Theatre (MA)
Whether you want to perform, direct, design, teach or manage productions, our master's in theatre is designed to equip you for a wide range of dynamic careers.
- Offered Face-to-Face in Commerce.
- 14 months to 2 years
- 30-36 credit hours
- Thesis and non-thesis options available
- No foreign language credits required
Express Yourself Through Theatre
Ready to turn your passion for theatre into a thriving career? With our Master of Arts in Theatre, you can gain hands-on experience, refine your performance and directing skills and explore academic excellence. Whether you aspire to perform, direct, teach or lead in the arts, this program aims to equip you with the expertise, confidence and insight to shape the future of theatre. Start your journey today and unlock the full potential of your creative vision!
Spring 2026 Graduate Flex Term.
What Are My Job Opportunities?
Expand your skills and professional portfolio with a master’s degree in Theatre from East Texas A&M.
Career Possibilities
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Program Details
Our program combines rigorous coursework in acting, directing, theatre history and production with hands-on experience in performance and design.
What Might I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Directing and Production
Learn the essentials of directing, stage management and production coordination for theatre.
Stagecraft and Design
Learn advanced techniques in set, costume, lighting and sound design and how they contribute to a production’s success.
Theatre History and Literature
Deepen your understanding of the evolution of theatre and key dramatic works and playwrights.
Advanced Acting Techniques
Enhance your performance skills with professional-level training in acting for stage and screen.
Taking Classes
Our program meets the needs of in-residence students and working professionals.
Designed for your life
We offer courses face-to-face at the main campus in the fall and spring. In-person courses are also offered during the summer.
Students pursuing the two-year track will have the chance to direct, design or perform in plays every semester.
Please check the schedule of classes for locations and times. Locations and times are subject to change.
Curriculum
Thesis (M.A.)
Our thesis track is designed to prepare you for doctoral programs and other professions. Work alongside faculty as you research theatre performance, pedagogy and principles. This option is only available to students pursuing the traditional two-year program.
Total credit hours: 30
Non-thesis (M.A.)
Earn your master's degree in theatre with our non-thesis track. Designed to offer a wide variety of courses, this track provides a broad education in theatre. This option is available to students pursuing either the accelerated or two-year track.
Total credit hours: 36
Finding My Community
Work with our award-winning faculty as you explore the creative components of theatre, management and technical theatre and the history and theory of theatre. Engage in meaningful conversations that challenge your understanding of the theatrical arts.
Michael Knight, MFA
Alum Faculty
Carrie Klypchak, Ph.D.
Faculty
Donna Deverell, MFA
Alum Staff
Student Organizations
At East Texas A&M, student organizations can empower you through collaboration and innovation. Our organizations foster a supportive community that promotes professional development, networking and advocacy for student success.
I’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Back to menuOn-Campus Employment Opportunities
Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.
Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
Back to menuCost Before Financial Aid
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are
Back to menuAdditional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.
- GPA minimum 2.5
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Admission Process
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Theatre, MA” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
Answer these prompts in 250 to 500 words:
- Why do you want to study your particular area of study?
- What do you hope this degree leads to?
- What are your goals? Short term education goals, long term career goals.
- Explain previous theatrical experience and training.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Request one signed letter of recommendation, on letterhead, from a professional who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program. That individual should:
- Email the letter to your graduate coordinator or
- Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
Deadlines
- Fall admission consideration: May 15
- Spring admission consideration: October 15
- Summer admission consideration: March 15
Applicants must have a completed admissions file by May 10 for fall consideration.
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Theatre, MA” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $75 application fee
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accept evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
Answer these prompts in 250 to 500 words:
- Why do you want to study your particular area of study?
- What do you hope this degree leads to?
- What are your goals? Short term education goals, long term career goals.
- Explain previous theatrical experience and training.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Request one signed, and dated letter of recommendation; on official agency or organization letterhead, preferably from a past professor, college instructor, or from a professional who currently supervises the applicant or who has in the past and can attest to their academic preparedness to succeed in the program. That individual should:
- Email the letter to your graduate coordinator or
- Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
Submit these documents to the Office of International Programs once you have been admitted
- Official sponsor statement
- Bank statement from the sponsor with a balance of at least $33,601 USD which is less than six months old
See the Office of International Program's “Confirmation of Financial Resource” for more details.
You do not need to submit test scores if you have completed (all years) of a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.
Request that your scores from one of the following be sent to East Texas A&M University:
- TOEFL (Minimum Scores: IBT 79, or CBT 213, or PBT 550)
- IELTS (Minimum Score: 6.00 band overall)
- PTE (Minimum Score: 53 overall or higher)
- Duo Lingo (Minimum Score: 105)
*Scores must be less than two years old.
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Contact the Department
- Department of Theatre
- 903.886.5346
- [email protected]