M.A. in Theatre

Be Equipped for On-Stage Success

The Master of Arts in Theatre can develop both the scholar and artist in all aspects of the art form, from theory to production. You will focus on theatre teaching methods, character development, analyzing live theatrical performances, aesthetics and dramaturgy. You’ll also learn a range of practitioner-oriented disciplines including acting, directing and design from an award-winning theatre college. Presented from a Christian worldview, this online theatre major provides you the option of attending an on-campus summer residency in Virginia Beach.

Location: Online

Total Credit Hours: 30

Next Session Start: January 13, 2025

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

Increase Your Earning Potential

Advance in leadership roles with higher salary opportunities.

Strengthen Your Expertise

Increase your expertise in theatre as a teacher and an artist.

Lay a Strong Foundation

Strengthen your knowledge for a terminal degree, be it a Ph.D. or an MFA.

Be Mentored by Masters of the Craft

Learn the art and craft of scriptwriting from industry experts.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Top 25 Best Master's Programs in Virginia, 2024, UniversityHQ.

Career Opportunities

On completing this online M.A. in theatre degree, you can:

Analyze written dramatic texts for film, television or theatrical production.
Assist with functions within a theatrical organization such as season selection, audience education and audience development.

Career Opportunities

Theatre teacher
K-12 theatre department instructor
Drama coach
Stage director
Technical director

$80Thousand

Approx. Estimated Total Pay of a Stage Director, 2022 Glassdoor

Courses

Featured Courses
Code	Name	Credits
COM 691	Culminating Project Preparation		Students work with faculty to learn about academic requirements for publication, determine the topic/set-up of culminating projects, complete necessary preparation to begin projects, and arrange for committee assignments. Pass/No Pass.
SSW 513	Elements of Visual Storytelling	3	A breakdown of Aristotle’s Poetics as applied to cinema. Includes a history of narrative from the fable through post-modern storytelling, and an exhaustive analysis of all the elements that go into a satisfying and socially redemptive story. Geared toward the production of complete, worthy, and commercial feature film projects.
THE 500	Theatre History	3	Historical investigation of theatre practice and dramatic literature form Ancient Greece to the modern era with an emphasis on Europe and North America.
THE 510	Research & Aesthetics in Theatre	3	An in-depth examination of the philosophical and methodological strategies of graduate study within the field of the theatrical arts. Emphasis is placed on historical/critical research methods, principles of formalist analysis, Christian Aesthetics and the completion of individual research projects designed to prepare the student for the culminating experience of the Thesis/Creative Project. Cross-listed with THE 700.
THE 595	Internship	1-3	Gives the student an opportunity to apply classroom learning to professional work situations. Pass/No Pass.
THE 597	Comprehensive Exam	3	Students will register in their final semester for a written qualifying examination. This course does not apply to the coursework (pre-qualifying examination) aspect of the individual degree program. Pass/No Pass.
THE 613	Text Analysis for Production	3	Designed to familiarize students with the principles, methods, and procedures involved in the analysis of written dramatic texts intended for film, television, or theatrical production. Helps students identify the different elements contained within a script and to understand how each of these relate to one another and work together in creating the overall impression as a work of art. Cross-listed with THE 713).
THE 632	Theories & Concepts in Acting	3	An in-depth examination of a variety of theories and techniques of dramatic stage acting. Emphasis placed on Constantin Stanislavski’s system and the application of his theories and principles in exercises and performance presentations. Residency requirement.
THE 633	Theories & Concepts in Directing	3	An in-depth examination of a variety of theories and techniques for directing live performances for the stage. Emphasis placed on various principles, techniques, and approaches to directing dramatically effective presentations. The student will participate in classroom exercise work designed to prepare the student to apply what they learn in various types of performance presentations. Emphasis placed on script analysis, principles of staging, and collaborating with actors. Residency Requirement.
THE 645	Theatre & Culture	3	Historical and theoretical perspectives of dramatic art and popular culture and their influence on individuals and communities from a Christocentric worldview. Provides theatre practitioners and emergent scholars with an understanding of the role of story in the development of worldviews.
THE 719	Dramaturgy	3	History and role of the dramaturg in developing production concepts, research, choosing translations, and developing adaptations of literature for performance. The dramaturg’s functions within a theatrical organization to assist in season selection, audience education, and audience development.

Admissions Requirements

2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

Session	Semester Check-In	Session Start Date
Session A	Friday, August 9	Monday, August 19
Session M	Friday, September 6	Monday, September 16
Session B	Friday, October 11	Monday, October 21
Session C	Wednesday, January 8	Monday, January 13
Session T	Friday, January 31	Monday, February 10
Session D	Friday, March 7	Monday, March 17
Session E	Friday, May 2	Monday, May 12
Session F	Friday, June 13	Monday, June 23

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Tuition & Fees

2024-25 Tuition Rates

PART-TIME STUDENTS

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)	$670	6	$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)	$670	6	$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)	$670	6	$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)	$920	6	$5,520
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)	$950	3	$2,850
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)	$950	3	$2,850

Full-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)	$670	9	$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)	$670	9	$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)	$670	9	$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)	$920	9	$8,280
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)	$950	6	$5,700
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)	$950	6	$5,700

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)	$850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)	$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

2023-24 Tuition Rates

Part-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)	$670	6	$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)	$670	6	$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)	$670	6	$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)	$920	6	$5,520
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)	$950	3	$2,850
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)	$950	3	$2,850

Full-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)	$670	9	$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)	$670	9	$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)	$670	9	$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)	$920	9	$8,280
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)	$950	6	$5,700
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)	$950	6	$5,700

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)	$850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)	$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

FAQ

Whether you are a prospective student or a current student, your questions matter. Please take a few moments to skim our Frequently Asked Questions. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us.

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“My Regent learning experience helped inform my perspective on clients, products, the work environment and competitors, which heavily influences the work that I do.”

Shé Langley, M.A., 2011 Digital Media

“Regent University has a reputation of developing Christian leaders. I am so grateful to be growing toward that end.”

Caleb Kinchlow, M.A. in Communication - Digital Media, 2012 Senior Videographer/Editor/Digital Content Producer, CBN; TV host; Author

“Your time in school, and certainly at Regent, molds how you think, molds how you approach things … Regent offers a serious academic environment that provides for growth in those areas.”

Chris Connelly, M.A. in Public Policy, 1998; Ph.D. in Communication, 2020 Chief of Staff, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler

“I received my M.A. in Communication from Regent University. Juggling full-time work, freelancing, family time, as well as 2-3 courses at a time was challenging, but it was worth all the hard work.”

Adam Ericson, M.A. in Communication, 2020 Filmmaker, Seacoast Church

“When I came to Regent, it was really out of a place of what I call vocational desperation. I had a degree in theology, but a strong sense of calling toward film. Regent helped me sort out my future and set me on a path I never dreamed of before. Now, I'm a teacher and a filmmaker.”

Joshua Overbay, MFA, 2010 Filmmaker