Stanford Drama

The mission of the graduate program in Drama is to produce students who work in the leading edge of both scholarly and performance practice. The Ph.D. program in Drama emphasizes the combination of theory and practice. Graduate students complete a program with a rigorous study of critical theory and textual history and an understanding that such theory is informed by practical elements in directing, acting, writing, and design.

Normally, the Ph.D. program is completed in five years. The first two years should be devoted to full-time graduate study, the third year to graduate study and research, and years four and five to teaching and writing the dissertation. Following formal admission to candidacy (usually following the second year), the dissertation must be completed and approved within five years. A candidate taking more than five years must repass the written examinations in order to reinstate candidacy. Read on for more specific requirements, or skip to the application process. For the 2010–2011 academic year, graduate applications are due in December of 2010.

To view this year's course listing, visit the Stanford Explore Courses website and search "Drama."

Click here to schedule an appointment with our student services officer, Stephany Baker
Click on the "Submit an Event" Button on the upper right-hand side of the calendar.

Ph.D Degree Requirements

Application Instructions For Doctoral Program

09/10 Drama Graduate Student Handbook (printable PDF)

For a printable PDF document detailing degree requirements, click here.

Units and Course Requirements—

1. A minimum of 135 units of graduate courses and seminars in support of the degree. These units are in addition to units for the doctoral dissertation.
2. Core seminars: 300A, 300B, 301, 302 or 303, and 304
3. Three additional graduate seminars within the Department of Drama to be worked out with the adviser.
4. Four workshops in directing: DRAMA 370, 372, 373, 374. In the first two years, students take: 370, Concepts of Directing; 372, Projects in Directing; and 373, Directing and Dramaturgy. In the second year, students take 374, Graduate Directors' Performance Project, to stage a more fully developed production chosen in consultation with the faculty.

The following department requirements are in addition to the University's basic requirements for the doctorate.

Language Requirement

Three Examinations
1. Comprehensive
2. Qualifying
3. Department Oral

Dissertation Prospectus

Defense of Dissertation

Assistantships: Research (RA) and Teaching (TA)

a. Language Requirement—The candidate must demonstrate reading knowledge of one foreign language in which there is a major body of dramatic literature. The language requirement must be met before the student can be advanced to candidacy. The language requirement may be fulfilled in any of the following ways:

1. achievement of a sufficiently high score (70th percentile) on the foreign language examination prepared by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Latin and Greek are not tested by ETS.

2. a reading examination given each quarter by the various language departments, except for Latin and Greek.

3. pass with a grade of 'B' or higher courses in Literature/History numbered 100 or higher in a foreign language department at Stanford.

b. Examinations—Candidates must complete three examinations (comprehensive, qualifying, department oral) by the end of the first three years of study at Stanford.

1. 1st Year Comprehensive. The comprehensive examination is taken over the first weekend in December of the first year. The exam is based on texts given to the student by the department before the start of the first year. Students study these texts independently. For the exam, they should be able to identify and compare plays and playwrights from the list of texts in terms of dramatic genres, styles, and periods, and to address comparatively and analytically critical issues of texts and performance.

2. 2nd Year Qualifying. The qualifying examination, which must be completed before advancement to candidacy at the end of the second year, consists of two 25-35-page essays. Each of these essays should demonstrate a broad knowledge of two different historical periods (pre-20th century), with emphasis on particular dramatic texts and /or performance practices. Essay topics should be designed, and written up, in consultation with a faculty advisor. Reading list for each period should be approved by the end of the 1st quarter. These essays should not duplicate any written work from seminars. After approval by the adviser, the graduate studies committee reads and evaluates these essays. For the first qualifying examination, candidates must choose from the following historical periods:

(a) Classical
(b) Medieval and Renaissance
(c) 17th, 18th, or early 19th century

3. 3rd Year Department Oral. The department oral examination requires three faculty members, at least two from the Department of Drama who will most likely form the dissertation reading committee. This exam is based on a 2-3 page summary of the project and a 40-page review of the literature for the dissertation that the student creates in conjunction with the committee. This exam is ideally taken by the end of Spring quarter in the third year.

c. Dissertation Prospectus—The dissertation prospectus must be approved by the candidate's adviser and by the departmental graduate studies committee two quarters after taking the department oral. This should be done in the Fall of the 4th year. Within 30 days of approval, a student should schedule a prospectus colloquium with the proposed reading committee consisting of the dissertation director and two other faculty members. The prospectus must be prepared in close consultation with the dissertation adviser during the months preceding the colloquium. It should be approximately 15-20 pages and minimally covers three things:

1. The research question and context
2. The methodology for research
3. A lay-out of a complete chapter by chapter plan

d. University Oral Examination—The University oral examination is a defense of the dissertation based on a full draft submitted at least 75 days before the proposed degree conferral. The examining committee consists of four faculty members, at least two of whom must be from the Department of Drama, as well as one faculty chair from outside the department who does not share an appointment with the department of any of the examiners.

e. Assistantships

1. Research Assistantship—Three quarters of research assistantship with faculty members are required. Generally, this requirement is fulfilled in the third year.

2.Teaching Requirement—Four quarters of supervised teaching at half time are a required part of the Ph.D. program. The requirement is normally met by teaching three courses during the fourth year and one course during the fifth year. During non-teaching quarters in years four and five, students serve as research assistants.

5. Application for Candidacy—By the end of the second year of residence, the following requirements or appropriate equivalents must be completed:

1. the core seminars: 300A, 300B, 301, 302 or 303, and 304
2. the directing workshop series (DRAMA 370-374), including the successful production of at least one work in public performance
3. a foreign language
4. successful completion of the comprehensive and qualifying exams.

Based on its evaluation of the student's progress, the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) certifies the student's qualifications for candidacy. Upon favorable action, the student files a formal application for candidacy, as prescribed by the University, by the end of Summer Quarter of the second year. By University policy candidacy is valid for five years unless terminated by the department.

6. Dissertation—Normally, the Ph.D. program in Drama is completed in five years. The first two years should be devoted to full-time graduate study, and the third, fourth, and fifth years to research, teaching, and writing the dissertation. A candidate taking more than five years is required to reinstate candidacy by repassing the written examinations on dramatic literature.

7. Satisfactory Progress, Annual Review—The program and progress of each student must be evaluated by the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) at the end of each academic year. At the end of the first year, the departmental graduate studies committee evaluates the work of each student in classes, seminars, examinations, and performance. Production planning in the Spring of each year for the following season is contingent upon students making satisfactory progress. Continuation in the program depends upon the recommendation of this faculty group. At the end of the second year, the committee reviews the student's work in consideration of advancement to candidacy. At the end of the third year, students are expected to have developed an approved dissertation prospectus. Funding is contingent upon satisfactory progress. Failure to make satisfactory progress may result in dismissal from the program. University policy states that all requirements including dissertation must be completed before candidacy expires.

For course descriptions, visit the Stanford Bulletin website, where current and past versions are available in PDF form.

The application process has 2 required steps:

1. Compose Your Application

Put together your application according to the structure outlined by the Office of Graduate Admissions online. The application fee of USD 125.00 can be paid at the time of application using a credit card. For the 2010–2011 academic year, graduate applications are due December 8, 2009.

The online application is strongly preferred; however, in rare situations where there is no access to internet connection you may request application materials be sent to you by writing to:

Graduate Admissions
Office of the Registrar
520 Lasuen Mall
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-3005
and specifying you are interested in the Ph.D program in Drama. An additional USD 30.00 fee for the materials (a check or money order, payable to Stanford University) should be included with your request.

2. Submit the written portion of your application

Stanford Drama requires that you prepare certain written application materials to accompany your application. In addition to the statement of purpose, Drama applicants must submit a statement detailing their practical theater experience, a sample of their written critical work, and a statement on directing. These materials are described here.

The application also requires letters of recommendation. When applying online, you will be asked to submit the names, titles, addresses, institution or business names, and email addresses of your three recommenders, and they will be notified of how to upload their letters electronically. If you are applying on paper, there is a recommendation form available on the admissions website.

3. Interview

An invitation to interview may be extended by the end of January.
For more information about graduate study at Stanford, visit the Registrar's Graduate Admissions page.


Home About About Theater Spaces Academic Programs Ph.D. B.A. Minor Productions/Tickets Current Productions Production History People Professors Associate Professors Assistant Professors Lecturers Artists in Residence Staff Ph.D. Students Scholarship Faculty Scholarship and Publications Ph.D. Student Scholarship Participate
The mission of the graduate program in Drama is to produce students who work in the leading edge of both scholarly and performance practice. The Ph.D. program in Drama emphasizes the combination of theory and practice. Graduate students complete a program with a rigorous study of critical theory and textual history and an understanding that such theory is informed by practical elements in directing, acting, writing, and design. Normally, the Ph.D. program is completed in five years. The first two years should be devoted to full-time graduate study, the third year to graduate study and research, and years four and five to teaching and writing the dissertation. Following formal admission to candidacy (usually following the second year), the dissertation must be completed and approved within five years. A candidate taking more than five years must repass the written examinations in order to reinstate candidacy. Read on for more specific requirements, or skip to the application process. For the 2010–2011 academic year, graduate applications are due in December of 2010. To view this year's course listing, visit the Stanford Explore Courses website and search "Drama." Click here to schedule an appointment with our student services officer, Stephany Baker Click on the "Submit an Event" Button on the upper right-hand side of the calendar. Ph.D Degree Requirements Application Instructions For Doctoral Program 09/10 Drama Graduate Student Handbook (printable PDF) For a printable PDF document detailing degree requirements, click here. Units and Course Requirements— 1. A minimum of 135 units of graduate courses and seminars in support of the degree. These units are in addition to units for the doctoral dissertation. 2. Core seminars: 300A, 300B, 301, 302 or 303, and 304 3. Three additional graduate seminars within the Department of Drama to be worked out with the adviser. 4. Four workshops in directing: DRAMA 370, 372, 373, 374. In the first two years, students take: 370, Concepts of Directing; 372, Projects in Directing; and 373, Directing and Dramaturgy. In the second year, students take 374, Graduate Directors' Performance Project, to stage a more fully developed production chosen in consultation with the faculty. The following department requirements are in addition to the University's basic requirements for the doctorate. Language Requirement Three Examinations 1. Comprehensive 2. Qualifying 3. Department Oral Dissertation Prospectus Defense of Dissertation Assistantships: Research (RA) and Teaching (TA) a. Language Requirement—The candidate must demonstrate reading knowledge of one foreign language in which there is a major body of dramatic literature. The language requirement must be met before the student can be advanced to candidacy. The language requirement may be fulfilled in any of the following ways: 1. achievement of a sufficiently high score (70th percentile) on the foreign language examination prepared by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Latin and Greek are not tested by ETS. 2. a reading examination given each quarter by the various language departments, except for Latin and Greek. 3. pass with a grade of 'B' or higher courses in Literature/History numbered 100 or higher in a foreign language department at Stanford. b. Examinations—Candidates must complete three examinations (comprehensive, qualifying, department oral) by the end of the first three years of study at Stanford. 1. 1st Year Comprehensive. The comprehensive examination is taken over the first weekend in December of the first year. The exam is based on texts given to the student by the department before the start of the first year. Students study these texts independently. For the exam, they should be able to identify and compare plays and playwrights from the list of texts in terms of dramatic genres, styles, and periods, and to address comparatively and analytically critical issues of texts and performance. 2. 2nd Year Qualifying. The qualifying examination, which must be completed before advancement to candidacy at the end of the second year, consists of two 25-35-page essays. Each of these essays should demonstrate a broad knowledge of two different historical periods (pre-20th century), with emphasis on particular dramatic texts and /or performance practices. Essay topics should be designed, and written up, in consultation with a faculty advisor. Reading list for each period should be approved by the end of the 1st quarter. These essays should not duplicate any written work from seminars. After approval by the adviser, the graduate studies committee reads and evaluates these essays. For the first qualifying examination, candidates must choose from the following historical periods: (a) Classical (b) Medieval and Renaissance (c) 17th, 18th, or early 19th century 3. 3rd Year Department Oral. The department oral examination requires three faculty members, at least two from the Department of Drama who will most likely form the dissertation reading committee. This exam is based on a 2-3 page summary of the project and a 40-page review of the literature for the dissertation that the student creates in conjunction with the committee. This exam is ideally taken by the end of Spring quarter in the third year. c. Dissertation Prospectus—The dissertation prospectus must be approved by the candidate's adviser and by the departmental graduate studies committee two quarters after taking the department oral. This should be done in the Fall of the 4th year. Within 30 days of approval, a student should schedule a prospectus colloquium with the proposed reading committee consisting of the dissertation director and two other faculty members. The prospectus must be prepared in close consultation with the dissertation adviser during the months preceding the colloquium. It should be approximately 15-20 pages and minimally covers three things: 1. The research question and context 2. The methodology for research 3. A lay-out of a complete chapter by chapter plan d. University Oral Examination—The University oral examination is a defense of the dissertation based on a full draft submitted at least 75 days before the proposed degree conferral. The examining committee consists of four faculty members, at least two of whom must be from the Department of Drama, as well as one faculty chair from outside the department who does not share an appointment with the department of any of the examiners. e. Assistantships 1. Research Assistantship—Three quarters of research assistantship with faculty members are required. Generally, this requirement is fulfilled in the third year. 2.Teaching Requirement—Four quarters of supervised teaching at half time are a required part of the Ph.D. program. The requirement is normally met by teaching three courses during the fourth year and one course during the fifth year. During non-teaching quarters in years four and five, students serve as research assistants. 5. Application for Candidacy—By the end of the second year of residence, the following requirements or appropriate equivalents must be completed: 1. the core seminars: 300A, 300B, 301, 302 or 303, and 304 2. the directing workshop series (DRAMA 370-374), including the successful production of at least one work in public performance 3. a foreign language 4. successful completion of the comprehensive and qualifying exams. Based on its evaluation of the student's progress, the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) certifies the student's qualifications for candidacy. Upon favorable action, the student files a formal application for candidacy, as prescribed by the University, by the end of Summer Quarter of the second year. By University policy candidacy is valid for five years unless terminated by the department. 6. Dissertation—Normally, the Ph.D. program in Drama is completed in five years. The first two years should be devoted to full-time graduate study, and the third, fourth, and fifth years to research, teaching, and writing the dissertation. A candidate taking more than five years is required to reinstate candidacy by repassing the written examinations on dramatic literature. 7. Satisfactory Progress, Annual Review—The program and progress of each student must be evaluated by the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) at the end of each academic year. At the end of the first year, the departmental graduate studies committee evaluates the work of each student in classes, seminars, examinations, and performance. Production planning in the Spring of each year for the following season is contingent upon students making satisfactory progress. Continuation in the program depends upon the recommendation of this faculty group. At the end of the second year, the committee reviews the student's work in consideration of advancement to candidacy. At the end of the third year, students are expected to have developed an approved dissertation prospectus. Funding is contingent upon satisfactory progress. Failure to make satisfactory progress may result in dismissal from the program. University policy states that all requirements including dissertation must be completed before candidacy expires. For course descriptions, visit the Stanford Bulletin website, where current and past versions are available in PDF form. The application process has 2 required steps: 1. Compose Your Application Put together your application according to the structure outlined by the Office of Graduate Admissions online. The application fee of USD 125.00 can be paid at the time of application using a credit card. For the 2010–2011 academic year, graduate applications are due December 8, 2009. The online application is strongly preferred; however, in rare situations where there is no access to internet connection you may request application materials be sent to you by writing to: Graduate Admissions Office of the Registrar 520 Lasuen Mall Stanford University Stanford, CA 94305-3005 and specifying you are interested in the Ph.D program in Drama. An additional USD 30.00 fee for the materials (a check or money order, payable to Stanford University) should be included with your request. 2. Submit the written portion of your application Stanford Drama requires that you prepare certain written application materials to accompany your application. In addition to the statement of purpose, Drama applicants must submit a statement detailing their practical theater experience, a sample of their written critical work, and a statement on directing. These materials are described here. The application also requires letters of recommendation. When applying online, you will be asked to submit the names, titles, addresses, institution or business names, and email addresses of your three recommenders, and they will be notified of how to upload their letters electronically. If you are applying on paper, there is a recommendation form available on the admissions website. 3. Interview An invitation to interview may be extended by the end of January. For more information about graduate study at Stanford, visit the Registrar's Graduate Admissions page.
Copyright Stanford University. All rights reserved.