Program Overview

The MA Theatre Studies Program is currently on pause for 2025-26. 

Theatre Studies Areas of Research / Graduate Courses

Students take five courses for the MRP stream, and three courses for the Thesis stream. The required courses include: i) THST*6220: Theatre Theory, which provides a context for the discipline and establishes a consistent discourse for students working in the program; and ii) THST*6150: Theatre Historiography, a course that introduces students to the theory and practice of theatre-historical analysis, situating selected aspects of theatre history as a practice and an institution, and providing opportunities for students to pursue an area of specialized research in-depth.

Elective courses are subject to the special interests of faculty research and practice; these courses will rotate regularly among core faculty. For their electives, students may take any graduate course offered in English or Theatre Studies and may apply to take graduate courses in other programs. Prospective students are encouraged to become familiar with the current offerings.

The theatre archives at Guelph constitute the largest collection in Canada, with particular strengths in Ontario theatre and materials relating to Bernard Shaw. Three major journals are edited at Guelph, providing opportunities for editorial assistantships. Students have opportunities to gain teaching experience by appointment to graduate teaching assistantships or to graduate research assistantships connected to faculty research projects.

Semester System

Guelph’s academic year is divided into three 12-week semesters (Fall, Winter, and Summer). The Fall Semester begins in September and ends in mid-December; the Winter semester begins in January and ends in mid-April; the Summer Semester begins in May and ends in mid-August. Students are expected to register in each consecutive semester until degree requirements are completed. Students who wish not to register for a particular semester are required to apply for a leave of absence.

Length of Program

The Theatre Studies MA Program is designed to allow for completion in one academic year (three consecutive semesters).

Pathways Through the Program: Thesis or Coursework/Major Research Paper (MRP)

Students may choose between two options for completion of degree requirements:

1. Course-Work Option (MA.THST:L): five courses (5 X 0.50 credits) plus THST*6500 Research Paper. Of the five courses, two are required (THST*6150 and THST*6220, both are offered in the Fall Semester). 
2. Thesis Option (MA.THST): three courses (3 X 0.50 credits) plus an original research-based thesis (approx. 20,000 to 25,000 words).  Of the three courses, two are required: THST*6150 and THST*6220 (both are offered in the Fall Semester).

Library Resources

The University of Guelph’s library resources are remarkable for all aspects of the study of drama and theatre, and particularly for archival and special collections in Canadian Theatre, theatre and performance history, theatre festivals, and individual authors.  Applicants who wish to work with these collections are especially welcome.