MFA Theater at University of Massachusetts Amherst

Programme overview

A hands-on professional theater training programme with specializations in directing, dramaturgy, costume design, lighting design, and scenic design and technology. Students work in a production season that serves as a teaching laboratory, in small classes, with internships at partner companies such as Hartford Stage, Shakespeare & Company, Double Edge Theatre and WAM Theatre.

Faculty: College of Humanities and Fine Arts | Department: Theater | Duration: 3 years | Intake: Fall; applications due January 15, 2027 for Fall 2027 (accepts students two out of every three years; this cycle Directing, Dramaturgy and Costume Design only) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Amherst, MA, United States

What you will study

A rigorous core curriculum combined with practical production work and individual mentoring in the chosen specialization, with opportunities for teaching experience and internships.

Career pathways

Resident professional theaters, colleges and universities, and other cultural and arts fields.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

MFA Theater: Graduate School application with personal statement, transcripts, resume of relevant professional experience, and at least two letters of recommendation (three may be submitted). GRE is not required; international students need TOEFL or IELTS. Directing requires two writing samples (one an essay on a play directed or to be directed); dramaturgy requires at least two writing samples (preference for proficiency in a second language); costume, lighting and scenic design require a portfolio. Selected candidates are invited for an interview. The undergraduate degree need not be in theater but training should be comparable to UMass's BA in Theater; applicants with incomplete backgrounds may be admitted provisionally.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Intake: Fall; applications due January 15, 2027 for Fall 2027 (accepts students two out of every three years

Duration: 3 years

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