Applied Theatre Arts (MA)

Return to: USC School of Dramatic Arts  

The Master of Arts in Applied Theatre Arts explores the intersection of theatre and cultural fieldwork, encompassing the fields of theatre and therapy, theatre in education and theatre for social change/community-based theatre. This combined area of study weaves all three disciplines together under the aegis of training practitioners in the art of popular theatre with primarily marginalized communities. Practitioners of applied theatre arts supplement their work as classroom teachers, therapists, social workers, case managers, community organizers and social activists to engage public groups to obtain their goals and desires by using the tools of theatre to expedite dialogue and foster an atmosphere of greater critical consciousness and increased agency. A written and oral examination is required upon completion of course work.

International Study

All students will participate in an international externship during the summer following their academic year. This externship takes place in an approved overseas site where the practice of applied theatre arts is well established, with whom the university has a contractual agreement for supervised observation. This externship intends to provide a supervisory, logistical and theoretical container for students to explore cultural fieldwork in the international arena.