Abstract
This essay examines the decline of doctoral study in theatre and argues for the continued necessity of the PhD as the primary academic credential in the field. The author documents a significant reduction in PhD programs, student enrollments, and degree completions since the late 1970s, and attributes this trend to both broader reductions in humanities hiring and the rapid expansion of MFA programs. The essay contends that many MFA graduates enter academic positions for which they lack sufficient academic and historical preparation, particularly in areas of dramatic literature, theory, and non realistic performance styles. The author asserts that this shift risks weakening undergraduate instruction, lowering scholarly standards, and narrowing theatre education toward applied training rather than intellectual rigor. To address these concerns, the essay calls for reaffirming the doctorate as the standard credential for theatre faculty, strengthening doctoral program quality, and recognizing the intellectual demands of university theatre curricula. The conclusion argues that protecting the PhD is essential for maintaining academic integrity, sustaining scholarly contribution, and ensuring that theatre remains an intellectually grounded discipline within higher education.
Recommended Citation
Hornby, Richard
(1986)
"The PhD in Theatre — A Vanishing Degree?,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 55, Article 15.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol55/iss1/15
