts

Careers with Theatre

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse roles within the professional and educational theatre sectors. The comprehensive training supports career paths in the broader entertainment industry, including film, television, and live events. Many alumni secure positions as professional actors, designers, and technical directors.

The focus on both creative artistry and technical proficiency ensures that students are highly employable across various production environments. By combining practical experience with academic rigour, the university equips graduates to take on leadership roles in regional theatres, national touring companies, and academic institutions worldwide.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Vocal Production for the Stage

Acting Technique

Vocal Physical Preparation

Advanced Problems in Acting

Creating a Character

Script Interpretation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

West Lafayette, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Liberal Arts Drama View 257 other Masters in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

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

Transcripts

Recommendation Letters

Statement of Purpose

Audition/Portfolio (usually through U/RTA)

Resume

Diversity Statement

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

29194 USD / year

≈ 29194 USD / year
Out-of-State

28794 USD / year

≈ 28794 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9992 USD / year

≈ 9992 USD / year

Living costs

West Lafayette

United States

1096 - 1774 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 Theatre.

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

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

Living costs

West Lafayette

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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