Overview

The Theatre Arts programme at the University of Louisville provides a comprehensive foundation in performance, design, and technology. Students engage in a rigorous academic environment that blends creative storytelling with the practical demands of professional theatre production.

This department empowers students to learn by doing, as live performance requires deep knowledge and a professional work ethic. The curriculum is designed to foster creative problem-solving abilities that translate into success across various industries and career paths.

Classes are kept small, with no more than 25 students, ensuring an intimate learning environment. This structure allows for personalised mentorship from faculty and encourages meaningful collaboration among peers during main stage productions and student-led projects.

Why Theatre Arts at the University of Louisville?

The university is home to the unique African American Theatre Program, which is the first and only accredited graduate programme of its kind in the nation. This distinction allows students to explore rich cultural heritage while contributing to cutting-edge, culture-shaping performances.

Facilities include the Thrust Theatre, where students gain hands-on experience in professional-grade environments. The department maintains strong links to the industry, with alumni working on major productions such as Guardians of the Galaxy and touring with world-renowned artists.

The programme focuses on developing the creative confidence and effective communication skills required for leadership. By participating in the Studio Theater Company, students build a professional portfolio and a network that launches successful careers in entertainment and education.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 31108 per year
National fee: USD 31108 per year
Local fee: USD 15304 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Theatre Arts
African American Theatre
Performance
Design and Technology
Creative Research
Black Performance Studies

Careers with Theatre Arts

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles such as producers and directors, with the industry seeing steady employment growth. The training provided develops skills in demand within film and television production, corporate communications, and arts administration.

Beyond the stage, alumni find success in technology sectors, specifically in UX and interaction design, as well as in healthcare communication and education. The ability to communicate under pressure and inhabit different perspectives gives graduates a distinct professional edge.

The programme's focus on cultural authenticity and depth positions graduates well for the modern production landscape. Many former students have secured roles in major cinematic universes, international music tours, and leadership positions within various creative organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses Included:

Graduate Acting

Graduate Movement

Graduate Voice

Playscript Interpretatio

Performance Theory

Approaching African-American Theatre

Theatre Pedagogy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Louisville, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Drama View 432 other Masters in Visual Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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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

Students must submit an online graduate application

Evidence of a Bachelor’s Degree and 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA).

Audition at the University of Louisville, at a regional or national conference site, or through a video submission

Transcripts of all undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate work

General Test score on the Graduate Record Examination prior to the start of the first semester in the program

Two letters of recommendation

Personal Statement (500-800 words, double-spaced)

Application Fee

English Proficiency

Financial 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

31108 USD / year

≈ 31108 USD / year
Out-of-State

31108 USD / year

≈ 31108 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

15304 USD / year

≈ 15304 USD / year

Living costs

Louisville

United States

897 - 1421 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 Arts.

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

Louisville

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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