Graduate Musical Theatre Pedagogy

Master of Arts in Theatre- Musical Theatre Pedagogy Track (distance learning) 

This track provides secondary and post-secondary (community/state college) teachers, as well as developing theatre scholars, the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of musical theatre pedagogy and theory beyond the undergraduate level, which usually focuses, primarily, on performance skills. MA Musical Theatre Pedagogy students typically pursue a variety of goals including: increasing specific theatrical skills, extending theatrical skills into new areas, preparing for entrance into doctoral Theatre programs, or in the case of educators, expanding their expertise and credentials. 

Students learn best practices in the theoretical nature of musical theatre, as well as in directing, choreography, survey of acting methodologies, vocal pedagogy, history/literature of the art form, and developing curricula. Because teachers on the secondary level often must deliver a myriad of training, this track within our M.A. in Theatre is intended to provide students with the tools necessary to manage those broad expectations. The curriculum is designed in such a way that students are capable of undertaking independent research, fostering intellectual connections between musical theatre and other disciplines, and developing an ability to communicate orally and in writing, culminating in a unique thesis project. 

This is a distance-learning program, with the bulk of the curriculum being taught over 2 years of summer terms (Summer B) in a synchronous online format (taught in US Eastern time zone).

Click here to learn more about the Graduate Theatre Pedagogy track.

What classes will I take?

Coursework for the M.A. Theatre/Musical Theatre Pedagogy track includes study and application of Voice Pedagogy, Musical Theatre Directing, Research Methods, Acting Methodologies, Musical Theatre Dance Composition/Choreography, Methods of Teaching Drama (Musical Theatre Curriculum), and Introduction to Theatrical Design and Production.

Are there graduate assistantships available?

There are no graduate assistantships associated with this program. All students are required to finance coursework requirements on their own.

Application Requirements

The program runs on a two-year cycle, with interviews for the program occurring every year. Interviews begin in September each year for a Summer B term start in the following Summer.  Minimum requirements for admission are a B.A. or BFA degree in Theatre or equivalent and an interview with the program coordinator. Each student interested in the program must apply to UCF through the College of Graduate Studies before being considered a serious candidate.

Students applying for entrance into the M.A. program should have successfully completed the following undergraduate courses or their equivalent:

• Script Analysis or Play Analysis
• Directing I

Any questions about these requirements should be directed to the program coordinator. Students must submit application materials to the UCF College of UCF’s Graduate Studies The University of Central Florida employs an online application process which can be accessed at graduate.ucf.edu. 

The required program interview should be set up with the program coordinator after the application materials have been submitted to the College of Graduate Studies. Contact associate professor Tara D. Snyder, program coordinator via e-mail at tara.snyder@ucf.edu to schedule the required interview.

Application deadline is April 1, 2024.

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Submit to the Office of Graduate Studies

• Online Application
• Application Fee
• Official or Unofficial Transcripts from each college/university attended
• Residency Classification Form
• Statement of Purpose
• Résumé
• Three (3) Current Letters of Recommendation
• Writing sample (5–10 pages, double-spaced) on a theatre-related subject, with bibliography

Once all Theatre Department application materials are received, an interview will be scheduled with the Coordinator.

There is no Graduate Record Examination required for this degree program.