MoTS Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
I am not currently teaching theatre. May I still participate in your Master of Theatre Studies program?
In order to participate in the MoTS Program, you must be currently teaching theatre in a program that actively produces plays. If there is space available in one of our 3-credit Elective courses, you may be accepted to that course. Credits from these courses will transfer to our Master of Theatre Studies Degree when you are accepted.
I just completed my first year of teaching theatre. Am I eligible for the Master of Theatre Studies program?
We do not accept applicants into the Master of Theatre Studies program who have fewer than two years of experience. If there is space available in one of our 3-credit Elective courses, you may be accepted to that course. Credits from these courses will transfer to our Master of Theatre Studies Degree when you are accepted.
I understand that I must have taught theatre for at least two years. How soon can I apply to the program?
Applications open in October, so candidates can apply at the beginning of their third year of teaching theatre.
Are middle school theatre teachers eligible for the Master of Theatre Studies program?
Yes, middle school theatre teachers may apply as long as their school actively produces plays.
Application Process
Should my letters of recommendation be sent along with my other application materials?
Please ask your references to send their letter of recommendation to mots@sou.edu
What should my letters of recommendation contain?
Your letters of recommendation should contain an assessment of your teaching, artistic and/or craft-related abilities. They should address your potential for completing the program as well as for making significant continuing contributions as a teacher.
What should be included in my resume?
The resume should include all your teaching experience and any professional or volunteer experience related to theatre and the performing arts. You should also include a section on what productions (plays, dramatic readings, etc.) you have done with your students and include the scope of your theatre program (number of classes, participation in theatre societies, extra curricular clubs related to theatre, etc.). Under the section on education, please include any noncredit education related to theatre and the performing arts.
What information should my Statement of Purpose contain?
The Statement of Purpose should be a short paper (two pages maximum) discussing why you are applying for this program and how you believe the curriculum and degree will support your educational philosophy, professional goals, and the goals you have for your theatre program.
Do I need to take the GRE?
The GRE is not required for this Master’s program
Fees and Financial Aid
What are the criteria to qualify for financial aid?
In order to receive financial aid, you must fill out the FAFSA for the current year (summer 2025 is the final term of the 2024-2025 year). This will determine if you are eligible for financial aid and if so, how much. You also must have completed the graduate application form, and be admitted as a graduate student to SOU. Since this is a master’s degree, only federal loans (not federal direct grants) are available. Students may apply for an alternative loan through a third party lender (loans that the Oregon University system gives to students). Information about financial aid and the FAFSA is located on the SOU Financial Aid Website.
Financial aid is not available for individual Elective courses unless you are part of the master’s program.
When will I have to begin to pay back the financial aid borrowed for this program?
When one takes financial aid for their first summer, there is a six-month grace period before having to begin to repay the loan. Following the second and third summers, there is no grace period. However, for the period of time that a student is attending classes their loans will go back into deferment and no payments will be required until after the courses have ended.
Is there a different fee structure for out-of-state students?
No. Out-of-state students pay the same amount as Oregon residents.
The graduate program is a three-summer program. Unless I register for an online academic year course, I will only be registered as a student for each summer term. Will student loans be due and payable while I am enrolled in this program?
Once students are out of school for six consecutive months (including those months between summers of SOU enrollment), loans go into repayment. Go to the Raider Student Services page to get instructions for the Enrollment Verification in order to defer loan repayment.
The Program
Can I get an MFA in this program?
No. The degree that we offer is a Master of Theatre Studies in Production and Design. This is a degree for people who are already teachers and want more education that is geared toward helping them teach their students about the technical and design aspects of theatre.
What type of electives are acceptable to fulfill the additional 9 credit hours required for the Master of Theatre Studies?
The nine elective credits must be from 500-level theatre-related courses. Ideally, these nine elective credits come from any of the MoTS three-credit Elective courses, offered in the winter term and the summer pre- and post-session. The topics of these classes change each year.
Note: You may petition the program to accept six credits from an appropriate previously completed graduate degree. This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
May I ‘test out’ of certain aspects of the curriculum?
No. Rather than distinct courses in, for example, lighting design, all elements of the curriculum are integrated into the concentrated 2-week summer sessions. We do offer different levels of projects in some of the hands-on build portion of the summer sessions. For the research and applied projects in your school, we encourage you to focus on areas of greatest potential growth.
Are the 12 credit hours SEMESTER or QUARTER credit hours?
Quarter credits.
Do I have to stay in the SOU residence halls?
No, you do not have to stay in on-campus housing. However, we strongly consider you make your alternative housing arrangements early.
Are there options for meals other than those offered from University Housing?
Yes, there are many options for dining in close proximity to the campus including restaurants and grocery stores. For those staying in University Housing, some suites have kitchenettes in which you can cook your own food.
Contact the Theatre Program
SOU Theatre Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6690
Contact Deborah Rosenberg at mots@sou.edu
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