Theater and Performance Studies

Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of California offers a comprehensive and dynamic program designed to explore the diverse aspects of theatre arts and performance practices. This program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical training, providing students with a deep understanding of theatrical history, theory, criticism, and production. Students will engage with a wide range of performance forms, including traditional plays, contemporary performance art, and experimental theatre, preparing them for careers in theatre, performance, arts administration, education, and related fields. The curriculum encourages interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to collaborate across departments such as literature, dance, music, and film, fostering a holistic understanding of performance in cultural contexts.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities to participate in immersive hands-on experiences, including production work, directing, acting, stage design, and dramaturgy. The faculty comprises experienced scholars and performers who mentor students in developing their unique artistic voices and critical perspectives. The department emphasizes the importance of understanding performance within social, political, and cultural frameworks, encouraging students to critically analyze the role of theatre and performance in society. Off-campus internships, workshops, and collaborations with local theater companies enhance the educational experience and facilitate industry networking.

Graduates of the Theatre and Performance Studies program are equipped with a versatile skill set, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication. They are prepared to pursue advanced studies, careers in performance production, arts management, education, research, or creative writing. The program’s flexible structure allows students to tailor their academic journey to align with their artistic and professional aspirations, supported by a vibrant campus arts community. Whether aiming to become a professional performer, scholar, director, or arts advocate, students will gain the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to thrive in the dynamic world of theatre and performance arts.

Advising

Upon entering the program, each student is assigned a member of the Ph.D. faculty who will serve as his or her advisor. Students regularly confer with their advisors as needed to discuss curriculum choices, program changes and other concerns.

Assessment of student academic progress in the program is made by the Ph.D. faculty during the final examination week of each quarter. Advisers then notify students of problems, when warranted, in writing and assist in planning solutions.

Major Fields or Subdisciplines

The Ph.D. student in theater and performance studies is expected to be knowledgeable regarding theater history and theory, critical methods, theatrical production and dramatic literature.

Foreign Language Requirement

Mastery of one foreign language approved by the Ph.D. committee is required and must be demonstrated by one of the following methods: (1) completion of a level 5 course or the equivalent (five quarters or three semesters) with a minimum grade of C, in any foreign language, (2) passing a UCLA language examination given by a faculty member in any foreign language department, or (3) passing a departmental language examination given by a member of the department's Graduate Foreign Language Committee. The foreign language requirement may be completed after admission to the Ph.D. program; however, students are encouraged to complete their language requirement prior to admission. Language courses taken toward fulfillment of the language requirement are not counted toward the degree.

Course Requirements
During the first six quarters (two academic years), students must complete a minimum of 12 graduate courses (200- or 500- level) and Theater 220. Theater 216A, 216B, 216C are required. The remaining nine courses are elective graduate courses, seminars, or tutorials. Students are regularly enrolled in one seminar within the department and one beyond the department and no more than two electives may be tutorials. These electives must augment the required courses so as to constitute a definable area of study associated with the dissertation topic. The dissertation is a historical, critical, analytical, or experimental study of a theater or performance studies topic.

First-Year Examination

A screening examination is administered during the winter quarter based on the coursework the student will already have completed.

Results of this examination may require the completion of background courses or result in inability to continue with the program. The exam may be retaken once.

Teaching Experience

Most students will acquire teaching experience over the course of their studies.

Written and Oral Qualifying Examinations and Advancement to Candidacy
After completion of language and course requirements, students are required to pass a written qualifying examination scheduled for three days followed by one oral examination. Students first constitute an examination committee, which may also serve as the doctoral committee, including the potential dissertation adviser. Students submit a short description of the dissertation project to the Ph.D. faculty for review. Subsequent to this submission, the student, in consultation with the faculty and the potential adviser, constitutes the examination committee, consisting of a minimum of four professors. Typically, the majority of the committee members will be from the student's home department, and one member with complementary research interests will come from beyond the department.

The written examinations concentrate on three subject areas that will inform the dissertation and constitute the main foci of the student's specialization. These areas may be chosen from: a field of critical theory; a historical period; the performance of a genre, or of social or cultural traditions of a given geographical region. The student, together with the examination committee, prepares a bibliography in each of the three fields, covering the leading concepts, methodologies and examples seminal to the field. Along with the bibliographies, the student also composes a dissertation prospectus of approximately 25-30 pages. The prospectus argues for the topic of the dissertation and for the pertinence of the three fields to the area of the dissertation, and concludes in a brief description of the proposed chapters. Both the prospectus and the bibliographies must be approved by the examination committee at least one quarter prior to scheduling the examinations. The examination questions are derived from these materials.

The written examination is a take-home exam consisting of three questions, one pertaining to each list. The writing period will consist of three days. The page limit of the three essays combined should not exceed 30 pages. The completed examination will be distributed to the committee. Students who pass the written examinations submit a departmentally approved nomination of doctoral committee to the Graduate Division for approval. Upon approval, the University Oral Qualifying Examination is scheduled.

This examination focuses on both the written examination and the materials in the prospectus. If the student fails the doctoral examinations, there is one opportunity to retake them.

Students are advanced to candidacy and awarded the Candidate in Philosophy (C.Phil.) degree upon successful completion of the written and oral qualifying examinations.

Doctoral Dissertation

Every doctoral degree program requires the completion of an approved dissertation that demonstrates the student's ability to perform original, independent research and constitutes a distinct contribution to knowledge in her or his principal field of study.

Final Oral Examination (Defense of Dissertation)

Not required for all students in the program. The decision as to whether a defense is required is made by the doctoral committee.

Time-to-Degree 

• The maximum time for completion of degree requirements is 18 quarters, with the following timelines:
• From graduate admission to the written and oral qualifying examination: six to nine quarters.
• From graduate admission to the approval of the dissertation prospectus: six to nine quarters.
• From approval of the dissertation prospectus to the oral qualifying examination: one quarter.
• From graduate admission to the award of the degree: 18 quarters.

Requirements

• Upload UNOFFICIAL copies of all TRANSCRIPTS to the UCLA Graduate Division Online Application.
• Submit Three LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION.
• Upload and Mail the STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. Compose a 1-3 page document giving the faculty a sense of who you are. Please address the following: Why are you interested in the program? What life experiences have contributed to you applying to TFT? What do you hope to achieve by participating in the program? What are your professional goals and how do you plan to achieve them?
• Upload and Mail a RESUME of training and experience in Theater or other related work.
• Upload and Mail a copy of the MASTER’S THESIS or a SCHOLARLY RESEARCH PAPER of at least 20 pages which demonstrates your thought process and skills in research and analysis of theater history, literature, or live performance, to the Department of Theater section, under “Supporting Documents” on the UCLA Graduate Division Online Application.
• An interview may also be required.
• U.S. immigration law requires that international applicants, if admitted, show documented evidence that sufficient funds to cover all tuition, fees, transportation, and living expenses are available for the first year of their studies at UCLA. This must be proved before a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS2019) for a visa can be issued.
•  Any international applicant whose first language is not English must certify proficiency in English when applying to UCLA, and, if admitted, upon arrival. Such applicants must submit scores received on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as part of their application. The UCLA Code is 4837 and the Theater Code is 2403. 

• Mail an OFFICIAL copy of TRANSCRIPTS from all undergraduate institutions attended.
  • NOTE: Community College transcripts are not necessary, as the coursework will be reflected on the undergraduate transcript.
  • Please have transcripts sent to the address below or include them in sealed envelopes with the supplemental application packet.
• Request that all TEST SCORES be sent directly to UCLA.
  • The UCLA Code is 4837 and the Theater Code is 2403.
  • Only test scores taken by the end of December, 2015 will be accepted.
  • NOTE: THE GRE IS REQUIRED FOR PhD APPLICANTS.

The Theater and Performance Studies program at the University of California offers a variety of financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Financial aid is available through federal and state grants, scholarships, and work-study programs designed to make higher education accessible and affordable. Undergraduate students can apply for need-based financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which evaluates their financial circumstances to determine eligibility for federal grants such as the Pell Grant, and subsidized loan programs. Additionally, many students qualify for state-specific grants and scholarships, which are awarded based on academic achievement, talent, or financial need.

The university also provides numerous merit-based scholarships specifically for students pursuing degrees in the arts and humanities, including those in Theater and Performance Studies. These awards are competitive and often consider auditions, artistic portfolios, or academic excellence. Furthermore, the university encourages students to seek external funding sources, including private scholarships offered by foundations, arts organizations, and community groups dedicated to supporting performing arts students. Students are advised to explore various scholarship databases and resources available through the university’s financial aid office.

Work-study opportunities are another avenue for financing, allowing students to work part-time on campus or in community roles related to their field of study, thereby gaining practical experience and earning income simultaneously. Furthermore, the university offers payment plans to help students manage tuition payments in installments, easing financial burdens over the academic year. For postgraduate students, assistantship positions, internships, and fellowships may be available, providing stipends and tuition remission to qualified candidates.

International students seeking funding should explore scholarships tailored to their status, including international student scholarships and private funding sources. The university’s financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance and resources to assist students in identifying suitable funding opportunities and navigating the application process. Ultimately, the university’s goal is to ensure that students in Theater and Performance Studies can pursue their educational and creative ambitions without undue financial stress, supported by a robust network of financial assistance tailored to diverse needs.

Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of California offers a comprehensive exploration of theatrical arts, performance practices, and their cultural and social contexts. The program is designed to equip students with a broad understanding of the history, theory, and practice of theater, enabling them to analyze performances critically and create original works. The curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with practical training, providing students opportunities to participate in production activities, internships, and research projects. Students can explore diverse areas such as dramatic literature, performance analysis, theatrical design, directing, acting, and new media performance, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to the study of live arts.

The program typically emphasizes both traditional and contemporary performance forms, encouraging students to investigate how performance shapes social identities and addresses political issues. Faculty members are often leaders in their fields, offering mentorship and guidance that integrates scholarly inquiry with practical application. Students may have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, and technical laboratories, to develop their skills beyond the classroom. The program also promotes engagement with the arts community through collaborations with local theaters and cultural organizations.

Graduates of the Theatre and Performance Studies program are prepared for careers in theater production, arts administration, education, and related fields. Many alumni pursue advanced degrees, become professional actors, directors, playwrights, or researchers, contributing significantly to the arts and humanities sectors. The university's location within California provides unique opportunities to participate in a vibrant cultural scene, attend performances, and build networks within the entertainment industry. Overall, the program aims to cultivate creative, analytical, and intercultural competencies essential for understanding and shaping the future of performance arts.