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MA in Theatre

Alec Baldwin on stage at Hunter for Visiting Artists series

Program Overview

The Hunter College Master of Arts in Theatre offers the opportunity to study theatre history, theory, dramaturgy, playwriting, acting and directing within the vibrant theatre environment of New York City. Study theatre in the theatre capital of the world.

Master of Arts (MA) in Theatre

Students must obtain a total of 30 credits to complete the MA degree.

Needs more info see https://theatre.hunter.cuny.edu/graduate-program

You must meet the following minimum requirements in order to be considered for admission. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program.

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7
  • Official score report of the GRE*
  • Two letters of recommendation from appropriate academic or professional references
  • A statement of purpose of approximately 500 words describing your objectives in undertaking graduate study

*The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is currently waived for the incoming Fall 2025 class.

More About Admission Requirements
The Hunter Value

Providing an exceptional academic value is what we do best. See how Hunter compares against other top MA in Theatre programs in NYC.

Tuition and Fees
$11K
Hunter College
$52K
The New School
$72K
NYU Tisch School of the Arts

Career Paths

The career paths for individuals with a MA in theatre can vary widely, and salaries can be influenced by factors such as experience, expertise, location, and the specific field within the arts. Here are ten potential career paths and salary ranges for MA graduates in Theatre.

Actors portray characters in plays, films, television shows, and other media. Salary Range: $16,000 - $62,000+

College professors teach courses in theater arts to undergraduate and graduate students. They conduct research, publish scholarly articles, and advise students on their academic and professional goals. Salary Range: $46,000 - $112,000

Costume designers create the costumes that actors wear in plays, films, television shows, and other media. They work with directors and other designers to develop a cohesive visual style for the production. Salary Range: $37,000 - $87,000

Directors oversee all aspects of a theatrical production, from selecting the script and cast to designing the sets and costumes. They lead the creative team and work with actors to bring the play to life. Salary Range: $34,000 - $96,000

Dramaturgs are literary experts who provide research and dramaturgical support to theater companies. They conduct research on the historical and cultural context of plays, and they help directors and actors to understand the text. Salary Range: $35,000 - $85,000

Playwrights write plays for the theater. They develop characters, plot, and dialogue, and they work with directors and actors to bring their plays to life. Salary Range: $23,000 - $100,000

Producers oversee the financial and logistical aspects of theatrical productions. They raise money, hire staff, and manage the budget. They work with directors and designers to ensure that the production is successful. Salary Range: $42,000 - $100,000

Screenwriters write scripts for films and television shows. They develop characters, plot, and dialogue, and they work with directors and actors to bring their scripts to life. Salary Range: $35,000 - $200,000

Stage managers oversee the technical aspects of theatrical productions. They are responsible for coordinating the work of the crew, cueing actors and technicians, and ensuring that the show runs smoothly. Salary Range: $32,000 - $75,000

Theater critics write reviews of plays and other theatrical performances. They evaluate the quality of the performances, the direction, and the design. Their reviews can influence public opinion and the success of a production. Salary Range: $25,000 - $100,000

Application Deadline

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Hunter College may consider late applications on a rolling basis pending space is still available in the program.

Fall Spring
April 1 November 1

Some programs may extend their application deadlines beyond those listed above. Please contact Graduate Admissions for specific information. For information on how to apply, click the link below.

How to Apply

Students Educated Outside the US

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have taken all or part of their undergraduate education in a country where English is not the native language are required to submit scores on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The following minimum scores must be obtained:

  • TOEFL iBT: 80/ Paper Based Test: 550/ Computer Based Test: 213
  • IELTS: 6.5 Overall Band Score
Info for Students Educated Outside US

Ready to Apply?

Get started on your application now or visit the academic department's website to learn more about this graduate program.

APPLY
for graduate admission
VISIT
the program website

Contact the Program

Department of Theatre
Claudia Orenstein
Department of Theatre
Baker Theatre Building
(212) 650-3091
theatre.ma@hunter.cuny.edu

HUNTER

Hunter College
695 Park Ave NY, NY 10065
(212) 772-4000

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