Program Overview

Program Overview

The Theatre Department at Binghamton University offers a Master of Arts degree program designed to provide students with advanced fundamentals of theatrical theories and practice. The program accommodates individual interests and strengths, balancing academic and production experiences. This balance constitutes a period of study and practice en route to professional work, teaching, or further advanced degrees.

Degrees Offered

• MA in Theatre

Concentrations

Concentrations are not required but are highly recommended as they provide coherence to coursework and aid in the timely completion of a master's thesis. Common concentrations include:

• Directing
• Theory and Criticism
• Acting
• Design (including scenic, lighting, costume, and sound design, and technical direction) Other areas of study can be developed based on student interest and faculty support, such as dance performance, choreography, playwriting, and stage management. However, the Theatre Department does not support graduate-level concentrations in filmmaking/cinema or musical theatre.

Directing Concentration

Graduate students pursuing a directing concentration engage in rigorous coursework and independent study projects. Students without substantial acting experience may be required to take acting technique courses. The directing concentration typically involves three levels of production: In-the-Works, Studio Showcase, and Thesis. Design assistance is provided for Studio Showcase and Thesis productions when available.

Theory and Criticism Concentration

This concentration is led by an internationally recognized faculty and focuses on the historical, literary, and theoretical aspects of theater. Students craft an individualized course of study drawing from Theatre Department courses (in dramatic literature, dramaturgy, theater history, and critical theory) and other graduate departments at Binghamton. Independent-study opportunities help students develop their scholarly profile, often in preparation for further advanced study.

Acting Concentration

Graduate students interested in acting pursue coursework and are encouraged to audition for the Mainstage season, which typically features four faculty-directed productions, including one musical. Auditions for Mainstage and most studio productions are held during the first week of classes each semester. Students may submit an audition as supplementary material, either recorded or performed in person.

Technical Production and Design Concentration

This specialization includes scene, lighting, costume, and sound design, technical direction, and relevant support areas. Students can tailor the program to their interests, whether in general technical theater or a specific design concentration. First-year students with moderate technical experience can work in the department's scenic or costume shops and may assist in designing a department production. Second-year students can work as teaching assistants or, depending on experience, design a department production.

After Graduation

Successful completion of the MA program helps students gain the competence and confidence required by professional theater companies. The program also provides a strong foundation for those planning to pursue further graduate work, such as PhD programs. Binghamton's Career Development Center offers resources to help graduates prepare resumes, improve interviewing skills, and network effectively.

Admission Requirements

Graduate Admission requirements are outlined separately and can be found through the Graduate Admissions office.

Funding and Scholarships

There are various funding and scholarship opportunities available at Binghamton. Prospective students are encouraged to review program-specific scholarships and awards. Note that Master's students are generally self-funded, although occasional funding opportunities may arise.