About the Graduate Theatre Education & Applied Theatre Program
With a focus on theory and practice coupled with local partnerships to support learning and growth in the field, Emerson College’s on-campus Theatre Education & Applied Theatre MA program prepares you to use theatre to create learning experiences that transform lives and communities.
Housed in the Department of Performing Arts in the School of the Arts, tthe program allows you to grow and refine your craft as an artist, educator, and community-based facilitator.
We currently offer an MA in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre. While we have historically offered a program in teaching licensure for theatre educators as well as an MFA program in Theatre Education and Applied Theatre, we have paused our admissions for those programs in 2026.
Master of Arts in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre, 36 Credits
Program at a glance:
- 36 credit Masters of Arts program
- Opportunities to take coursework in either Theatre Education or Applied Theatre
- This program is designed for students who are passionate about theatre, who want to use theatre as a catalyst for learning, wellness, justice, and joy with youth or adults.
- Explore careers in youth and community programming, private education, the education and community engagement offices of professional theatres, arts-based non-profits, and more. The program is also suitable for those interested in pursuing their doctoral degree.
- Choose electives that fulfill personal or professional interests, across both disciplines.
The MA in Theatre Education and Applied Theatre graduate program is designed for students with a background in theatre who want to grow their knowledge of the uses of performance with youth and adults in and beyond education. As a student in the program, you’ll learn foundational theories and practices of the field. Choose core courses in Theatre Education, Applied Theatre, or a combination to focus on your professional interests. Theatre Education courses build knowledge and skills in arts-based education in PK-12 spaces, after-school programs, regional theatres, and community arts organizations. Applied Theatre courses focus on using theatre for healing, social justice, and joy with youth or adults in nontraditional places, such as prisons, hospitals, or community centers.
This program does not offer public school teaching licensure. Our teaching licensure program is currently paused, as we review and reimagine our full suite of Theatre Education degree offerings.
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Upcoming Events
Theatre Education and Applied Theatre Faculty Meet and Greet
November 5, 2025, 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. EST
Join us for a faculty meet and greet! During this informal, 30-minute event, you'll get the chance to meet Lily Odekirk, the newest faculty member in our Theatre Education and Applied Theatre program, and Lizzy Cooper Davis, our Graduate Program Director. Bring your questions and learn more about their ongoing work both in and out of the classroom. Admissions staff will also be available to answer any questions you might have about the application process, live at Emerson, and more. We hope to see you there!
Empower your Future: Transformational Leaders Fellowship Information Session
November 9, 2025, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST
Join us for a virtual overview of the Transformational Leaders Fellowship! Learn how this fellowship empowers future leaders through unique learning opportunities, mentorship programs, and more. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from former Transformational Leaders fellows and admissions staff while learning about the application components, fellowship commitments, and scholarship logistics. We hope to see you there!
Graduate Application Overview
November 12, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EDT
What does it take to apply to graduate school? Join us to learn more about the process of applying to Emerson's graduate programs! Members of the admission team will be available to explain application requirements, answer your questions, and offer insider tips into the graduate school application process. We can’t wait to see you there!
Graduate International Student Information Session
November 13, 2025, 1:00 p.m. EDT
Join us for an international student information session! Staff from Graduate Admissions and the Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) will be available to explain application requirements for international students, funding opportunities, the F-1 Visa process, life at Emerson, and so much more.
My time at Emerson was a completely immersive experience. My program offered the perfect balance of theory and application from top-notch professors. My classmates were from all over the world; it was really special to work alongside some of the country's best theatre educators-in-training.