Master's Degree in Applied Theatre (M.A.)

The Master's Degree in Applied Theatre (M.A.), the first program of its kind in the United States, is a sequential, ensemble-based program for students interested in the use of theatre to address social and educational issues in a wide range of settings. The program stresses the unity of theory and practice, and is linked to the professional applied theatre work of the renowned CUNY Creative Arts Team.

Applied theatre is a specialized field that uses theatre as a medium for education and social development. It involves the use of theatre and drama in a wide variety of non-traditional contexts and venues - in teaching, the justice system, healthcare, the political arena, community development, museums, social service agencies, and business and industry.

The goal of the program is to educate scholar-practitioners to become future leaders in the field of applied theatre. Students explore key theories in the fields of theatre, education, youth development, and community building, and acquire the skills and strategies necessary for creating and implementing the work.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Master's Degree in Applied Theatre are prepared for careers and work opportunities such as:

• Teaching artists with theatres, museums, hospitals, and other community-based organizations;
• Education directors for cultural organizations;
• Facilitators of a wide variety of youth programs including after school, youth theatres, and specialist centers (e.g. juvenile detention centers, homeless shelters);
• HIV/AIDS prevention program specialists;
• Team-building, conflict resolution, and management trainers; and
• Activities specialists with national and international development programs, aid agencies, and refugee support and trauma-relief programs.

Students wishing to obtain New York State Teacher Certification may take additional classes with the M.S.Ed.in Educational Theatre program at CUNY's City College of New York.

Admission Criteria

Applicants of the Master's Degree in Applied Theatre must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, to qualify for admission. A background in appropriate theatre studies will be an advantage but is not necessarily essential. Theatre experience, formal or informal, is expected.

Contact

Matthew Freeman
appliedtheatre@sps.cuny.edu
212.652.2820