Theatre arts

University of Idaho’s M.F.A. in theatre arts offers both on-campus and a distance-based option. Both pathways require 60 credit hours and can typically be completed in three years, with accelerated completion possible through the M.A. to M.F.A. conversion option. 

View the theatre arts program handbook

Explore program information in the University Catalog

Flexible curriculum

We want you to get the most of your graduate experience at University of Idaho, so flexibility is built into our curriculum. All students are required to take 11 credit hours in our M.F.A. theatre core:

• THE 5150 — M.F.A. Jury/Portfolio Review (1 credit, taken 5 times)
  • Taken each semester, this one-credit course is designed to make sure that you are reaching your educational goals and that we, as a faculty and department, are also meeting your expectations of the program.
• THE 5160 — Graduate Seminar (3 credits)
  • An in-depth, rigorous exploration of theatrical research, methods and collaborative pedagogy, this class is for students who are new to the M.F.A. program. Together, students will examine performance as a means of creative expression, a mode of critical inquiry and an avenue for public engagement, while also deepening their understanding of information literacy and research methods and tools. In this class, you will think critically about the ways in which theatre can engage with some of the important issues of our time.
• THE 5960 — M.F.A. Exit Project (3 credits)
  • This course is a culminating creative project for M.F.A. candidates. 

You will work with your major professor to build out your study plan with 49 elective credits from the following areas: 

• Studio
• Skills/craft
• History/literature/criticism
• Project and self- directed learning
• Conference or practicum

Distance-based M.F.A.

The distance-based M.F.A. program combines synchronous and asynchronous coursework, allowing students to continue working within their theatre communities while pursuing graduate study. There are no residency requirements for this program. Students can complete coursework in any departmental area of emphasis and may receive credit for approved creative and professional projects completed within their local communities. Students enrolled exclusively in online courses qualify for in-state tuition rates.

On-campus M.F.A.

The on-campus M.F.A. provides immersive, hands-on graduate training through production assignments, faculty mentorship and teaching opportunities. Depending on your area of emphasis and experience, assistantship responsibilities may include teaching, costume shop work or scene shop assignments. Students participate in the department’s mainstage season and are encouraged to explore additional artistic disciplines throughout the program. 

M.A. to M.F.A. conversion

We offer the M.F.A. curriculum in both a two-year and three-year option. If you have already earned an approved master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, you may be eligible for our M.A. to M.F.A. conversion, which allows up to 20 credits from your previous master’s program to be applied to your course of study for the M.F.A. 

Hands-on learning opportunities

• Opportunities for design, dramaturgy, directing and management roles in campus productions for on-campus students.
• Attend festivals and conferences including the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) Region 7 festival, the United States Institute of Theatre Technology annual conference and the American Society for Theatre Research annual conference.
• Optional fall-semester trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
• Study abroad opportunity in Mexico City during the summer session.

Internships

• Rex Rabold Fellowship at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
• Ari Keever/Trajectory Fellowship at Boise Contemporary Theatre
• B Street Theatre’s New Comedies Festival opportunities
• Faculty-supported summer theatre opportunities and professional connections at theatres across the country  

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Campus-based M.F.A. tuition assistance
If you’re interested in the in-person M.F.A. in theatre arts program on the Moscow campus, you are eligible for assistantships. All efforts will be made to place you within an assistantship that matches your area of emphasis. Current assistantships include teaching oral communications (generally for directing students) and working in the scene shop (generally for scenic and lighting design or tech students) or costume shop (generally for costume design and technology students). The availability of these assistantships is limited each year, and we suggest applying early and reaching out to the Theatre Department to request more information.

Distance-based M.F.A. tuition assistance
The distance-based M.F.A. program does not offer tuition-based scholarships or assistantships. The cost of the online M.F.A. option is an affordable way to complete this world-class program, as you will be assessed in-state tuition if you only register for the distance/online sections of the courses. You can continue working your day job or pursue it from anywhere while you attend the program online and pay in-state tuition.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.  
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.  
• Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

View financial aid resources

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized assistance with curriculum, faculty guidance, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities. 

Program contacts:
Robert Caisley
Chair of Theatre Arts, Professor of Theatre, Head of Dramatic Writing
rcaisley@uidaho.edu
208-885-0272

Sarah Fogarty-Morrison
Associate Professor
sarahcampbell@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions:  
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a major professor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities.

Find M.F.A. in theatre arts program faculty

Applicants for the M.F.A. in theatre arts must meet the following admission requirements:

• Education level: Bachelor's
• GPA: 3.0
• GRE: No
• TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo: 79/6.5/115 (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language)
• Number of references: Three
• Other requirements: Additional application materials are required based on the areas of focus chosen
  • Directing - Portfolio required
  • Dramatic Writing - Writing sample required
  • Theatre Design - Portfolio required
  • Theatre Technology - Portfolio required
  • Theatre Management - Portfolio required
  • Theatre Pedagogy – No additional requirements

Program availability

• Concentration: Non-thesis
• Semester intake: Summer, Fall, Spring
• Eligible for WRGP award
• Eligible for international admission
• Deadlines:  
  • For fall admission, applications should be received by July 15.
  • For spring admission, applications should be received by November 15.
  • For summer admission, applications should be received by April 1.
• General application deadlines
• Start Dates:
  • View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.