RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP

The Villanova University Theatre Department is dedicated to offering opportunities that extend beyond the realm of production and into the world of academic research and scholarship. These opportunities are well suited for dramaturgs, emerging scholars, and any student looking to enhance their research, writing, presenting, and publishing skills.

Villanova has distinguished itself as a center for theatre research in the region via the following initiatives:

• The Philadelphia Theatre Research Symposium, an academic research conference occurring annually, features scholars and practitioners from across the country.  
• The Irish Summer Studio allows students to work and study abroad in Ireland each summer.
• The Abbey Theatre Internship - one student accepted to the Irish Summer Studio will get the opportunity to work as an intern at The Abbey Theatre prior to the start of the Irish Summer Studio.
• Independent Project Proposal
• Kennedy Center American College Theatre (KCACTF)
• Gender and Women's Studies Conference
• Concept
• In addition to their teaching and directing, our faculty and staff work broadly in the field of theatre as playwrights, authors, dramaturgs, and critics.

Research Conference Grants

The Graduate Studies Office offers grants to allow graduate students to attend various research conferences. The funds pay for travel, housing and registration costs.

Summer Research Fellowships

You will also have the opportunity to apply for Summer Research funding through the Graduate Studies Office to support travel and other expenses related to your research while in our program. Graduate Student Summer Research Fellowship awards are made on a competitive basis in the amount of $3,000 for work in June, July and August.

National Scholarships and Fellowships

The Villanova Center for Research and Fellowships has a very strong record in competitions for national scholarships and fellowships. For example, we have been a Fulbright Top-Producing Institution every year for the last 13 years in a row and have had students win prestigious and national fellowships every year.