Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.
Program overview
The MFA in Drama lives within the dynamic School of Creative and Performing Arts. Students explore research questions and creative development with artistic and social impact, working across drama and other disciplines within and beyond the performing arts. They receive expert instruction and supervision from some of Canada’s most recognized scholars and artists. Students enjoy high levels of agency within a carefully structured framework as they determine their individual program designs and thesis subjects. The program combines discipline-specific preparation with rich opportunities for interdisciplinary instruction and experience. Graduate students often engage with community through partnerships or with creation processes through our performance season and festival of student work, which supports a wide range of audience relationships. Facilities include graduate student offices, design and costume shops, three thoroughly equipped and staffed theatre spaces (ranging from 150 through 500 seats), and rehearsal spaces.
Completing this program
- Core Courses: Methods in Theatre Research and Interdisciplinary Processes.
- Additional Courses: Students select two courses in Drama (e.g., Dramaturgy, Directing, Design, Modern Drama, Playwriting, Directed Study) and two courses in one or two other disciplines of relevance for their thesis topic.
- Thesis (Interdisciplinary Creation and Research): Consists of a creative process, its documentation, and written reflection upon the process.
Specializations
- Design/Technical*
- Directing*
- Interdisciplinary Creation and Research
- Playwriting*
- Theatre Studies*
Specializations listed with an * are currently suspended and not accepting applications
Outcomes
Creator of Theatre and Interdisciplinary Arts (as Director, Playwright, Devisor, Dramaturg, Designer, and more), Performer, Artistic Director, Curator, Community Program Designer, Event Designer, Public Servant, Scholar, Instructor.
An MFA degree in Drama qualifies you to apply for university positions with a focus on practice and it will give you the pre-requisite for a scholarly PhD.
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Accepting InquiriesPerformance / Acting, Puppetry, Mask, Performance-Creation / Devising, Directing -
Accepting Inquiries -
Accepting InquiriesDirecting, Classical & Contemporary Performance, Pedagogy and Rehearsal Culture -
UnavailableTheatre Studies; Dramatic Literature; Theatre History; Interdisciplinary Modernist Studies; Women Playwrights; Feminist and Queer Theatre/Drama/Performance Studies -
Accepting InquiriesPerformance, Technology, Drama & Story, Area Studies (English and Drama), Research Methods & Media, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning / Collaboration, Creativity -
Accepting InquiriesPerforming Arts Psychology, Dramaturgy, Performance Generating Systems and Improvisation, Interdisciplinary Research Methodology, Performing Arts Management -
Accepting InquiriesGender - Affirming Voice work, Acting Theory in a contemporary context
Admission Requirements
GPA
A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
Baccalaureate degree with a major emphasis in the study of drama, with study in the proposed area of specialization.
Work samples
Applicants to the Interdisciplinary Creation and Research specialization must submit a portfolio of original work and a writing sample.
Documents
- A written application, including a biographical outline of studies and experiences in theatre; a statement of intent outlining proposed project
Reference letters
Two
Test scores
None
English language proficiency (ELP)
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT including TOEFL iBT Home Edition) minimum score of 86 (Internet-based, with no section less than 20).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (with no section less than 6.0).
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 180.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59 or higher
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) overall score of 70 (no section less than 60).
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) minimum of B+ in each course.
- Duolingo English Test obtaining a minimum score of 125 (with no sub-score below 105).
*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements.
Deadlines
For admission on September 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: Jan. 15 application deadline
- International students: Jan. 15 application deadline
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
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