Master of Arts Theatre and Specialization Medieval and Renaissance Studies

The Department of Theatre offers two graduate programs, one leading to a Master of Arts (MA) in Theatre, and the other to a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Directing for the Theatre.

The MA in Theatre includes a thesis and 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.

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Directing focuses on the practice and theory of directing. It allows students to develop their skills in the art of directing, and offers the unique opportunity to study both English and French theatre practices and traditions in a bilingual and bicultural setting. The program is designed to prepare students to work as directors in both the professional and academic theatre.

Both programs are offered full-time and extend over two years. They can be pursued in English and in French.

The Department offers a collaborative program in Medieval and Renaissance Studies at the MA level. For more information on this program, see Admission Requirements.

The collaborative master’s in Medieval and Renaissance Studies (MDV) has two goals:

To offer at the graduate level a multi-disciplinary education in Medieval and Renaissance Studies;
To teach students the theoretical approaches and methods of research specific to the study of the period.

The specialization in Medieval and Renaissance Studies is intended for students who wish to enrich their training by including to their main program an interdisciplinary component in Medieval and Renaissance Studies. Besides a thesis or a major research paper on a topic related to the medieval and Renaissance period, the specific requirements of the collaborative program include two core courses in medieval studies (MDV), one of which will count as a partial requirement in the main discipline.

The programs are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

Pour connaître les renseignements à jour concernant les dates limites, les tests de langues et autres exigences d'admission, consultez la page des exigences particulières.

Admission to the graduate programs in Theatre is governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

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. The list of acceptable proofs is indicated in the “Admission” section of the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

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.

Collaborative Program in Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Entry into the collaborative program requires at least a passive knowledge of French language.

Applications to the collaborative program must be submitted at the same time as the application for admission to the master's program in the main discipline.

Students wishing to enroll in the Collaborative program in Medieval and Renaissance Studies must first be admitted to the Master's program in one of the participating units. Candidates must hold an Honours Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Candidates pursue individualized research in areas of interest that may include dramaturgy, theory of performance, theatre criticism or history of theatre.

Students in the program must complete the requirements of their primary program and those of the collaborative program.

Course List
Code	Title	Units
Compulsory Courses (THE):
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
Compulsory Courses (MDV):
MDV 5100	Medieval and Renaissance Studies Research Methods and Tools ¹	3 Units
MDV 5900	Interdisciplinary Research Seminar ¹	3 Units
Thesis Proposal:
THE 6990	Thesis Proposal
Thesis:
THM 7999	Master's Thesis ²

Note(s)

¹: Students must complete the two compulsory MDV courses before they register to the thesis. Note that MDV 5900 is a bilingual course that requires at least a passive knowledge of French.
²: A thesis on a topic related to medieval and Renaissance studies; the proposed topic must be approved by the program committee of the participating unit and the committee of the collaborative program. The supervision of the thesis must be carried out by a professor approved by the collaborative program committee. At least one of the two thesis examiners must be a member of the collaborative program.

The title of the degree will indicate MA in theatre with "specialization in Medieval and Renaissance Studies."

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

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.