The Department of Theatre offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Theatre.
The MA in Theatre option Thesis (two years) is focused on the fields of theatre theory and dramaturgy. The objective of this program is to bridge theoretical and practical approaches to the study of theatre by encouraging dialogue and understanding between practitioners and theoreticians. The program enables students to broaden their academic scope with regard to the epistemological and interdisciplinary specificities of theatre as an art form and as a discipline of study; it encourages the analysis of the Western world’s principal theatrical traditions from various discursive perspectives; it fosters a greater understanding of Canada’s two principal theatrical traditions and helps develop scholarly discourse in regards to each.
MA Thesis can include:
1. The analysis of a defined corpus (plays, performances, theoretical concepts, etc.) based on a review of relevant academic literature, its critical analysis and synthesis (100 pages);
2. Creative project and its critical analysis. The creative project can take many forms (translation of a play; writing a new play or performance script; devising and executing a live performance; etc.). The critical analysis part of the thesis should be around 50 pages.
The MA in Theatre with Thesis extends over 6 terms (two years).
The MA in Theatre option Major Research Paper (one year) aims to bridge theoretical and practical approaches to the study of theatre. The program enables students to broaden their academic scope with regard to the epistemological and interdisciplinary specificities of theatre as an art form and as a discipline of study.
The Major Research Paper is prepared under the direction of the research paper supervisor, and its topic approved by the graduate committee. The research paper is approximately 50 pages long and is evaluated by another professor once the student's supervisor has approved it. The research paper analyses and broadens one of the topics discussed in the courses.
The MA in Theatre with Major Research Paper extends over 3 terms (one year).
Both options are offered on full-time and part-time basis. They can be pursued in English and/or in French.
The Department offers a collaborative program in Medieval and Renaissance Studies at the MA level for the thesis option only.
The programs are governed by the University's academic regulations.
For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.
Admission to the graduate programs in Theatre is governed by the University's academic regulations.
All applicants must be able to understand, speak and write proficiently either English or French. Applicants whose first language is neither English nor French must provide proof of proficiency in one or the other.
In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have the right to produce their work, their research paper, their thesis, and to answer examination questions in French or in English.
Admission requirements for the MA Program:
- An honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a specialization or major in Theatre or related discipline;
OR
An honours bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in another discipline, with a minor in Theatre and two or more years of relevant experience;
OR
An honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in another discipline, with three or more years of relevant experience. - A minimum admission average of 70% (B), calculated in accordance with graduate studies guidelines.
Candidates pursue individualized research in areas of interest that may include dramaturgy, theory of performance, theatre criticism or history of theatre.
Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2022-2023 calendars for the previous requirements.
MA in Theatre with Thesis option
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Courses: | ||
| THE 5110 | Research Methods in Theatre and Performance Studies | 3 Units |
| THE 5120 | Selected Topics in Theatre Studies | 3 Units |
| THE 5130 | Dramaturgy | 3 Units |
| THE 5140 | Theory of Performance | 3 Units |
| 3 elective course or seminar units at the graduate level 1 | 3 Units | |
| Thesis Proposal: | ||
| THE 6990 | Thesis Proposal | |
| Thesis: | ||
| THM 7999 | Master's Thesis 2 | |
Note(s)
- 1
The elective seminar or course can be taken either within or outside the Department of Theatre. It allows students to take advantage of the wide range of theatre-related expertise available in departments throughout the Faculty of Arts and elsewhere at the University of Ottawa, particularly, but not exclusively, in literature and language, in fine arts, in history and in communication. The choice of elective is subject to the approval of the program director. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have any prerequisites that the course may require.
- 2
The thesis can take two forms: the traditional thesis consists of a review of literature, its critical analysis and synthesis (100 pages) or the creative project which consists of a creative project and its critical analysis (50 pages).
MA in Theatre with Major Research Paper
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Courses: | ||
| THE 5110 | Research Methods in Theatre and Performance Studies | 3 Units |
| THE 5120 | Selected Topics in Theatre Studies | 3 Units |
| THE 5130 | Dramaturgy | 3 Units |
| THE 5140 | Theory of Performance | 3 Units |
| 6 elective course or seminar units at the graduate level 1 | 6 Units | |
| MRP 6999 | Major Research Paper 2 | |
Note(s)
- 1
The elective seminars or courses can be taken either within or outside the Department of Theatre. It allows students to take advantage of the wide range of theatre-related expertise available in departments throughout the Faculty of Arts and elsewhere at the University of Ottawa, particularly, but not exclusively, in literature and language, in fine arts, in history and in communication.
The choice of electives is subject to the approval of the program director. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have any prerequisites that the courses may require.
- 2
Students must have their research paper director and topic approved by the graduate studies committee before the end of their second term of studies. The research paper is approximately 50 pages long and is evaluated by another professor once the student's supervisor has approved it. The research paper analyses and broadens one of the topics discussed in the courses. The work surrounding the research paper can be theoretical in nature (based on a literature review) or can adopt a more empirical approach (based on observation or on a case study).
Research at the University of Ottawa
Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, a few steps away from Parliament Hill, the University of Ottawa ranks among Canada’s top 10 research universities. Our research is founded on excellence, relevance and impact and is conducted in a spirit of equity, diversity and inclusion.
Our research community thrives in four strategic areas:
- Creating a sustainable environment
- Advancing just societies
- Shaping the digital world
- Enabling lifelong health and wellness
From advancing healthcare solutions to tackling global challenges like climate change, the University of Ottawa’s researchers are at the forefront of innovation, making significant contributions to society and beyond.
Research at the Faculty of Arts
The Faculty of Arts is proud of the state of the art research conducted by its professors. In the spirit of showcasing its research to the university community as well as to the general public, the Faculty has created three activities: Dean's Lecture Series, Treasures of the Library, and Excellence Lectures.
Facilities, Research Centres and Institutes at the Faculty of Arts
- Centre de recherche en civilisation canadienne-française,
- Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies,
- Institute for Science, Society and Policy,
- Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)
- Morisset Library.
For more information, refer to the list of faculty members and their research fields on Uniweb.
IMPORTANT: Candidates and students looking for professors to supervise their thesis or research project can also consult the website of the faculty or department of their program of choice. Uniweb does not list all professors authorized to supervise research projects at the University of Ottawa.
THE 5110 Research Methods in Theatre and Performance Studies (3 units)
Advanced academic research and writing skills commonly used in theatre studies - archival research, collection of pertinent data, forms of empirical research, conceptual research, etc. Practical exercises leading to the students' successful writing of academic papers, conference presentations, and an MA thesis paper.
Course Component: Seminar
THE 5120 Selected Topics in Theatre Studies (3 units)
Study of a selected topic in theatre history, theory or practice.
Course Component: Seminar
THE 5130 Dramaturgy (3 units)
The dramatic text as a point of departure for a theatrical performance. The art of dramaturgy considered as the analysis of the poetics of dramatic text as well as the study of its structural specificities and norms. Major elements of, and theories related to, new play development, both in a historical perspective as well as a conceptual one. Acquisition of the skills necessary for pursuing a career as a Dramaturge or a Literary Adviser in a professional theatre.
Course Component: Lecture
THE 5140 Theory of Performance (3 units)
Examination of a range of performance forms that define contemporary practice including performance art, fine art, film, site-specific theatre and cyber-spectacle. Exercises in academic and professional writing for the theatre. Major elements of performance studied both in historical and conceptual perspectives.
Course Component: Lecture
THE 5510 Méthodes de recherche en études théâtrales (3 crédits)
Formation avancée en recherche et en rédaction pertinente pour les études universitaires dans le champ des études théâtrales recherche en archives, collecte de données pertinentes, formes de recherche empirique, recherche théorique, etc. Exercices pratiques devant mener les étudiants à rédiger avec succès des articles savants, des communications et une thèse de maîtrise.
Volet : Séminaire
THE 5520 Thèmes choisis en études théâtrales (3 crédits)
Étude d'un élément particulier de l'histoire, la théorie ou la pratique théâtrale.
Volet : Séminaire
THE 5530 Dramaturgie (3 crédits)
La dramaturgie conçue en tant que point de départ de la représentation théâtrale. L'étude de l'art de la dramaturgie entendu comme l'analyse de la poétique du texte dramatique et de ses structures et normes spécifiques. L'étude des éléments importants du développement dramaturgique, et des théories qui s'y rattachent, dans une perspective à la fois historique et théorique. L'acquisition des compétences nécessaires pour la poursuite d'une carrière de dramaturge et de conseiller littéraire au sein d'une compagnie théâtrale professionnelle.
Volet : Cours magistral
THE 5540 Analyse de la représentation (3 crédits)
Étude des diverses formes de spectacles qui définissent les pratiques contemporaines telles que la performance, les beaux-arts, le théâtre hors des lieux de diffusion habituelle et le cyber-spectacle. Exercices de rédaction en vue de la production de travaux universitaires et professionnels. Étude des principaux éléments de l'événement théâtral dans une perspective historique et théorique.
Volet : Cours magistral
THE 5901 Production I / Production I (3 crédits / 3 units)
Encadré par un professeur ou un metteur en scène professionnel, chaque étudiant effectue une série d'exercices sur la mise en scène et travaille des scènes posant un problème spécifique de mise en scène afin de développer ses habiletés pratiques ainsi que ses capacités d'analyse. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). / Students, under the supervision of faculty members, or a professional director, undertake a series of directing exercises and problem scenes designed to develop specific practical and analytical skills. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar
THE 5902 Production II / Production II (3 crédits / 3 units)
Encadré par un professeur ou un metteur en scène professionnel, chaque étudiant étudie et dirige une pièce en un acte ou une longue scène tirée d'une pièce. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). / Students research and direct a one-act play or an extended scene from a full-length play under the guidance of a professor or professional director. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).
Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture
THE 5903 Production III / Production III (3 crédits / 3 units)
Encadré par un professeur ou un metteur en scène professionnel, chaque étudiant étudie et dirige une pièce en un acte ou une longue scène tirée d'une pièce. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). / Students research and direct a one-act play or an act from a full-length play with the guidance of a professor or professional director. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar
THE 5931 Séminaire de graduation I / Graduate Seminar I (3 crédits / 3 units)
Séminaire portant sur un aspect spécifique du processus de mise en scène et permettant des échanges fructueux relatifs aux problèmes qui se présentent aux étudiants dans le cadre de leur production. Les problèmes à traiter seront choisis parmi les suivants et varieront d'une session à l'autre : les traditions françaises et anglaises de la mise en scène; du texte à la scène; les collaborations au théâtre; les méthodologies de la mise en scène; le théâtre et les conventions; le théâtre et les autres arts; le théâtre et ses publics. La description du séminaire est disponible plusieurs mois à l'avance au Département. / Seminar focussing on a selected aspect of the directorial process and providing a forum for the discussion of problems and issues encountered in production work. Topics will vary from session to session and will be chosen from among the following: the French and English traditions of directing; from text to stage; theatrical collaboration; approaches to directing; theatrical conventions; theatre and the other arts; and the theatre and its audiences. A description of the specific seminar topic is available several months in advance from the Department.
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar
THE 5932 Séminaire de graduation II / Graduate Seminar II (3 crédits / 3 units)
Séminaire portant sur un aspect spécifique du processus de mise en scène et permettant des échanges fructueux relatifs aux problèmes qui se présentent aux étudiants dans le cadre de leur production. Pour la liste des problèmes à traiter, veuillez vous référer à THE 5931 Séminaire I. / Seminar focussing on a selected aspect of the directorial process and providing a forum for the discussion of problems and issues encountered in production work. For a list of topics, please refer to THE 5931 Graduate Directing Seminar I.
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar
THE 5933 Séminaire de graduation III / Graduate Seminar III (3 crédits / 3 units)
Séminaire portant sur un aspect spécifique du processus de mise en scène et permettant des échanges fructueux relatifs aux problèmes qui se présentent aux étudiants dans le cadre de leur production. Pour la liste des problèmes à traiter, veuillez vous référer à THE 5931 Séminaire I. / Seminar focussing on a selected aspect of the directorial process and providing a forum for the discussion of problems and issues encountered in production work. For a list of topics, please refer to THE 5931 Graduate Directing Seminar I.
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
THE 5934 Séminaire de graduation IV / Graduate Seminar IV (3 crédits / 3 units)
Séminaire portant sur un aspect spécifique du processus de mise en scène et permettant des échanges fructueux relatifs aux problèmes qui se présentent aux étudiants dans le cadre de leur production. Pour la liste des problèmes à traiter, veuillez vous référer à THE 5931 Séminaire I. / Seminar focussing on a selected aspect of the directorial process and providing a forum for the discussion of problems and issues encountered in production work. For a list of topics, please refer to THE 5931 Graduate Directing Seminar I.
Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture
THE 5952 Analyse formelle de la préproduction / Formal Pre-Production Analysis (3 crédits / 3 units)
Les étudiants doivent préparer une analyse détaillée de la pièce retenue pour leur production finale comprenant une analyse historique et dramatique, une étude de la place qu'elle tient dans l'oeuvre de l'auteur, une proposition détaillée de la mise en scène, en plus d'une bibliographie critique des travaux qui se rapportent à la pièce et à la production. / Students prepare a substantial analysis of the play chosen for their final production, including a historical and dramatic analysis, a study of the play's place within the author's oeuvre, a production history and a detailed production concept, as well as a critical bibliography of works pertaining to the play and to the production.
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
THE 5997 Lectures dirigées en théâtre I / Directed Readings in Theatre I (3 crédits / 3 units)
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
THE 5998 Lectures dirigées en théâtre II / Directed Readings in Theatre II (3 crédits / 3 units)
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
THE 6001 Production finale / Final Product (6 crédits / 6 units)
L'étudiant dirige une pièce. Après la production finale, l'étudiant présente une analyse de la préparation, des répétitions, de la représentation et de la réception de son spectacle. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). / Students direct a full-length play. After the production they will submit a post-production analysis of the preparation, rehearsal, performance and reception of the play. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
Permission du Département est requise. / Permission of the Department is required.
THE 60011 Production finale (Partie 1 de 2) / Final Product (Part 1 of 2)
L'étudiant dirige une pièce. Après la production finale, l'étudiant présente une analyse de la préparation, des répétitions, de la représentation et de la réception de son spectacle. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). (Partie 1 de 2) / Students direct a full-length play. After the production they will submit a post-production analysis of the preparation, rehearsal, performance and reception of the play. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory). (Part 1 of 2)
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
Permission du Département est requise. / Permission of the Department is required.
THE 60012 Production finale (Partie 2 de 2) / Final Product (Part 2 of 2) (6 crédits / 6 units)
L'étudiant dirige une pièce. Après la production finale, l'étudiant présente une analyse de la préparation, des répétitions, de la représentation et de la réception de son spectacle. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). (Partie 2 de 2) / Students direct a full-length play. After the production they will submit a post-production analysis of the preparation, rehearsal, performance and reception of the play. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory). (Part 2 of 2)
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
THE 6901 Stage / Directing Practicum (3 crédits / 3 units)
Chaque étudiant fait un stage à titre d'observateur auprès d'un metteur en scène aguerri dirigeant une production professionnelle. À la fin du stage, l'étudiant présente un rapport détaillé et une analyse du processus de mise en scène auquel il a participé. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). / Students observe a senior director mount a professional production. At the conclusion of the production, the student will submit a detailed record and analysis of the directorial process in which they have participated. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
THE 6990 Proposition de thèse / Thesis Proposal
Les étudiants doivent s'inscrire à THE 6990 au plus tard au cours de la deuxième session d'inscription au programme et avoir terminé le cours à la fin de la troisième session. Dans le cadre de ce cours, les étudiants effectuent des lectures intensives d'ouvrages dramaturgiques et théoriques directement reliés à leur domaine de recherche et rédigent leur projet de thèse sous la direction de leur directeur de thèse. Le projet de thèse doit être défendu devant le Comité des études supérieures et le directeur de thèse. L'étudiant dont le projet n'est pas accepté lors d'une première défense peut à nouveau présenter un projet à la session suivante. Si le projet n'est pas approuvé lors de la deuxième soumission, la note NS (non satisfaisant) sera attribuée pour le projet et l'étudiant sera retiré du programme. Le cours est noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). / Students must enroll in THE 6990 no later than the 2nd session of registration in the program and complete it by the end of the third session. They read works, both dramaturgical and theoretical, directly related to their thesis topic, and prepare their thesis proposal under the guidance of their thesis adviser. The proposal must be defended before the Graduate Studies Committee and the student's supervisor. A student whose proposal is not accepted may submit and present a second proposal in the following session. Failure to obtain approval on the second attempt leads to a grade of NS (Not satisfactory) for the proposal and results in compulsory withdrawal from the program. The course is evaluated on an S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory) basis.
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
THE 6999 Mémoire / Major Research Paper
Le mémoire est préparé sous la direction du superviseur et est approuvé par le comité des études supérieures. Le mémoire doit être achevé et reçu avec succès avant la fin du troisième semestre d'inscription à temps plein dans le programme de maîtrise. En cas d'échec, l'étudiant doit s'inscrire à une session supplémentaire. Un deuxième échec conduit à une note NS (non satisfaisante) sur le relevé de notes et à l'abandon du programme. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). / The research paper is prepared under the direction of the research paper supervisor and is approved by the graduate committee. The research paper must be successfully completed by the end of the third session of full-time registration in the master's program. In the event of failure, the student must register for an additional session. A second failure leads to a grade of NS (Not satisfactory) on the transcript and to withdrawal from the program. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research