Applied Drama & Theatre for the Young [MFA] Postgraduate Programme By Eastern Michigan University |TopUniversities

Programme overview

Degree

MFA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Applied Drama and Theatre for the Young (ADTY) allows students to expand and sharpen their craft as both an artist and educators. The ADTY program, one of only six programs of its kind in the US, focuses on the symbiotic relationship between theatre artistry, pedagogy, and research. Students in the program apply practice from many fields such as theatre for young audiences, creative drama, performance studies, applied theatre, arts integration, youth theatre, and community engagement. As a program, we believe drama and theatre can engage the imagination, challenge and inspire ideas, and support learning for youth and communities.

The Applied Drama and Theatre for the Young graduate program was founded at Eastern Michigan University in the early 1960s by Virginia Glasgow Koste. The program has a legacy of strong graduates who provide leadership and service, working in communities worldwide as non-profit teaching artists, education directors, managers, professors, K-12 Educators, artistic directors, playwrights, and directors.

Learn

The program prepares graduates for multiple career paths in education, professional theatre for young audiences, and community or non-profit organizations. Students take core courses, providing the foundation in Drama, Theatre for Young audiences, and Applied Theatre/Drama. Students have the flexibility to choose elective courses that align with their unique interests and customize a course of study that supports their individual goals. Possible electives include courses in theatre, education, special education, interpretation & performance studies, psychology, children’s literature, and more. MFA students are eligible to pursue EMU’s Arts Entrepreneurship [Graduate Certificate] concurrently. The program can be completed in three years (full-time) or up to 6 years (part-time) and is considered a terminal degree. 

Opportunities

Annual TYA productions, touring shows, and community engagement programs allow students to hone their craft and experiment with their art. Students can work with the Interpretative Performance studies program on Boal techniques and theatre/drama in prisons and participate in ENGAGE@EMU to provide service in the community while gaining opportunities to work with diverse populations.

Students may also be interested in the Theatre Arts - Applied Drama & Theatre for the Young [M.A.]. 

Programme overview

Degree

MFA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Applied Drama and Theatre for the Young (ADTY) allows students to expand and sharpen their craft as both an artist and educators. The ADTY program, one of only six programs of its kind in the US, focuses on the symbiotic relationship between theatre artistry, pedagogy, and research. Students in the program apply practice from many fields such as theatre for young audiences, creative drama, performance studies, applied theatre, arts integration, youth theatre, and community engagement. As a program, we believe drama and theatre can engage the imagination, challenge and inspire ideas, and support learning for youth and communities.

The Applied Drama and Theatre for the Young graduate program was founded at Eastern Michigan University in the early 1960s by Virginia Glasgow Koste. The program has a legacy of strong graduates who provide leadership and service, working in communities worldwide as non-profit teaching artists, education directors, managers, professors, K-12 Educators, artistic directors, playwrights, and directors.

Learn

The program prepares graduates for multiple career paths in education, professional theatre for young audiences, and community or non-profit organizations. Students take core courses, providing the foundation in Drama, Theatre for Young audiences, and Applied Theatre/Drama. Students have the flexibility to choose elective courses that align with their unique interests and customize a course of study that supports their individual goals. Possible electives include courses in theatre, education, special education, interpretation & performance studies, psychology, children’s literature, and more. MFA students are eligible to pursue EMU’s Arts Entrepreneurship [Graduate Certificate] concurrently. The program can be completed in three years (full-time) or up to 6 years (part-time) and is considered a terminal degree. 

Opportunities

Annual TYA productions, touring shows, and community engagement programs allow students to hone their craft and experiment with their art. Students can work with the Interpretative Performance studies program on Boal techniques and theatre/drama in prisons and participate in ENGAGE@EMU to provide service in the community while gaining opportunities to work with diverse populations.

Students may also be interested in the Theatre Arts - Applied Drama & Theatre for the Young [M.A.]. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements. Requirements may be more stringent than the minimum graduate school requirements.

  • Have a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Exceptions to this requirement can be made if at least 15 hours of graduate work have already been earned with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A Letter of Intent that answers the following question “What prior academic, personal  and professional experiences have led to your interest in pursuing an MFA in Applied Drama and Theatre for the Young?”
  • Interview with at least one program faculty member
  • Possess an appropriate foundation in undergraduate studies with relevant extra-academic experiences taken into account for the specific graduate focus chosen
  • Send samples of previous work (optional)

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

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