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How to Apply

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University Graduate Application

Application Deadlines:

  • January 16th: 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 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 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 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 English Language Proficiency Scores:

Required only for international students. We recommend submitting TOEFL iBT scores. For additional information on international applications, see the Graduate School’s page on International Admissions.

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 Abby Lawson at awl23b@fsu.edu to confirm receipt. If you have questions about the application process, you may contact Abby Lawson at 850-644-7234 or awl23b@fsu.edu