Special emphasis is placed on (1) an analytic understanding of specific episodes in the history of theatre and similar genres of enactment, (2) the ability to grasp the assumptions and practical protocols that are or have been influential in the creation of theatrical art, and (3) the capacity to examine and appreciate the way theatre influences and is influenced by the context in which it occurs.

By virtue of its broad regard for the way context and live performance interact, the M. A. helps to prepare students for leadership roles in community and regional arts organizations, especially when course work is complemented by a thesis about the arts in community.  Several states regard an M. A. in theatre to be a creditable enhancement of a teacher’s qualifications in grades K-12.  In addition, the focus on those assumptions and history that shape theatre studies and production  provide students with a strong transition to a Ph.D. program.