Theatre Arts

Overview

Key facts

Our core courses at San Diego State University provide surveys of theatre history, theatre theory, and dramatic literature. In addition, a wide range of electives are available in subjects including theatre for youth, creative drama, and interdisciplinary work in film and media studies; there are also some opportunities to take practice-based classes such as writing, directing, and acting. In general, our MA program provides: skills and concepts for teaching artists, professional development for San Diego-area teachers, personal enrichment for members of the community, and preparation for further graduate study for students interested in continuing on to an MFA or a PhD program.

The Theatre MA courses

There are no emphases in the Theatre Arts Program. Students take a range of courses, primarily academic. These academic courses broaden students’ appreciation for and understanding of a range of ideas about theatre from around the world, past and present. However, students are free to take other courses offered in the School of Theatre, Television, and Film and in other departments on campus. The MA in Theatre prepares students for further study in the field or a professional career in teaching. Students in the MA regularly work as dramaturgs on select department productions; training in the art and practice of dramaturgy is provided in an MA seminar. Although some of our MA students think of themselves as writers, directors, actors, or dramaturgs, there is no graduate level training for any of these areas except dramaturgy. Additionally, there are some teaching and teaching assistant opportunities, usually available to students in the second year.