Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre and Performance Studies

Program Overview

The University of Kansas's Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre and Performance Studies program prepares students for leadership roles in both theoretical and practical aspects of theatre and performance. Through comprehensive coursework, production experiences, and rigorous assessments, graduates are equipped for careers in academia, non-profit organizations, and the entertainment industry. The program emphasizes original research, scholarly creativity, and the development of scholar-artists.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre and Performance Studies program at the University of Kansas aims to develop leaders in both theoretical and practical aspects of theatre and performance. The curriculum provides a comprehensive exposure to critical theory, history, historiography, and the craft and art of performance. Students are given opportunities to practice directing, acting, and dramaturgy, preparing them for careers as scholar-artists. Graduates have strong placement in academia, non-profit organizations, and the entertainment industry as professional artists and administrators.

Assessment:

The program features the following assessment methods:

• Comprehensive Examination: This crucial element consists of four parts:
• Written Examination:
Covering 4-5 areas of expertise, each corresponding to a committee member.
• Publishable Paper: A 5,000-8,000 word paper demonstrating research and writing abilities.
• Dissertation Prospectus: Submitted two weeks prior to the oral exam.
• Oral Examination: Lasting about 90 minutes, potentially revisiting material from the written exam, publishable papers, prospectus, or other relevant topics.
• Dissertation: Upon successful completion of the comprehensive oral exam and dissertation prospectus, students progress to Doctoral Candidacy until they defend their dissertation.
The dissertation must demonstrate original research and scholarly creativity, showcasing the candidate's ability to identify significant problems, analyze and communicate results, and apply research skills to a relevant field of interest.

Careers:

Graduates from the Ph.D. in Theatre and Performance Studies program at KU have achieved successful careers in various fields, including:

• Higher Education: Teaching and research positions at universities.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Leadership roles in arts organizations, cultural institutions, and community theater groups.
• Entertainment Industry: Professional artists, directors, dramaturgs, and administrators in film, television, and theatre.

Other:

• Departmental Courses: Students are required to take 9 credit hours of graduate-level courses chosen in consultation with an advisor.
These courses can cover theatre history, performance studies, dramatic literature, theory, and criticism.
• Elective Courses: Students choose 9 hours of electives focused on academic study of theatre/performance history, theory, and methodologies.
These can include courses outside the Department with advisor and Director of Graduate Study approval.
• Secondary Field Requirements: Students select 9 hours of graduate-level courses from outside the department to support their dissertation.
These courses are related to their specialization.
• Production Courses: 6 hours of production courses are required, allowing students to choose a sequence in scenography, directing, dance, or dramaturgy.
• Research Skills and Responsible Scholarship: Fulfilled by completing:
• THR 800 Introduction to Graduate Study in Theatre (3 credit hours)
• 3 credit hours of THR 801 Professional Development Seminar
• THR 999 Doctoral Dissertation
• Foreign language reading ability or proficiency in an alternative language relevant to the dissertation topic (demonstrated through coursework or a faculty letter).
• THR 998 Investigation and Conference: Taken twice for a total of 6 credit hours, specifically for Doctoral Students.