M.F.A. Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities

Program Description

The Master of Fine Arts [MFA] in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities [DTY] represents the diversity of exploration in the field as well as attention to theoretical foundations and critical issues currently under deliberation. The MFA in DTY provides advanced training for those specializing in theatre arts, preparing students for careers as teaching artists in schools and communities; elementary and secondary schools, college and university education; regional and professional theatre for young audiences [TYA].

The three-year, sixty-semester-hour program stresses flexibility and encourages participation in classes throughout the Department of Theatre and Dance and the University at large. The program culminates in a thesis project and accompanying written thesis based on research and/or execution and analysis in a wide range of subjects. Thesis topics may be in Applied Drama/Theatre, Theatre for Young Audiences, Youth Theatre, Educational Outreach, Theatre-in-Education, Drama-in-Education, the creation or production of original plays for young audiences or other appropriate projects. Within education and the theatre profession, the DTY MFA is considered an appropriate terminal degree for this area of study allowing students numerous opportunities for research and practical experience in classrooms, theatres and community-based settings. The degree does not lead to public school teacher certification, however, students interested in teacher certification may take additional classes to reach this goal.

Begun in 1945 with creative drama classes and plays for children, DTY remains an integral component of the departmental landscape. Over the years, the department has developed excellent relationships with the Austin Independent School District, the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Texas School for the Deaf, and other school districts across Texas. Faculty and students continue to build partnerships with UT's Blanton Museum of Art, McCombs School of Business, Law School, Voices Against Violence, and the Humanities Research Library [HRC] as well as with professional community partners such as Theatre Action Project and the Paramount Theatre.

Drama for Schools (DFS) is DTY's research-based K-12 arts integration professional development training program. DFS brings UT students and faculty into school districts to explore the potential of drama-based instruction to make a sustainable difference in the learning culture of a classroom, school, and school district. Community-engaged partnerships provide a laboratory for students and faculty interested in pursuing a variety of practical and research projects in professional theatre, school and community locations.

Plays for young audiences are presented on campus and on tour to elementary schools continuing the educational goals established in 1945. Many of the productions have been premières of such plays as Reynard the Fox [American première]; The Honorable Urashima Taro; Yankee Doodle; A Toby Show; The Arkansaw Bear; The Magician's Nephew; Ellen Foster; Braille: The Early Life of Louis Braille; Tomato Plant Girl; I Didn't Know That! – A Light Hearted Revue; Degas' Little Dancer; Ashes, Ashes; Funky Snowman; and Señora Tortuga. New play dramaturgy projects feature in-depth relationships with leading professional companies such as Metro Theatre Company, The Coterie Theatre, Seattle Children's Theatre, Minnesota Children's Theatre, Childsplay Inc., P.L.A.Y. at the Mark Taper Forum, and the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.

As one of the foremost national programs of study in a major research institution, the MFA in DTY is lead by a distinguished faculty:

Coleman A. Jennings, Theatre for Young Audiences, DTY Program Head
Megan Alrutz, Applied Theatre and Community Cultural Engagement
Katie Dawson, Teaching Artist Training, Drama For Schools Program Director
Joan Lazarus, Head, B.F.A. Theatre Teacher Education Program, Youth Theatre
Roxanne Schroeder-Arce, B.F.A. Theatre Teacher Education, Youth Theatre
Suzan Zeder, Head of Playwriting, Endowed Chair in Theatre for Youth/Playwriting

National Professional Affiliations

Outreach and Community Engagement