Overview

The graduating student of the Applied Theatre Arts MA program offered at the University of Southern California is trained to become a cultural field worker in the practice of theatre arts applied to the areas of educational, therapeutic and socio-political community-based transformation.

The range of proficiency typically required of a graduating M.A. student in Applied Theatre Arts includes:

Developing a basic knowledge in the fundamental artistic skills of theatre practice of acting, directing and playwriting as applied in a community-based setting.
Developing a critical cultural literacy that places the work of Applied Theatre Arts in the context of its community partnerships, particularly relative to issues of oppression based on class, race, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economics, and religious, ethnic or national identity.
Developing practical skills for the cultural fieldworker through experiential practice with community internship partners, with a particular attention to Theatre and Therapy, Theatre in Education and Theatre for Social Change.
Exhibiting the capacity to apply critical theory, particularly post-colonial theory, to community-based theatre practice through Participatory Action Research.
Exhibiting a proficiency in the philosophy, methodology and practice of Theatre of the Oppressed.
Showing agency with the management of all aspects of community-based theatre work, from initial community meetings to the rehearsal and implementation of community-based theatre projects.
Increasing awareness of the global field of Applied Theatre through participation in a foreign externship.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Engaging Community Narratives
Embodied Poetics
Theatre and Therapy for Cultural Fieldwork
TO Theory, Games and Practice
Arts and Community Engagement – Theory
Staging Community-based Theatre
Popular Theatre for Education and Development
Writing Culture
Liberation Arts and Community Engagement – Praxis
Participatory Action Research for Community-Based Theatre

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

28 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Los Angeles, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing Liberal Arts Drama View 416 other Masters in Liberal Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

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

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Your resume should include any and all performance activities.
Video or photos of a theatrical performance you have been in, directed or designed.
Three (3) letters of recommendation
Non-refundable fee of $20
Submit Transcripts
Submit GRE score

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

73260 USD / year

≈ 73260 USD / year
Out-of-State

73260 USD / year

≈ 73260 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

73260 USD / year

≈ 73260 USD / year

Living costs

Los Angeles

United States

1520 - 2570 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 Applied Theatre Arts.

Available Scholarships

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On this page

About

Overview

The range of proficiency typically required of a graduating M.A. student in Applied Theatre Arts includes:

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

Los Angeles

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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