Emerson College’s Master of Arts in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre is nationally recognized for its hands-on coursework and passionate faculty, helping students combine theatre and proven teaching practices to transform lives and communities.
To learn more about what life is like for a Theatre Education & Applied Theatre MA student, we caught up with Emily Coolidge, an LA native who has embraced all Emerson’s program has to offer. Read on to see how Emily has realized her career aspirations through her time at Emerson and what life may look like after graduating from this program.
What drew you to Emerson’s MA in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre?
“What drew me to Emerson’s MA program in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre was its niche focus on theatre in educational, academic, and community settings. I also love how it focuses on Applied Theatre practices and how to facilitate them.
“Before Emerson, I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Theatre in 2020 with an additional focus in dance. I finished my final semester in Los Angeles, California (where I am from and still based), but having graduated during the pandemic, my career course was slightly askew from what I had originally intended.
“Later, as students in my area started slowly transitioning back to in-person learning, assistant teaching presented itself as a wonderful job opportunity. I had worked in smaller capacities with students over the years, but working in a classroom every day opened a new door for me.
“I realized that my theatre and dance skills transitioned seamlessly to the classroom, and as I continued to work as a teacher assistant in the LA area, I began to research graduate programs that combined both teaching and theatre. To my surprise, there weren’t that many offerings in the U.S., so I was elated to find Emerson’s program. The program not only met the criteria I was looking for, but I knew it would fill the gaps I felt were missing in my teaching practice. And having lived in LA all my life, I was intrigued by the idea of experiencing a new city!”
During the semester, what would a typical day look like for you?
“When I came to Boston, I was prepared to focus on my studies! I had three classes during the week and on the days I wasn’t in class, I was primarily reading and doing homework. Since the class sizes and program itself are small and tight-knit, we were able to have in-depth assignments and readings, which required a lot of time outside of class to prepare for. I also enjoyed how many of our assignments were in partners or groups, allowing us to meet up during the week and study or work on assignments together.
Since I am also a huge coffee fanatic, I enjoyed finding the best spots to grab a coffee or find a cozy place to study (Boston is full of them!). I also took advantage of public transportation—being from Los Angeles, we spend a lot of time in our cars— so I loved getting to walk and take the T, either to school, shops, or the Museum of Fine Arts.”
How would you describe the culture of the Theatre Education & Applied Theatre Program?
“I had an incredible experience getting to know my classmates and professors during my time in this program. With theatre, connection is critical, and finding ways to build genuine relationships with other artists is always key in creating a cohesive ensemble. I would equate each of my classes to being their own ‘ensembles’ in a way. Since we were learning and practicing how to teach through a theatrical lens, and teach what we call a ‘holistic’ approach to theatre, I always felt that every professor and classmate brought their own unique perspectives and knowledge to the table, and I truly was always learning from those I was in the room with.
“I also appreciated the respect I felt between my classmates and professors—something not always easy to find in academic settings—and I experienced authenticity in each class, which is what this program is about. I know going forward that I can rely on any of my classmates or professors, and absolutely consider them future colleagues and resources of mine!”
Do you have advice for prospective students interested in this program? What were one or two of your favorite classes?
“Come prepared to work! What I love is that every class was incredibly hands-on, immersive, and interactive. We had enriching discussions as well as the opportunity to put into practice what we were learning.
“I would also say, don’t come in thinking of yourself as an empty vessel; all of your prior experiences are critical in contributing to the value of the program. Even if you’ve never participated in theatre before, or even if you are new to teaching, Emerson’s program is a perfect way to find how you uniquely fit into both of those worlds. In fact, throughout my time in the program, I can’t help but think how Theatre Ed & Applied Theatre practices are critical to all teaching and educational practice, and are amazing tools that can be used in any industry to build connections and ask bigger questions.
“Two of my favorite classes were Drama as Education I (a foundational course in the program) and Theatre and Social Justice, an elective course. Drama as Education I allowed me to get to know the incoming cohort, and introduced me to all the concepts and styles of teaching/facilitating that I would take with me throughout the program. Theatre And Social Justice was a fantastic elective, I probably can’t find the words to do it justice (no pun intended)! What I loved most was that each student got to choose an issue to expand on through a social justice solo performance piece, which we wrote, produced, and performed for our final class. This was an opportunity for me to learn more about various performance-arts practices, and use some of my own theatre and dance skills to create a meaningful piece that’s now part of my portfolio.”
As you approach the end of your time at Emerson, what’s next for you?
“I keep reminding myself to reach out to Emerson’s Career Development Center about this (another piece of advice: take advantage of the career center; they are there to help you)! Before my time at Emerson, I simultaneously worked in teaching while also assisting a children’s apparel designer with their campaign shoots, building out some of their social content, and general brand aesthetic. I have also worked as a marketing creative, so I have a strong interest in working in the children’s entertainment industry. I have unique experience working on the creative side of this industry, as well as working directly with kids, and with Emerson’s program enriching my knowledge in both of these areas, I am excited to explore the possibilities in both fields!”
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