Overview

The Theater and Performance Studies Ph.D. program at Stanford University includes the study of critical theory, dramatic literature, performance theory, theater history, and performance making.

Graduate students receive a rigorous education in scholarly and creative practice that encompasses elements of production (directing, acting, choreography, and/or design).

Learning Outcomes

The Ph.D. is conferred upon candidates who have demonstrated substantial scholarship and the ability to conduct independent research and analysis in Theater and Performance Studies.

Through completion of advanced course work and rigorous skills training, the doctoral program prepares students to make original contributions to the knowledge and production of Theater and Performance Studies, and to interpret and present the results of such research.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

World Theater History
Performance and Historiography
Performing Identities
Theater and Performance Making
Directing Workshop: The Actor-Director Dialogue
Production
Race, Gender, Justice
Ars Theoretica: On Scholar-Artists
Dramaturgy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-11-28 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

135 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Drama View 24 other PhDs in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Statement of Purpose
Artistic Statement
Summary of Production Experience & Resume/CV
Sample of Written Work
Transcripts
Letters of Recommendation

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Stanford University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

25440 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 12720 USD per semester during 60 months.
National

25440 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 12720 USD per semester during 60 months.
In-State

25440 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 12720 USD per semester during 60 months.

quarterly tuition

Living costs for Stanford

1100 - 1600 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Theater and Performance Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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