Theater & Performance Studies PhD
Embark on a journey that delves into cross-cultural, interdisciplinary explorations of performance, broadly defined.
The Ph.D. in Theater and Performance Studies program crafts world-class research that magnifies the cultural and historical significance of theater and performative acts in a global frame.
The innovative Ph.D. program in Theater and Performance Studies, produces scholars renowned for their expansive research. Admitting 1-3 students annually, the program offers personalized mentoring, focusing on diverse dissertation projects. These projects intertwine critical theories and performance studies, with recent topics ranging from digital performance to African American music and Chicana performance. Beyond the department, students collaborate with interdisciplinary centers like the Bunche Center for African American Studies and the Hammer Museum.
World-Class Faculty
Michelle Liu Carriger
Requirements
Course Requirements
During the first six quarters (two academic years), students must complete a minimum of 12 graduate courses (200- or 500- level) and Theater 220. Theater 216A, 216B, 216C are required. The remaining nine courses are elective graduate courses, seminars, or tutorials. Students are regularly enrolled in one seminar within the department and one beyond the department and no more than two electives may be tutorials. These electives must augment the required courses so as to constitute a definable area of study associated with the dissertation topic. The dissertation is a historical, critical, analytical, or experimental study of a theater or performance studies topic.
Foreign Language Requirement
There is no departmental foreign language requirement for the Ph.D. degree. However, specific qualifying examination areas may require students to demonstrate mastery of a language other than English before taking that qualifying examination.
Visit the UCLA Graduate Division website for a complete overview of the Theater & Performance Studies doctoral program requirements, and click on the “Program Requirements” tab.