PhD Theater and Performance Studies at Stanford University

Programme overview

The mission of the graduate program in Theater and Performance Studies (TAPS) is to educate students who work on the leading edge of both scholarly and performance practice. The PhD program includes the study of critical theory, dramatic literature, performance theory, theater history, and performance making. Graduate students receive a rigorous education in scholarly and creative practice encompassing production elements (directing, acting, choreography, and/or design).

Faculty: School of Humanities and Sciences | Department: Theater and Performance Studies | Duration: 135 units minimum | Study mode: full-time | Location: Stanford, CA, United States

What you will study

Programme load is 135 units minimum. Requirements are organised into: Program Requirements; Advancement to Candidacy; Oral Exam; Dissertation; Language Requirement.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-level graduate admission (Graduate Admissions): a U.S. bachelor's degree or international equivalent, transcripts for every institution attended, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and TOEFL/IELTS scores unless exempt (U.S. citizens and permanent residents, native English speakers, or applicants with English-medium degrees). Each graduate programme sets its own GRE policy (required, optional or not considered). Programme-specific criteria are set by the department.

Tuition is charged for Autumn, Winter and Spring quarters (Summer quarter also billed separately). Graduate programmes such as PhD and Master's in Computer Science admit for Autumn entry only; Education PhD and Master's programmes begin September 20, 2027.

The graduate application fee is $125, nonrefundable. Deadlines are set by each programme: Computer Science PhD December 8, 2026; Education PhD November 16, 2026.

Apply through the official page: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply

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