The MFA in Drama with a concentration in Theatre for Youth at UNC Greensboro develops individual artistry and provides advanced, specialized training in youth theatre. The 60-credit hour program covers everything from Theatre for the Very Young to Theatre Management and multicultural plays, preparing students for a wide range of careers in theatre, education, and community sectors. The MFA in Drama is a terminal degree, qualifying graduates to work in higher education.
master of fine arts in drama, theatre for youth concentration Program Distinctions
The MFA Theatre for Youth program at UNCG moves beyond standard children’s plays to cover cutting-edge facets of the modern industry, including:
- Theatre for the Very Young (TVY): Creating sensory and interactive performances for toddlers and infants
- BIPOC Plays: Focusing on diversity, equity, and multicultural storytelling within Theatre for Youth
- Process Drama & Devised Theatre: Learning to build original scripts from scratch through community engagement and social collaboration
- Puppetry: Specialized physical theatre training rarely found in standard graduate tracks
UNCG’s Theatre for Youth MFA program maintains a highly selective, small cohort model of about 4–8 students enrolled at any given time. This ensures deeply personalized mentorship.
The School of Theatre is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre and is a member of numerous theatre organizations, including:
- United State Institute of Theatre Technology
- Southeastern Theatre Conference
- Theatre Communications Group
- American Alliance for Theatre and Education
“We became a creative community that embraced ideas, passions, and excitement within the space. Bringing their ideas to life in such a thrilling way was the most rewarding part for me.”
–Brooklynn Levonas ’24, Theatre for Young Audiences cohort member
The mfa in Theatre for Youth Student Experience
Students complete directing projects every semester for continuous hands-on leadership training which prepares them for highly competitive artistic director positions.
Graduate students actively run the North Carolina Theatre for Young People (NCTYP). Students serve as directors, actors, and managers for full-scale productions that tour schools and perform for thousands of people annually.
Students benefit from a rigorous 60-credit hour curriculum completed in just four semesters, allowing them to enter or return to the professional workforce a full year earlier than traditional graduate programs.
After Graduating with your mFA in theatre for youth
An MFA in Theatre for Youth is a terminal degree that opens doors to senior artistic, educational, and leadership roles. Because the degree focuses heavily on community engagement, production, and pedagogy, your career options span multiple industries.
Potential career paths include:
- Artistic Director
- Education Director
- Director / Actor
- Tour Coordinator
- University Professor
- K-12 Theatre Teacher
- Artist-in-Residence
- Community Arts Administrator
How to Apply to the MFA Theatre for Youth Program
Students interested in the MFA in Drama, Theatre for Youth Concentration complete the UNCG Graduate School admission process and the School of Theatre Masters admissions process.
Frequently Asked Questions About A MFA In Theatre for Youth
Program Details
Degree Type: Master's
College/School: College of Visual and Performing Arts
Program Type: Majors & Concentrations
Class Type: In Person
Catalog Name: Drama, M.F.A. Theatre for Youth Concentration
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Contact Us
Rachel Briley, MFA Theatre for Youth Program Coordinator
r_briley@uncg.edu
336-334-5576