A graduate certificate or diploma (the terms are used interchangeably in North America) in theatre denotes specialization in a sub-field or discipline of theatre gained through intensive graduate-level study. As such, it supplements an already established area of expertise (in theatre or not related to the field) and adds value to a previously earned Bachelor's or graduate degree. Delivered in various formats from residential to online, graduate certificates in theatre comprise 4 - 6 courses (typically 12 - 18 credit hours) taken in a prescribed sequence at the graduate level.
The concurrent graduate certificate or diploma in theatre allows students currently enrolled in a Master's or Doctoral degree program in the field to pursue an in-depth exploration of one aspect of their field. For example, a student working towards a Master's in Theatre with a specialization in Stage Management may take the Graduate Certificate in Theatre Design and Technology to augment their expertise.
The stand-alone, direct-entry graduate certificate/diploma program in theatre provides an opportunity for graduate-level study of theory and research to students who are not interested in pursuing a full graduate degree. This could include professionals with a Bachelor's degree working in the field or anyone who does not have the time or interest in a traditional graduate program in theatre. Then too, some students who take the stand-alone certificate already have a graduate degree and use their certificate to augment a particular area of interest.
A selection, but not inclusive list, of graduate certificates/diplomas in theatre includes
Graduate Certificate in Teaching Theatre Graduate Certificate in Practical Theatre Graduate Certificate in African/American Theatre Graduate Certificate in Theatre Design and Technology
Graduate Certificate in Teaching Theatre 