University of Hawaii at Mānoa Graduate Studies
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Contact Information
 

University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
Department of Theatre and Dance
1770 East-West Road
Kennedy Theatre 115
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7677
Fax: (808) 956-4234
Web: www.hawaii.
edu/theatre

Kirstin Pauka, PhD
Graduate Chair
E-mail: pauka@hawaii.edu

 
Degrees Offered
 

MA in theatre

MFA in theatre

PhD in theatre

 
Graduate Faculty
 

List of Faculty

 
University of Hawai'i Directory
 
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THEATRE
 

Quick Links:
Application Deadlines
| Admissions Requirements
Program Overview | Degree Requirements | Related Program(s)
Contact Information | Degrees Offered | Graduate Faculty

 
Application Deadlines
 
Fall Spring
I — January 15
D — February 1
I — August 1
D — September 1
 
I = international applicants
D = U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents
 
 
Admissions Requirements
 

Click here for link to online application or to download paper application. Applicants need to meet:
1) Graduate Division admissions standard and documentation requirements, and
2) program specific admissions criteria and documentation requirements
    (see below).

 

MA Program

  • at least two undergraduate courses in dramatic literature and one course in each of the following four areas: acting, directing, design or technical theater, and theater history*
  • graduate program application form
  • graduate program supplemental information form (download form)
  • statement of objectives (download form)
  • sample of academic writing
  • three letters of recommendation
  • official GRE General Test scores
  • official TOEFL scores — 600/250/100 or above (Required of most non-native speakers of English. Click here for information on exemptions.)

* Applicants with course deficiencies who are otherwise qualified may be admitted. They must make up the deficiencies before they may be advanced to candidacy.

MFA Program

  • at least two undergraduate courses in dramatic literature and one course in each of the following four areas: acting, directing, design or technical theater, and theater history*
  • graduate program application form
  • graduate program supplemental information form (download form)
  • statement of objectives (download form)
  • slides, photographs, video or play scripts
  • three letters of recommendation
  • official GRE General Test scores
  • official TOEFL scores — 600/250/100 or above (Required of most non-native speakers of English. Click here for information on exemptions.)

* Applicants with course deficiencies who are otherwise qualified may be admitted. They must make up the deficiencies before they may be advanced to candidacy.

PhD Program

  • broad background in the humanities
  • graduate degree (equivalent to the master's level at UHM) in theatre or equivalent course work
  • competence in dramatic production
  • graduate program application form
  • graduate program supplemental information form (download form)
  • statement of objectives (download form)
  • sample of academic writing (seminar paper or master's thesis)
  • dissertation proposal (4 to 6 pages, with a partial bibliography and a proposed title)
  • three letters of recommendation
  • official GRE General Test scores
  • official TOEFL scores — 600/250/100 or above (Required of most non-native speakers of English. Click here for information on exemptions.)
 

Submission of Program Specific Documentation Requirements
With the exception of TOEFL and GRE scores, all program specific documentation requirements should be sent directly to the graduate program.

If required, official TOEFL and GRE scores should be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office. Please note that GRE scores may be required by the graduate program (see above) or by the Graduate Division (more info.)

 
 
Program Overview
 

Theater is the study of dramatic literature and theory; acting and directing; stage, costume, and lighting design; stagecraft; playwriting; and Asian and youth theater. Imaginative and creative individuals interested in the disciplined, practical application of classroom theory are suitable candidates as theater majors.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) offers graduate programs leading to the MA, the MFA and the PhD in theatre. The department is internationally recognized for its unique multicultural approach to the study of theatre and dance. The university's location in the middle of the Pacific allows for a rich exposure to theatre and dance from the East and the West, both for students and the community at large. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that includes the world's most noted Asian theater program and a nationally respected youth theater program. The department's Asian theater program is affiliated with the Association for Asian Performance.

For the MFA program, students may select from six concentrations: acting, directing, design, and playwriting (each of these four may include Western, Asian, and youth theater work), Asian performance, and youth theater. The PhD degree, given for scholarship in theater history, theory, or criticism, not creative or artistic work, is offered in three areas: Western theater, Asian theater, and comparative Asian-Western theater.

Most graduates, especially those with doctorates, pursue teaching careers, but there are many career opportunities in community theaters, dance companies, radio, television, films, and professional theaters. Although teaching and professional stage, film, and television work are typical professions of theater graduates; the analytical and practical skills, discipline and self-confidence, creativity, problem solving, and ability to work toward common production goals are applicable to all professions.

The MA, MFA and PhD programs in Asian theatre participate in the Western Regional Graduate Program administered by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). The program enables legal residents of WICHE member states to enroll in selected out-of-state professional or graduate programs at reduced tuition rates. For more information, see Financial Matters < WICHE Program.

 
 
Degree Requirements
 

All graduate students at UHM need to meet degree requirements set by the Graduate Division and their graduate programs. For general Graduate Division requirements, see Degree Requirements. Below is an overview of the degree requirements for this graduate program.

 

MA Degree Requirements
Students may select Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis).

  • Plan A requires 39 credits (including six credits of thesis research), a written thesis and defense of the thesis.
  • Plan B requires 39 credits.
  • Both plans require a final exam.

MFA Degree Requirements
The MFA is available in Plan B. It requires 60 credits, a culminating creative or performance project with written documentation, and a final exam.

PhD Degree Requirements
The PhD program requires the following:

  • required courses,
  • additional course work as deemed necessary by candidate's doctoral committee,
  • proficiency in teaching,
  • exam in the research language(s) used in the student’s dissertation research,
  • comprehensive exam (written and oral),
  • dissertation,
  • final oral exam / defense of dissertation.

Courses
To view a listing of courses offered, visit www.catalog.hawaii.edu/courses/departments/thea.htm.

 
 
Related Program(s)
 
art, Asian studies, dance, English, music
 
 
 

Application Deadlines | Admissions Requirements | Program Overview | Degree Requirements
Contact Information | Degrees Offered | Graduate Faculty | Related Program(s)

 

© University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Graduate Division

Graduate Admissions Office
2540 Maile Way Spalding 354 Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8544 Fax: (808) 956-4261
Email: admissions@grad.hawaii.edu

 
2008-04-14
 
This Web site is intended solely to provide general information. The UHM Graduate Division makes no representation and accepts no liability for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of information found in this site. Viewers of this site are advised to contact the appropriate offices for the most up-to-date information.