Students admitted to the PhD Program should not expect to receive significant new training in production practice or performance as part of their formal program of study in the first year. However, in the second year of study students must choose one course as performance as research, which will be primarily practical, and accompanied by a journal of the process of production (considerable emphasis is placed on this element), and a critical evaluation of work. Any element of performance as research as independent study, part of the qualifying examination, or part of the final dissertation, should consist of practice, journal of process, and critical evaluation. The areas of practice vary with the leave patterns of faculty, and may include directing, acting, dance, movement, lighting, design, costume, set, voice, and so on.

For many students, work at the dissertation level may be complemented by production and performance endeavors. Students with appropriate background may, in consultation with faculty, apply to work on departmental productions; doctoral students are encouraged to work as dramaturgs on departmental productions and can receive individual-study credit. Students working in dance are especially encouraged to continue to develop choreographic and dancing experience. Students are strongly discouraged from engaging in production activities in the first year of study.