PhD Program

The doctoral program at the University of Pittsburgh seeks to develop philosophers of theatre. It is distinguished by an integration of theory with practice, and by attention to theatre as social interaction and historical artifact.

 

A philosopher of theatre—someone who thinks about theatre as a cultural process separate from literature or other forms of communication—cannot, we believe, perform that thinking isolated from the ways that theatre actually affects audiences. The program, while manifestly academic in nature, encourages doctoral candidates to combine active theatre work with their intellectual work, often in self-developed projects.

Thus, the department offers a double emphasis: preparation for scholarship, research and teaching on one hand; and preparation for intensive professional specialization on the other. For the second specialization, candidates choose a Special Option, and in consultation with their advisor, outline a program of studies and training to prepare for expertise in a particular field of professional skill. This double objective gives successful PhD candidates a competitive advantage in the profession.

More information on Ph.D. requirements is available. Application deadline is January 15, 2010.

More Information

Connie Markiw
Graduate Admissions/Department Secretary
Department of Theatre Arts
1617 Cathedreal of Learning
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 624-6568