Skip navigation
Actors in a play: Pursue a Master of Arts in Theater degree at Regent University.

M.A. in Theatre

Be Equipped for On-Stage Success

The Master of Arts in Theatre develops 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.

Online
30
June 19, 2023
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.

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
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.
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.
Historical investigation of theatre practice and dramatic literature form Ancient Greece to the modern era with an emphasis on Europe and North America.
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.
Gives the student an opportunity to apply classroom learning to professional work situations. Pass/No Pass.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.

2022-23 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All new 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.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 12Monday, August 22
Session MFriday, September 9Monday, September 19
Session BFriday, October 14Monday, October 24
Session CWednesday, January 4Monday, January 9
Session TFriday, January 27Monday, February 6
Session DFriday, March 3Monday, March 13
Session EFriday, April 28Monday, May 8
Session FFriday, June 9Monday, June 19

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial College Transcripts

  • Email your unofficial college transcripts to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: Unofficial Transcripts.
  • Upon conditional acceptance, Regent University will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution.
  • International transcripts must be evaluated by an NACES-approved company.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

  • Email a photo of your government-issued ID to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: Government ID.
  • Please note that all items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Television & Video Production (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9206$5,520
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9503$2,850
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9503$2,850

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Television & Video Production (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9209$8,280
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9506$5,700
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9506$5,700

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$800 (Fall & Spring)
$650 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Television & Video Production (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9206$5,520
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9503$2,850
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9503$2,850

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Television & Video Production (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9209$8,280
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9506$5,700
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9506$5,700

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Estimated Cost of Attendance: View the estimated cost of attendance to see an example of the total cost of tuition and fees.

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.

“The professors here never allowed me to settle for good, always pushing me towards giving my best.”

Padmakshi "Paddy" Parkhe, M.A., 2011 Journalism

“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

“My identity isn’t in whether or not I get a role; what’s important is that I’m being a good witness, that I’m being a light and loving support to other actors.”

Ashley Dakin, MFA, 2013