The School of Theatre offers the MFA in drama with a concentration in Theatre for Youth. The MFA is a terminal master’s degree designed to develop individual artistry while providing advanced, personalized training. The program trajectory covers the scope of the field of Theatre for Young Audiences from Theatre for the Very Young to Theatre Management to BIPOC TYA Plays.

The MFA is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Our graduate program offers robust and varied experiences that combine theory and practice in both the university setting and the community. Curricular offerings are matched by an extensive co-curricular program that includes opportunities to participate in the North Carolina Theatre for Young People’s production season as well as Community Engaged projects.

Program Distinctions

• The School of Theatre is a member of numerous theatre organizations, including USITT, SETC, TCG, and AATE.
• Add TYA/USA.
• The North Carolina Theatre for Young People was the recipient of the North Carolina Theatre Conference’s prestigious Constance Welsh Theatre for Youth Award (2011).

The Student Experience

• Students participate in School of Theatre productions and North Carolina Theatre for Young People (NCTYP) productions. The NCTYP season includes a touring production every spring; the production tours to schools and community venues, meeting our audiences in their home environments. Pre- and post-show workshops often accompany performances as well.
• Opportunities exist in acting, dramaturgy, directing, assistant directing, community engagement, and devising.
• Individualized attention is given to Theatre for Youth students allowing for flexible programs of study that support advancing careers in various sub-disciplines within the field.
• School of Theatre students enjoy opportunities to meet, engage, and network with leading industry professionals and guest artists.
• A range of workshops, masterclasses, presentations, and residencies expose our students to state-of-the-art practices across the industry further enhancing their prospects for a wide range of careers.

After Graduation

• Students who graduate from the MFA in TYA program consistently work in the field of Theatre for Youth as Artistic Directors, Artistic Associates, Education Directors, Community Engagement Coordinators, Artists-in-Residence, professors, and more. Due to the specialized pedagogical trajectory of students in the program, the success rate of career placement upon graduation is extraordinary.

CURRICULUM

View the Graduate Bulletin(opens in new window) for this program’s curriculum.

Questions? Contact Rachel Briley (MFA Theatre for Youth Program Head and Artistic Director of NCTYP) at [email protected]