Department of Performing Arts
Theatre Education (MA)
Katie Cuca Polishes Her Skills in the Theatre Education Graduate Program
Katie Cuca develops a play as part of the hands-on Theatre Education graduate program. (Filmed and edited by Emerson students.)
The MA in Theatre Education program provides professional training in the uses of theater and drama as vehicles of education. The program also serves as preparation for doctoral work in theater, education, or related fields.
Art of Teaching & The Teaching of Art
Offering two streams of study for students, the Theatre Education program allows you to explore yourself as both an artist and an educator. We help you prepare for a successful career by offering areas of emphasis in Theatre Teacher Education as well as Theatre and Community.
Learn about our program requirements and our Theatre Education curriculum »
Distinguished Faculty as Mentors
As you cultivate your own talent, you will be joined by world-renowned Emerson faculty–distinguished directors, producers, writers, actors, performance artists, and educators with national and international experience. You will be given the chance to work hand-in-hand with these professionals; Emerson faculty members serve not only as your teachers, but as your mentors and peers as well.
Exceptional Facilities
Located in the heart of Boston's Theatre District, Emerson's campus includes:
- the restored Cutler Majestic Theatre
- the 11-story, state-of-the-art Tufte Performance and Production Center
- the recently opened Paramount Center, which includes a renovated art deco 590-seat main theater, the 150-seat Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre, a soundstage, the Bright Family Screening Room, a scene/ prop production shop, and rehearsal studios
With the addition of the Paramount Center and its theaters, Emerson now owns more performance spaces than any other institution in Boston.
Learn more about our theaters and production spaces »
Bringing the Stage to the World
Emerson Theatre Education graduates are in demand nationwide. A large majority of our graduates seeking employment as theater educators find positions within months of completing the program, becoming theater teachers in public and private grade schools and high schools, directors and producers of community theater, and coordinators of educational outreach programs. Graduates seeking an MFA or PhD also have a high acceptance rate into further educational study.
Learn about our connections to local schools, community organizations, and theatre companies »
Learn More
Interested in applying to this program? Sign up to receive information about our academic programs, important updates regarding special on-campus events, and application notifications from the Graduate Admission Office. Sign up today »
Theatre Education (MA) At a Glance
40 credit program
Full-time or part-time enrollment. Full time enrollment is typically 8 or 12 credits per semester.
Fall admission
Classes generally meet in the day and evening.
Full-time students usually complete degree in one and a half to two years; part-time students usually complete the degree in two and a half to three years.
Meet the Graduate Program Director
Robert Colby, Graduate Program Director for Theatre Education and Associate Professor, specializes in theater education and theater for young audiences, and directing. His productions for young audiences have toured extensively throughout the New England area.
Learn more »
Graduate Studies
FOR CURRENT STUDENTS
To read the Graduate Handbook and learn about research and fellowship opportunities, visit the Graduate Studies website.
Amy Czarnowski '06
Building A Network of Theatre Teachers
Chelsea High School Drama and Dance Teacher and Director Amy Czarnowski '06 calls the community in the Theatre Education graduate program a breath of fresh air. Watch the video »






