School of Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies
Theatre Education and Applied TheatreMA
Programs available in the fall and spring. Review deadlines.
Grow and develop your craft as a theatre educator and community-based practitioner . Whether working with youth in and out of schools or adults in an array of community settings, Emerson College’s Theatre Education and Applied Theatre MA program prepares you to use theatre to transform lives and communities.
At a Glance
- Expand your knowledge of how theatre can be a catalyst for learning, wellness, justice, and community good.
- Customizable coursework offered in Theatre Education and Applied Theatre tracks.
- Learn from Department of Performing Arts faculty who are experts in using theatre with youth in and beyond schools and adults in an array of community settings.
- Explore careers in youth and community programming, education, community engagement, nonprofits, and more.
- 36-credit Masters of Arts program.
Using the Stage for Common Good
Emerson’s Theatre Education and Applied Theatre MA explores the role of performance in learning, community dialogue and social impact. . Through a flexible 36-credit curriculum, you’ll study the theories and practices of the field while choosing a focus in Theatre Education, Applied Theatre, or a combination of both. Coursework examines how performance supports learning; fosters dialogue; builds community; and facilitates meaningful experiences in schools, arts organizations, and community settings.
As you progress through the program, you’ll refine your approach as an artist, educator, and facilitator while tailoring electives to your professional goals. You can study youth theatre, community engagement, arts-based education, or applied performance practices, and develop the skills to lead creative experiences for any age. By graduation, you’ll leave with practical experience; a deeper understanding of the power of performance in community settings; and a network of peers, faculty, and partners working at the intersection of performance, education, and justice.
Bring the Theatre to the Community
- Curriculum designed for students with a background in theatre who want to use performance to engage and build community..
- Theatre Education courses build knowledge and skills for PK–12 environments, after-school programs, regional theatres, and community arts organizations.
- Applied Theatre courses focus on using theatre for healing, justice, and joy with youth or adults in nontraditional places, such as hospitals, community centers, or prisons.
Once you’re enrolled in a graduate program at Emerson College, you’re automatically part of Emerson Edge, a network of peers, alumni, faculty, and staff to ensure you’re getting what you need out of your graduate program. Some of the benefits you’ll have from Emerson Edge:
- Career Development Center: Work with a team who can take your skills and interests and find the best path toward a career.
- Emerge Alumni Network: Join a community of over 50,000 Emerson alumni who can mentor you, share career advice, and make connections in your industry.
- Graduate Career Action Plan: Develop your resume, cover letter, and portfolio with a team dedicated to credential-building, and gain access to exclusive job listings.
Work with local partners, arts organizations, and community groups. You’ll spend time exploring how theatre can support community learning, dialogue, healing, and civic engagement. You can also join the Theatre Education Graduate Association, a graduate student organization that builds a strong community by hosting networking and professional development events. You’ll graduate with experience designing and facilitating real programs, plus a portfolio of projects that showcase how you put theatre into practice.
Learn from Theatre Activists
Faculty in the Theatre Education and Applied Theatre MA program are passionate about the performing arts acting as a force for good in the community.
Enroll Today
Applicants must register for an account with the School of Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies. From there, you can log in and upload the required application materials.
Learn more about applying to Emerson on our Application Process page.