The Multicultural Theater Certificate explores examines, contests, and defines the roles of artists of color within and outside of the American theater canon. Additionally, a central theme of the certificate is the consideration of what future direction theater practice and theory might take, and how ideas of “multiculturalism” and “diversity” are part of that future. The certificate contextualizes and interrogates these terms, and engages students in critical dialogue about issues of self-definition, cultural equity, emerging aesthetics, and the evolving language of theory and practice. The coursework of the certificate asks students to rethink theater history in the U.S. and beyond while contributing to conversations in the present tense about the creation, development and production of multicultural theater and imagining the future of the arts in the United States. It extends the dialogue to new horizons by imagining the future of the arts not just in this country but also around the world as we explore international and intercultural perspectives.
The work in the classroom is enhanced through internships that bring students into direct contact with professionals in the field at multicultural arts organizations locally, regionally and nationally. Additionally, performances, lectures and workshops in the Department of Theater and the surrounding Five College area will give students hands-on experiences with the artists, artistic forms, and content they are studying.
Certificate requirements
The Multicultural Theater Certificate is for all UMass students and is also open to Five College students. It can be pursued concurrently with a theater major or minor but that is not required.
To receive the certificate, students must successfully complete 24 credits consisting of seven courses and one three-credit internship at an approved performing arts institution with a multicultural focus.
There are three required courses:
1. Theater 130: Contemporary Playwrights of Color (3 credits)
2. Theater 336: Multicultural Theater and the Latino Experience
3. Theater 597D: Special Topic: Multicultural Theater Practice (3 credits)
Visit SPIRE for more details on these courses.
In addition, students are asked to choose four electives:
1. For non-theater majors: at least three courses (nine credits) in aspects of theater craft such as acting, directing, voice, movement, design, playwriting and one course (three credits) from the menu of courses approved by the Certificate administrator and board advisors
2. For theater majors: at least three courses (nine credits) from the menu of course approved by the Certificate administrator and board advisors and one course in theater craft such as directing, voice, movement, design, playwriting (three credits).
Visit SPIRE for more details on these courses.
Dr. Page has been the Director of the Certificate program since its launch.