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University of Massachusetts - Amherst


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Department of Theatre

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181 Presidents Drive
Amherst,Massachusetts 01003
413.545.3490
umasstheater@theater.umass.edu

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre - Dramaturgy

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre - Performance (Acting and Directing)

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre - Design and Production

Minor in Theatre

Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology - Costume Design

Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology - Lighting Design

Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology - Scenic Design and Technology

Master of Arts in Directing

Master of Arts in Dramaturgy


We create and produce high-caliber, professional, artistic creations on stage, telling human stories that connect audiences and performers in our increasingly mediatized world. We model and practice professional theater-making at every level of our teaching and production process. As part of a large public university, we remain committed to accessibility and opportunities for all students. Our excellent, high-caliber faculty marry the theoretical with the practical, guiding students to discover theatrical skills as well as life skills that serve them in the world of theater and beyond. The expertise of our faculty often engenders artistic projects and opportunities for our students, and they have opportunities to practice their budding professional skills and make artistic creations in official and less official spaces. The spirit of mentorship permeates our department, and we tailor our teaching and advising to the specific needs and strengths of our students. We build teams in everything we do, teaching students the art of collaboration, working in groups, and tackling projects from start to finish. As a large public university, we remain committed to accessibility and opportunities for all students. In our undergraduate program, we cultivate complete theater artists who have chances to bloom within and across our three major areas of study: Dramaturgy, Performance, and Design. Our students pride themselves on their take-charge, “can-do” approach to their work, and they take ownership of their projects. For students who cannot commit to the full requirements of the major, our minor offers a valuable opportunity to learn about theater-making.

Notable Alumni Include:

Bill Pullman, Jeffrey Donovan, Richard Gere, Marissa Matrone, Rob Corddry, John Dias, Constance Congdon, David Mark Cohen


Acceptance Rate:

The university's overall acceptance rate is around 58%, meaning that for every 100 applicants, approximately 58 are admitted.


Faculty Info:

Judyie Al-Bilali, Amy Altadonna, Christopher Baker, Yao Chen, Willow Cohen, Joanne Corbeil-Harper, Michael Cottom, Milan Dragicevich, Michael Dubin, Harley Erdman, Julie A. Fife, Elisa Gonzales, Anna-Maria Goossens, Brandon Hall, Kristin Jensen, Gina Kaufmann, Anya Klepikov, Felicia McNeill Malachite, Gilbert McCauley, Priscilla Page, Penny Remsen, Bethany Sherwood.



Related Articles

Cal State LA to Present THE JOHN LION NEW PLAYS FESTIVAL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 18, 2025


The Department of Theatre and Dance at Cal State LA will present the 27th annual John Lion New Plays Festival at the university's State Playhouse. Learn more and see how to attend.

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by A.A. Cristi - April 17, 2025


USM Department of Theatre wraps up its 2024-2025 season with the USM Spring Dance Concert, featuring new dance works by five choreographers and performed by USM dance students April 25th-27th at Russell Hall on the USM Gorham Campus.

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by A.A. Cristi - March 26, 2025


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The Trick, written by Joe Praml, and directed by Linnea V. Praml will be presented at Theatre 68 Arts Complex in February. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

THE TRICK Comes to Theatre 68 This Month
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The Trick is coming to Theatre 68 this month. The play is written by Joe Praml, directed by Linnea V. Praml, and produced by Epiphany Productions and Los Angeles Valley College Department of Theatre and Dance.

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by Michael Major - November 29, 2024


Check out this week's top show programs from BroadwayWorld's Stage Mag! This week includes University of Montevallo Department of Theatre, The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens, and River Stage at the Cosumnes River College Black Box Theatre. 

USM Theatre To Present TOO MUCH LIGHT MAKES THE BABY GO BLIND (30 PLAYS IN 60 MINUTES)
by A.A. Cristi - November 25, 2024


USM Department of Theatre brings the Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 Plays in 60 Minutes) to Russell Hall Stage, running December 5-8, 2024.

UTA Theatre Arts and Dance to Present DANCE DECONSTRUCTED
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