Master of Arts [M.A] [Applied Theatre Arts] From University of Southern California

The graduating student of the M.A. in Applied Theatre Arts is trained to become a cultural field worker in the practice of theatre arts applied to the areas of educational, therapeutic and socio-political community-based transformation. The range of proficiency typically required of a graduating M.A. student in Applied Theatre Arts includes:

• Developing a basic knowledge in the fundamental artistic skills of theatre practice of acting, directing and playwriting as applied in a community-based setting.
• Developing a critical cultural literacy that places the work of Applied Theatre Arts in the context of its community partnerships, particularly relative to issues of oppression based on class, race, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economics, and religious, ethnic or national identity.
• Developing practical skills for the cultural fieldworker through experiential practice with community internship partners, with a particular attention to Theatre and Therapy, Theatre in Education and Theatre for Social Change.
• Exhibiting the capacity to apply critical theory, particularly post-colonial theory, to community-based theatre practice through Participatory Action Research.
• Exhibiting a proficiency in the philosophy, methodology and practice of Theatre of the Oppressed.
• Showing agency with the management of all aspects of community-based theatre work, from initial community meetings to the rehearsal and implementation of community-based theatre projects.
• Increasing awareness of the global field of Applied Theatre through participation in a foreign externship.