Your immersion into the intense world of Shakespeare and Renaissance literature and performance begins with an MLitt curriculum rooted in the liberal arts. The core curriculum encourages students to occupy a variety of roles while exploring different ways to approach Shakespeare through texts and performances. In their second year, students who choose to apply for MFA degree candidacy interview for entry into the MFA program. Learn more about the MLitt degree.

For MLitt graduates accepted into the MFA degree, the learning experience intensifies with the formation of a tight-knit theatrical company that produces a season of five early modern and early-modern-inspired shows from selecting the plays to marketing to performance. During the year-long program, company members continue to hone the skills acquired in the MLitt track, preparing themselves for the job market in the process. Learn more about the MFA degree.

This program couples the strengths of the undergraduate theatre major with the unique Shakespeare and Performance graduate program to offer residential students an immersion in arts and letters and the opportunity to earn both degrees in five academic years. Undergraduates in the Baldwin Online and Adult Program  should be advised that the undergraduate major in the Performing Arts is available primarily on the main campus in Staunton, and should consult with their advisor if they wish to pursue the MLitt degree.