Admission requirements

• An honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a specialization or major in Theatre or related discipline; 
  OR 
  An honours bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in another discipline, with a minor in Theatre and two or more years of relevant experience; 
  OR 
  An honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in another discipline, with three or more years of relevant experience.

• A minimum overall average of 70% (B), calculated in accordance with FGPS guidelines.

Program requirements

To be eligible, the applicant should have:

• theoretical grounding in the social, historical, and structural aspects of theatre;
• a solid background in the literature and theory of drama;
• knowledge of theatrical practice, including an understanding of the basic techniques of acting, directing, production and theatre administration; and
• evidence of strong writing and reading skills in either English or French.

Documents required for admission

The following documents are required for admission:

• the official University of Ottawa application for admission - graduate studies form;
• a detailed up-to-date curriculum vitae;
• an official transcript of the applicant’s academic record covering all previous university studies;
• a letter of intent by the applicant (three  pages maximum), setting out the reasons for wishing to pursue graduate studies and a description of the areas of interest in regard to possible thesis topics;
• a sample of an undergraduate paper (scholarly writing);
• three letters of recommendation.

Degree requirements

 A total of 27 course units is required over a maximum of a twenty-month period, including:

• four core courses of three units each (12 course units);
  • THE5110  Research Methods in Theatre and Performance Studies
  • THE5120  Selected Topics in Theatre Studies
  • THE5130 Dramaturgy
  • THE5140 Theory of Performance
• one elective seminar or course taken either within or outside the Department of Theatre (3 course units);
• the MA thesis (100 pages) (12 course units). 
  • THE6990 Thesis Proposal
  • THE7999 Thesis

The program is governed by the general regulations of the Office of the Vice-Provost, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

The official version of this information is located on the Office of the Vice-Provost, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies web site.

Normal sequences for completion (MA with Thesis)

* MA thesis continued once topic is approved.

The Master of Arts in Theatre (MA) (Theatre Theory and Dramaturgy) with Research Project takes twelve months to complete. Full-time and Part-time option available.

Courses are given in the fall and winter sessions, with the summer session designated for the Research Project.

Core courses

THE 5110 Research Methods in Theatre and Performance Studies
This course teaches students advanced academic research and writing skills. It will introduce them to the research methods commonly used in theatre studies—archival research, collection of pertinent data, forms of empirical research, conceptual research, etc.—and will include various practical exercises leading to students successfully writing academic papers, conference presentations and an MA thesis. It involves possible collaboration with theUniversity of Ottawa library staff, The Institute of Canadian Studies, The Institute of Women’s Studies, the Centre for Research on French Canadian Culture (CRCCF), and Library and Archives Canada (for workshops, tours, etc.).

THE 5120 Selected Topics in Theatre Studies
Study of a selected topic in theatre history, theory or practice.

THE 5130 Dramaturgy
This course defines the dramatic text as a point of departure for theatrical performance. It discusses the art of dramaturgy as the analysis of the poetics of dramatic text as well as the study of its structural specificities and norms. Students will be required to study major elements of—and theories related to—new play development, both from a historical perspective as well as a conceptual one. The objective of the course is to equip students with the skills necessary for pursuing a career as a Dramaturge or a Literary Adviser in a professional theatre.

THE 5140 Theory of Performance
This course takes into consideration a range of performance forms that define contemporary practice including performance art, fine art, film, site-specific theatre and cyber-spectacle. It seeks to prepare students to write an MA or MFA thesis-paper as well as to equip them with the skills necessary for pursuing the career of a theatre critic. Major elements of performance will be studied, both from historical and conceptual perspectives.

THE 6999 Major Research Paper (MRP)

The research paper is prepared under the direction of the research paper supervisor and is approved by the graduate committee. The research paper must be successfully completed by the end of the third session of full-time registration in the master's program. In the event of failure, the student must register for an additional session. A second failure leads to a grade of NS (Not satisfactory) on the transcript and to withdrawal from the program. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).

Elective seminar or course

Over the course of their tenure in the program, students must take two three-credit elective seminars or courses either within or outside the Department of Theatre. Such courses are intended to allow students to take advantage of the wide range of theatre-related expertise available in departments throughout the Faculty of Arts and elsewhere in the University of Ottawa, particularly—but not exclusively—in literature and language departments, other fine arts departments, the Department of History and the Department of Communications.

The Director of Graduate Studies must approve the selection of each elective course. Electives may be chosen from appropriate seminars or courses offered by any department in the University

There are two distinct categories of elective courses:

• background electives may fill gaps in students' background preparation as determined at the moment of evaluation for admission into the MA program. In certain cases, registration in a specific course may be a condition of enrolment; and

• an elective oriented to the principal research topic: students may take at most one course outside the Department specifically geared to their MA thesis. This elective presents an opportunity for students to study an author or a period of practice or other subject directly related to their thesis under the guidance of a specialist.

Language requirements
Students can submit their written work and write exams in French or English, regardless of the language of instruction.

Degree requirements

A total of 18 course units is required:

• Four core courses of three course units each (12 course units);
  • THE5110 Research Methods in Theatre and Performance Studies
  • THE5120 Selected Topics in Theatre Studies
  • THE5130 Dramaturgy
  • THE5140 Theory of Performance
• two elective seminars or courses taken either within or outside the Department of Theatre (6 course units);
• THE 6999 Major Research Paper (MRP) (50 pages)

Grading system

Grades are awarded according to the following scale:

All grades below C+ (66%) are failing grades for graduate students.

Any student who receives two failing grades (equivalent to six credits), or who fails the same course twice, is required to withdraw.

Admission requirements

• An honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a specialization or major in Theatre or related discipline;
  OR
  An honours bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in another discipline, with a minor in Theatre and two or more years of relevant experience;
  OR
  An honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in another discipline, with three or more years of relevant experience.

• A minimum overall average of 70% (B), calculated in accordance with FGPS guidelines.

Program requirements

To be eligible, the applicant should have:

• theoretical grounding in the social, historical, and structural aspects of theatre;
• a solid background in the literature and theory of drama;
• knowledge of theatrical practice, including an understanding of the basic techniques of acting, directing, production and theatre administration; and
• evidence of strong writing and reading skills in either English or French.

Documents required for admission

The following documents are required for admission:

• the official University of Ottawa application for admission - graduate studies form;
• a detailed up-to-date curriculum vitae;
• an official transcript of the applicant’s academic record covering all previous university studies;
• a letter of intent by the applicant (three pages maximum), setting out the reasons for wishing to pursue graduate studies and a description of the areas of interest in regard to possible thesis topics;
• a sample of an undergraduate paper (scholarly writing);
• three letters of recommendation.

MA with Major Research Paper (12 months) : Degree requirements

A total of 18 course units is required:

• Four core courses of three course units each (12 course units);
  • THE5110 Research Methods in Theatre and Performance Studies
  • THE5120 Selected Topics in Theatre Studies
  • THE5130 Dramaturgy
  • THE5140 Theory of Performance
• two elective seminars or courses taken either within or outside the Department of Theatre (6 course units);
• THE 6999 Major Research Paper (MRP) (50 pages)

The program is governed by the general regulations of the Office of the Vice-Provost, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

The official version of this information is located on the Office of the Vice-Provost, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies web site.

Normal sequence for completion (MA with Major Research Paper)

The Master of Arts in Theatre (MA) (Theatre Theory and Dramaturgy) with Research Project takes twelve months to complete. Full-time and Part-time option available.

Courses are given in the fall and winter sessions, with the summer session designated for the Research Project.

Course courses

THE 5110 Research Methods in Theatre and Performance Studies
This course teaches students advanced academic research and writing skills. It will introduce them to the research methods commonly used in theatre studies—archival research, collection of pertinent data, forms of empirical research, conceptual research, etc.—and will include various practical exercises leading to students successfully writing academic papers, conference presentations and an MA thesis. It involves possible collaboration with the University of Ottawa library staff, The Institute of Canadian Studies, The Institute of Women’s Studies, the Centre for Research on French Canadian Culture (CRCCF), and Library and Archives Canada (for workshops, tours, etc.).

THE 5120 Selected Topics in Theatre Studies
Study of a selected topic in theatre history, theory or practice.

THE 5130 Dramaturgy
This course defines the dramatic text as a point of departure for theatrical performance. It discusses the art of dramaturgy as the analysis of the poetics of dramatic text as well as the study of its structural specificities and norms. Students will be required to study major elements of—and theories related to—new play development, both from a historical perspective as well as a conceptual one. The objective of the course is to equip students with the skills necessary for pursuing a career as a Dramaturge or a Literary Adviser in a professional theatre.

THE 5140 Theory of Performance
This course takes into consideration a range of performance forms that define contemporary practice including performance art, fine art, film, site-specific theatre and cyber-spectacle. It seeks to prepare students to write an MA or MFA thesis-paper as well as to equip them with the skills necessary for pursuing the career of a theatre critic. Major elements of performance will be studied, both from historical and conceptual perspectives.

THE 6999 Major Research Paper (MRP)

The research paper is prepared under the direction of the research paper supervisor and is approved by the graduate committee. The research paper must be successfully completed by the end of the third session of full-time registration in the master's program. In the event of failure, the student must register for an additional session. A second failure leads to a grade of NS (Not satisfactory) on the transcript and to withdrawal from the program. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).

Elective seminar or course

Over the course of their tenure in the program, students must take two three-credit elective seminars or courses either within or outside the Department of Theatre. Such courses are intended to allow students to take advantage of the wide range of theatre-related expertise available in departments throughout the Faculty of Arts and elsewhere in the University of Ottawa, particularly—but not exclusively—in literature and language departments, other fine arts departments, the Department of History and the Department of Communications.

The Director of Graduate Studies must approve the selection of each elective course. Electives may be chosen from appropriate seminars or courses offered by any department in the University

There are two distinct categories of elective courses:

• background electives may fill gaps in students' background preparation as determined at the moment of evaluation for admission into the MA program. In certain cases, registration in a specific course may be a condition of enrolment; and

• an elective oriented to the principal research topic: students may take at most one course outside the Department specifically geared to their MA thesis. This elective presents an opportunity for students to study an author or a period of practice or other subject directly related to their thesis under the guidance of a specialist.

Language requirements
Students can submit their written work and write exams in French or English, regardless of the language of instruction.

Degree requirements

A total of 18 course units is required:

• Four core courses of three course units each (12 course units);
  • THE5110 Research Methods in Theatre and Performance Studies
  • THE5120 Selected Topics in Theatre Studies
  • THE5130 Dramaturgy
  • THE5140 Theory of Performance
• two elective seminars or courses taken either within or outside the Department of Theatre (6 course units);
• THE 6999 Major Research Paper (MRP) (50 pages)

Grading system

Grades are awarded according to the following scale:

All grades below C+ (66%) are failing grades for graduate students.

Any student who receives two failing grades (equivalent to six credits), or who fails the same course twice, is required to withdraw.