Program Overview

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Theatre, Dance, & Performance Studies

The MA and PhD programs in Theatre, Dance, & Performance Studies emphasize a collective interest in theatre, dance, performance, and cultural politics. The curriculum explores performance on stage, in studios, and in everyday life, highlighting the cultural, political, material, and ideological dimensions of performance practices—both past and present. This interdisciplinary study encompasses performances across various cultural contexts, including theatres, dance studios, galleries, rituals, media, and political arenas, thereby framing critical responses to public events and fostering politically and ethically engaged forms of public life.

Areas of Program Specialization

• Canadian Theatre, Dance and Cultural Politics
• Postcolonialism and Globalization
• Cultural Policy and Theatrical Economies
• Gender and Sexuality
• Embodiment and Cultural Memory
• Environment and Cultural Geography
• Performance and Popular Culture
• Critical Pedagogy and Community Engagement
• Intermediality and Technology

Students are encouraged to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of theatre, dance, and performance by collaborating with supervisory faculty from diverse backgrounds in disciplines such as Theatre Studies, Performance Studies, Anthropology, Business, Cinema and Media Studies, Dance Studies, English, Environmental Studies, Humanities, Gender, Feminist and Women's Studies, Nursing, Sociology, and Visual Arts. Opportunities for engaging in performance practice are abundant through coursework, workshops, and departmental activities.

Degrees Offered

MA

Program Component(s)

• Major research paper
• OR Thesis
• OR Course work only (includes colloquium and internship)

Minimum Required GPA

• B+

Fall Entry

• Full-time

English Proficiency Requirement

• Minimum TOEFL (Internet-based): 100 (for tests taken prior to January 2026) or 5 (January 2026 and after)
• IELTS (Academic Module): 7.5
• YUELI: Essential English Level 6 with distinction
• YUELI Graduate Studies Preparation Program (GSPP): Graduate with distinction
• CAEL: Overall score of 70, no component score less than 60
• Minimum CPE Score: C
• Minimum CAE Score: B
• Duolingo: 140
• PTE Academic: 76

PhD

Program Component(s)

• Comprehensive examination (oral and written)
• AND Dissertation

Minimum Required GPA

• B+

Fall Entry

• Full-time

English Proficiency Requirement

• Minimum TOEFL (Internet-based): 100 (for tests taken prior to January 2026) or 5 (January 2026 and after)
• IELTS (Academic Module): 7.5
• YUELI: Essential English Level 6 with distinction
• YUELI Graduate Studies Preparation Program (GSPP): Graduate with distinction
• CAEL: Overall score of 70, no component score less than 60
• Minimum CPE Score: C
• Minimum CAE Score: B
• Duolingo: 140
• PTE Academic: 76

Additional Admission Requirements

Number of Recommendation(s)

• 2 recommendation(s)

Other Requirements

• Resumé or CV
• Statement of interest
• A writing sample (max. 6,250 words)