University Graduate Application

Application Deadlines:

• January 10th: For best consideration for the University’s Graduate School fellowships and the School of Theatre’s Graduate Assistantships. We will review applications throughout the Spring Semester until all Theatre & Performance Research assistantships are filled.
• April 1st: Students with complete applications will be considered for any possible remaining funding.
• For further guidance: See Funding & Support.

Our Ideal Candidates:

• Have a clear research agenda that the Theatre & Performance Research faculty can support
• Are passionate about engaging in research and sharing their discoveries
• Want to think deeply about history, theory, literature, and theatre practice
• Ask important–often challenging–questions, and engage with rigorous work
• Are willing to reconceptualize and reimagine preconceived ideas
• Are enthusiastic about long-term research projects, and will persevere through the hard parts!
• Recognize the many ways that arts degrees contribute to society at large–both inside the academy and beyond!

An Application Requires:

Application to the University:

We will not start reviewing your application until you have uploaded your materials–including official test scores–to the FSU Graduate Application Portal and finalized the application by choosing the submit button.

Statement of Purpose:

A three-to-five-page statement addressing your research interests, career goals within and/or beyond the academy, reasons you are applying to this program, and any relevant academic, professional, and/or creative background. PhD applicants: please include a description of how your doctoral work builds on or differs from your previous graduate work.

Curriculum Vitae:

Include information on your academic background and relevant professional experience (presentations, publications, creative work, etc.)

Letters of Recommendation:

Three letters of recommendation from those familiar with your work. At least two of these letters should come from academic sources.

Examples of Scholarly Work:

Two writing samples (roughly 12-20 pages each) that demonstrate your ability to conduct original scholarly research at the graduate level.

Creative Portfolio (Optional):

In addition to the academic writing samples, applicants may submit digital evidence of creative work.

Official GRE Scores:

Required for all applicants.

Official English Language Proficiency Scores:

Required only for international students. We recommend submitting TOEFL iBT scores.

Official Academic Transcripts:

Applications are not complete until the University receives official transcripts.

When you have submitted all application materials and requested all exam scores and transcripts, email Barbara Thomas at bgthomas@fsu.edu to confirm receipt. If you have questions about the application process, you may also contact Barbara Thomas at 850-644-7234 or bgthomas@admin.fsu.edu