MA/PhD in Theatre Studies at York University

[Laura Levin]

York University announces a new graduate program in Theatre Studies, 
and encourages applications for its first class in September 2006. The 
application deadline is May 31, 2006.

York’s graduate program grants both MA and PhD degrees in Theatre 
Studies, as well as offering a one-year Diploma option. Application 
information is available from the graduate program assistant, Aina 
Arro, at ainaarro at yorku.ca.

This new program draws on the interdisciplinary strengths of York 
faculty and promotes theatre research across the fine arts, humanities, 
and social sciences.  We welcome a variety of approaches to 
performance, ranging from studies of performance on stage to 
performative behaviors in everyday life.  Students will have the 
opportunity to explore an exciting array of performance practices, 
including traditional theatre, experimental theatre, community-based 
theatre, site-specific performance, performance art, rituals, protests, 
and popular entertainment.

Within our diverse course offerings, which introduce students to 
leading edge work in history, theory and criticism, we also offer 
particular fields of specialization.  Currently, these include: 
performance studies; theatre criticism and publishing; post-colonial 
theatre; and theatre, health and social change (therapeutic and 
spiritual applications of theatre).  Many of our courses emphasize the 
importance of understanding performance in an international and 
cross-cultural context. We are in the process of establishing an 
International Summer Institute to expose our students to theatrical 
traditions from other cultures and alternative theatre forms.

York’s program in Theatre Studies is unique in combining theory and 
critical analysis with a commitment to performance practice.  Students 
will engage in performance activities that intersect with their 
scholarly projects and they will gain valuable practical experience 
through internships.  Rather than approaching performance practice as 
merely a research subject, our program views practice itself as a vital 
form of research.

Our interdisciplinary graduate group is composed of distinguished 
faculty from several departments on York’s two campuses.  Professors 
actively involved in the program include: Guillaume Bernardi (Drama); 
Kim Byrd (English); Derek Cohen (English); Robert Fothergill (Theatre); 
Darren Gobert (English); Terry Goldie (English); Christopher Innes 
(Canada Research Chair in Performance & Culture); Gail Mitchell 
(Nursing); Modupe Oloagon (African Studies and English); Don Rubin 
(Theatre Studies); Judith Rudakoff (Theatre Studies); Laura Levin 
(Theatre Studies); Leslie Sanders (Humanities); Skip Shand (Theatre 
Studies); Ross Stuart (Theatre Studies); Robert Wallace (Drama 
Studies); Belarie Zatzman (Education and Theatre Studies); Joyce Zemans 
(Business Administration and Art History); Hersh Zeifman (English); and 
Cynthia Zimmerman (English).

Funding is available to qualified candidates in the form of internal 
and external scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships, and 
graduate research stipends.

If you have questions about the program or the application process, 
please contact Aina Arro at ainaarro at yorku.ca or 416-736-2100, ext. 
22204.

________________________
Dr. Laura Levin
Department of Theatre
York University						
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22370