MA - Theatre Arts Education and Outreach

The Master of Arts in Theatre Arts Education and Outreach is for students who wish to complete initial graduate work in one of two tracks-K-12 Theatre Arts Education or Theatre Arts Education Outreach. The degree is designed to prepare students for terminal degree programs such as a Ph.D. in theatre education or Masters of Fine Arts programs as well as professional work in theatre education, outreach and theatre for youth. Both of these areas of concentration are research-oriented, and the courses that MA students take reflect that academic direction. Candidates study the history and literature of the discipline, are capable of understanding and carrying out independent scholarly research, and manifest an ability to communicate complex ideas in both written and oral contexts. The programs focus on theory and practice in educational settings and the contemporary needs and developments in theatre education and outreach. Students take thirty (30) credit hours in Theatre Arts or a related field, ten (10) of which focus on theatre education and /or outreach taught by theatre education and outreach faculty. The degree culminates in Master's degree exams, an MA thesis and an oral defense of that thesis.

Deficiencies and Transfer Credit

Students who elect to take an MA in Theatre Arts normally have completed an undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts. Those who have not done so, may need to take additional hours to make up for deficiencies in the area of theatre. Only six (6) transfer hours of graduate courses in Theatre Arts may be applied toward the degree, and there must be documented evidence of equivalency. Candidates in both areas of concentration must fulfill the requirements of the Graduate College. Candidates must also complete all requirements within a six-year period.

Concentrations

The School of Theatre Arts will not be accepting applicants into the Master of Arts K-12 Theatre Education Option for 2008-09

M.A. in K-12 Theatre Arts Education
The M.A. in K-12 Theatre Arts Education focuses on those students who are already certified to teach theatre in the schools and those who are interested in pursuing certification in theatre education in the public schools. The direction of the program is primarily academic with some practicum and production courses. It includes theoretical studies and research projects as well as specialized study of contemporary needs and developments in theatre education in the schools. For those students interested in obtaining certification for teaching in public schools, additional hours of coursework in education are required in addition to the Theatre Arts Education curriculum.

Required Coursework
Contact the School of Theatre Arts for the most current course work requirements. See also the academic catalog for courses and descriptions.

Candidates should note that if they wish Teacher Certification to be a part of their MA program, such a choice will result in taking additional coursework (about 30 extra hours) in order to complete that requirement. Further information about Teacher Certification is available form the School's Theatre Education Advisor and from the College of Education.

Applications for Theatre Education Outreach Option are due by February 15, 2008

MA in Theatre Education Outreach
The curriculum for the M.A. in Theatre Arts Education Outreach focuses on theory and practice in educational settings beyond schools. The M.A. is designed for those students who are interested in programs such as artist-in-residency programs; professional theatre education programs; professional theatres for youth; and other educational outreach programs. The direction of the program is primarily academic with opportunities for internships as well as practicum and production courses. It includes theoretical studies and research projects as well as specialized study of contemporary needs and developments in theatre education in community and professional theatre settings, after-school programs and artist-in-residence programs.

Required Coursework
Contact the School of Theatre Arts for the most current course work requiremnts. See also the academic catalog for courses and descriptions.

Production Opportunities for BA, MA and BFA Theatre Education Students

The School of Theatre Arts offers a variety of performance and production opportunities for students in the MA, BA and BFA Theatre Education programs:

• Three workshop productions per year.
• One-Act Play festival.
• A touring children's theatre production.
• Stories On Stage
• Other outreach productions.

Students are also encouraged to take advantage of performance/production opportunities elsewhere on campus and in the Tucson community.